HISTORY OF BIG GAME FISHING in the USVI

The US Virgin Islands are well-known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life. Big game fishing is one of the many popular things to do for both tourists and locals. However, few people are aware of the region’s rich history with this activity. Big game fishing, also known as sportfishing, is a type of recreational fishing in which anglers catch large species of fish for entertainment rather than food.

When adventurous individuals began to explore the region’s abundant waters in the early twentieth century, the sport became popular in the US Virgin Islands. Sportsfishing in the US Virgin Islands became even more popular in the 1950s and 1960s, thanks in part to celebrities such as Ernest Hemingway and Michael Lerner, who frequently visited and fished in the region.

Off the coast of St. Thomas, particularly in an area known as the “North Drop,” was one of their favorite fishing spots. The North Drop is a deep-sea trench that connects the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans, attracting a plethora of large pelagic fish species.

It is still one of the most sought-after fishing spots in the world. As big game fishing became more popular in the US Virgin Islands, so did the sportfishing tournament scene, attracting participants from all over the world.

Today, big game fishing in the US Virgin Islands is a popular pastime for both locals and visitors. A variety of charter companies offer fishing trips complete with knowledgeable captains and cutting-edge equipment.

Anglers who visit the region to fish appreciate not only the abundant marine life but also the pristine waters in which they swim.

Finally, big game fishing has a long and fascinating history in the United States Virgin Islands. From its humble beginnings in the early twentieth century to its current status as a world-renowned fishing destination.

2023 Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s Annual Dolphin Derby Tournament Set For April 2 - Early Bird discount ends March 27

This is the top prize in the 2023 Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s Annual Dolphin Derby Tournament, set for April 2, 2023. That’s not all.

There’s a cash prize for Best Boat, which is determined by the total weight of dolphin fish caught.

Photo: 2022 Top Boat Winner, Jolly Hull. Credit: Dean Barnes

Plus, the Awards Ceremony will take place at 5 p.m., immediately after the 4 p.m. weigh-in at IGY’s American Yacht Harbor Marina, in Red Hook, St. Thomas.

“The beginning of April is typically the peak of mahi season. We’ve set the date right before the full moon, which should make for some good fishing,” says Kevin Haddox, tournament director and vice president of the Club’s Board of Directors. “New this year, we’ll host the awards right after the weigh-in. This gives the anglers and crews a nice time to stick around, relax and trade fish stories, something that’s sometimes hard to do in our busy world.”

Enter the 2023 Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s Dolphin Derby Tournament now at www.vigfc.com

The Early Bird Discount of $250 ends Monday, March 27, 2023. Registration after this date is $300. The entry fee includes 4 rods. Extra rods are $50 each. Limit is 6 rods.

The Captain’s Meeting takes place on Friday, March 31, starting at 6:30 p.m., at the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club, in Red Hook.

On Sunday, April 2, lines-in is at 6:30 a.m. All boats must be in at IGY’s American Yacht Harbor Marina by 4 p.m. for their fish to qualify.

Last year, the catch of a 14.9-pound dolphin fish earned St. Thomas’ Greg Hodges the award for Largest Dolphin. Hodges was fishing aboard his 42’ Prowler, Jolly Hull, with Captain Thaddeus Bushnell at the helm. Jolly Hull also earned the Top Boat prize.

The Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club appreciates the sponsorship support from IGY’s American Yacht Harbor Marina.

Looking ahead, the Club will host its Kid’s Fishing Tournament on September 30 and its Wahoo Windup on October 22.

For more information, call (340) 775-9144, Email: usvigfc@gmail. com, or visit: www.vigfc.com.