Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Bonaire Holds 15th Annual Local Fishing Tournament

This Sunday, all fishermen are invited to participate in the 15th Annual Bonaire Local Fishing Tournament.  This popular event celebrates the maritime history of Bonaire, significant to many local families whose maritime history may go back several generations.

Each year, the event is dedicated to a local, Bonairean fisherman who fishes by traditional methods, and this year Ramon Graciano Janga is honored.  Boats can depart at any time on Sunday, September 3rd for the one-day tournament, but must be back in by 5:00 PM, when the catch will be registered.  In keeping with Bonaire’s reputation for reef conservation, certain restrictions on fish eligibility do apply.  For example, no reef fish, shark, or moray eels can be caught, and no fish under 2 kilograms is eligible.

Registration is free and can be done at the home of Dui Diaz (next to Richard’s Restaurant) by 5:00 PM on Saturday, September 2, 2006.  Be sure to bring proof of boat registration.  (Although boat crews may be of any nationality, boats must be locally registered with the Harbourmaster’s Office.) All registered participants will receive dinner, beverages, and 2 t-shirts.

Friday, September 8th, 2006, is the feast day of the Virgen del Valle (the patron saint of fishermen) and awards will be presented after the traditional “Blessing of the Fleet” at 6:30 PM.  All awards reflect safety equipment necessary to safe operation; VHF radios, flair kits, compasses, GPSs, and first-aid kits are just some of the awards.  The grand prize will be a 17-foot open skiff handmade here on Bonaire by master boat-builder Luty Craane.  (Source:  Tournament Organizers)