The Tribune

BIMINI – Is Hef sending emissaries to check out Bimini for his newest Playboy Mansion?

Last month, Shawn Dillon, Miss February 2013, was on island as the official hostess of the Big Game Club’s Wahoo Smackdown II Tournament.

In two weeks, Shelby Chesnes, Miss July 2012, will be arriving by seaplane to meet and greet captains and crews participating in the upcoming Billfish Bonanza tournament, scheduled for May 15-18.

“Fishing and Playboy just seem to be great combination,” said Big Game Club general manager Michael Weber.

“And Bimini is the perfect scenic backdrop that completes the picture.”

While Mr Weber didn’t know if the legendary Hugh Hefner, founder of the Playboy Empire, had ever been to Bimini, he did acknowledge that the tiny out island has been a playground for many celebrities over the years, including Lana Turner, Sammy Davis Jr and even the reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes.

Mr Weber said the 21-year-old Miss Chesnes (www.playboy.com/chesnes) is a Florida girl and a great match for the island’s many watersports offerings.

The Billfish Bonanza, follows two recent, highly successful Wahoo tournaments, in which more than 10 dozen anglers hauled in nearly three tons of fish.

The entry fee for the upcoming billfish tournament will be $1,450 per boat, which includes four anglers per boat, events, prize money and giveaways.

Mr Weber said the tournament will feature three days of fishing, and target all billfish species.

Eligible species for the Billfish Tournament include Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Spearfish and Swordfish.

Bimini is located on the legendary Gulfstream – a “river” of warm water that acts as a kind of “sushi conveyor belt” – carrying abundant food to the local fish.

Deepwater game fish include marlin, tuna, sailfish, wahoo and swordfish, while big grouper, barracuda and schools of snapper can be found on the reefs.

Bimini’s flats are home the fishermen’s favourite prey, bonefish and permit.

With more than 50 record-setting catches in the waters around the island, Bimini has earned its title of Sport Fishing Capital of the World.