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The Bradley gentlemen (and friend) with their prize-winning catch.
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The biggest sailfish was brought in by the OTHER Bradleys! (Leonardo & Flor)
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Vernon Wilson and crew with the Biggest Wahoo.
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First place, Calcutta was won by Maritza Bradley.
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Top Boat was won by the ‘Cristina’ crew. They took the first prize, a 14 foot skiff.
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Despite the cloudy skies and a controversy surrounding the event, the Blue Water Challenge had the participation of 13 boats and a total of 40 anglers who embraced the fishing challenge on Sunday, October 13th over the Pan American holiday. And, just after the horn sounded for the official weigh in, it was evident that Alberto Bradley’s monster shark stood a good chance to take the grand prize, here is a recap of the results.
Spearheaded by Captain Sharks, Giovanni’s Plastic Signs and the San Pedro Town Council, the fishing challenge was designated to be a first ever Shark Tournament which would allow anglers to catch only that specie and the biggest poundage would win. Nevertheless, concerns regarding killing of the sharks from the sea was frowned upon and subsequently was changed to the Blue Water Challenge in an effort to avoid any controversy. To avoid any confusion, a representative from the Fisheries Department was brought to the island to foresee the event.
Bright and early on Sunday it was “game on” and lines were casted at 6:00 a.m. in anticipation of a big catch. Boats came in and at 5:00 p.m. the weigh in station was officially closed. Here are the winners: first place for biggest fish went to “Cristina’ captained by Alberto Bradley with his 202.5 pound shark. Second place for biggest fish caught went to “Nai” captained by Omero Graniel with his 142.5 pound shark. Rounding up third place for the heaviest single fish was “Flor” captained by Leonardo Bradley who reeled in a 35 pound sailfish. Top prize for the Calcutta went to Maritza Bradley and second to Raul Gonzalez and Jenny Staines. Youngest angler went to Byron Lara who received one year free internet at Holy Cross School. Armando Gonzalez onboard ‘Suleima’ caught the biggest kingfish of 14.5 pounds and received $100. Biggest Barracuda went to Leonardo Bradley onboard “Flor’ with his 11 pound catch. Vernon Wilson onboard “Outreach’ reeled in the biggest Wahoo of 23 pounds.
First place Alberto Bradley cashed in big taking home a 14 foot skiff courtesy of Captain Sharks and the design work done by Giovanni’s Plastic Signs which had a value of over $5,000. Second place Omero Graniel took home $1,000 cash whilst Leonardo Bradley took home $500 for third place respectively.
According to organizer Jenny Staines, the fishes caught were donated to the Holy Cross Anglican School to be used for their feeding program for the kids. Next year she claims the competition will be ‘bigger and better’. Thanks to all who were involved that made the Blue Water Challenge a splash!
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