Grab your calendar and mark the date for the return of this year’s Yamaha Saltwater Fishing Tournament, which will be held during the September celebrations in Placencia Village.
The two-day, fun-filled event will be held on September 10th and 11th at the Placencia Municipal Pier, which is situated at the center of the village. Organizers of the tournament say that discounts and incentives for carrying out early registration are available, while tons of big prizes are literally on the line and waiting to be reeled in by the best anglers and their teams.
The Yamaha Saltwater Fishing Tournament is one of the most exciting two-day family-filled affair to be held in southern Belize. Fishermen from the tiny fishing village as well as those who live nearby will gather at the break of dawn at the pier, and go over their strategy, before sailing out to the Caribbean Sea to see what luck awaits them.
One of the rules is that all the competition boats must depart from the pier at the same time and return at the end of the day together. Upon their return, their catch is usually weighed in the presence of the judges and placed on the record. On the following day, that result will be added to the day’s catch and whichever team has the most points would emerge the winner of the tournament.
Points are distributed as follows; Kingfishers are worth 3 points per pound and must be a minimum of 8 fish. Barracuda are tallied at 1 point per pound and must be a minimum of 12 fish, while Jacks are also 1 point per pound and must be a minimum of 12 fish. Wahoos are worth 5 points per pound, with a minimum of 15, while Dorados are 5 points per pound with a minimum of 7. Tunas are worth 3 points per pound with a minimum of 5 fish.
No fishes are to be shared between boats and all fishing crews must use lures to land their fish. No noose/bare hooks, live bait, or cast nets are permitted to be used during the competition.
There are also various categories and prizes for best boat, largest barracuda, largest kingfish, largest extraordinary fish, and largest fish caught by a female. With so many prizes to be shared among competing teams and anglers, this year’s event is promising to be a big one.
While the crews are out on the water hauling in their catches, there will be much to see and do in Placencia, such as the crowning of the Placencia Queen of the Bay 2022/2023. Villagers will also be participating in the 10th of September parade which will be passing through the village. With so many activities being planned it is the perfect weekend to enjoy the celebratory festivities with friends and family.
Chabil Mar, situated just a short walk from the center of the village is the best option for visitors or even anglers and their teams to stay. Our award-winning resort, with it’s seafront view and private beaches and pools, is the doctor’s prescription for the ultimate relaxation and escape. Take advantage of our, exceptional service, comfortable lodging, privacy, high-speed internet, and complimentary use of bicycles, kayaks, and paddle boards when you book your stay with us.
Need to know more about the tournament? Contact the Placencia Tourism Center at 523-4045 or send them an email at Placenciatourismcenter2020@gmail.com.
