The Tribune

FISHING teams are invited to experience world-class competition at the 29th Annual Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament (TCBT) June 10-15, 2012, at beautiful Treasure Cay Beach Marina & Golf Resort in Abaco. The event is known for its great fishing, excellent value and fun social events. The TCBT modified release tournament offers four days of fishing, a lay day, social parties, dinners and fun competitions. The guaranteed cash payout ranges from $10,000 for a minimum of 10 boats and up to $50,000 for participation of 50 boats. The TCBT offers a special bonus of two free room nights at the resort for registrations made prior to March 31, 2012. A $300 fuel credit offer is available to any registered boat participating in the tournament. The credit is applied to the folio of the registered boat at the end of the tournament and is limited to one $300 fuel credit per registered boat. One of the best fishing destinations in the Bahamas, Treasure Cay is known for record-breaking marlin, large dolphin and wahoo. The Bahamas' blue marlin record was shattered on June 24, 2011 with an enormous 1,119 pound fish boated by Team Double Dog, Ft. Lauderdale, FL during the Treasure Cay leg of the Bahamas Billfish Championship. While targeting billfish is the focus of the TCBT, the tournament includes Fun Fish, Division awards for tuna, dolphin and wahoo. The Fun Fish Division offers an optional payout rivalling top prizes of US-based tournaments. In addition to the cash prizes, winners receive beautiful trophies and the top team is honoured on a statuesque Perpetual Trophy showcased in the resort's Spinnaker Restaurant, one of the largest air conditioned out-island restaurant facilities available for events. Awards are also presented to top lady and junior anglers. Release point standings are verified by the participant's own digital and/or video camera with an image that can verify the time and date the photo was taken. The TCBT is open to the public and center console boats over 30 feet are welcome. The top 2012 TCBT team will qualify for the IGFA Offshore World Championship, with information available at www.igfaoffshorechampionship.com At the 2011 IGFA Championship in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, second place angler was captured by Eddie Flack, representing the 2010 TCBT victor, Team Kilowett, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In addition to its great food and family social events, the TCBT also raises funds for the children of the Treasure Cay Primary School. Registration for up to six team members, including boat entry, cash prize eligibility, dinners, cocktail parties, team goody bag and room discounts can be made online at www.treasurecayfishing.com The 2011 TCBT champion, Team Galati, Holmes Beach, FL, took top honours for the second time in three years in June, 2011. Their prior victory in 2009 was clinched by 13-year-old junior angler Chris Galati Jr with two blue marlin releases. Said his father, Chris Galati: "The TCBT offers best tournament value in the Bahamas. Our family enjoys the great fishing, fabulous food and camaraderie with the other anglers - we'll be back." Treasure Cay Beach Marina & Golf Resort has been selected to host a variety of fishing tournaments in 2012, including the Bahamas Billfish Treasure Cay Championship, June 19-23.