The Tribune

THE Bones Babes, an all Bahamian female fishing team, are preparing to head back on the boat for the 2019 Harbourside Marine, Tuna Classic.

This year, they plan to fish while raising money for a great cause and showing the guys that they can fish too!

The 2019 Tuna Classic, a fundraiser for the Bahamas East Rotary Club, is scheduled for May 24-25, with six weigh in stations throughout the islands of Nassau, Abaco, Freeport, Eleuthera, Bimini and the Berry Islands.

There is an official start of 6am on the Saturday morning, and fish must be weighed in by the weighmaster at each island’s station.

Over 30 teams will compete for the largest:  Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo, Snapper/Grouper categories, with overall points determining the winning boat. 

The ‘Bones Babes’ team consists of captain Siobhan Antoni-Bates, Nikki Waugh, Kristi Long, and Nikki Rose who performed well in their first event last year. “We love fishing,” said Mrs Bates. “It’s a bonus to raise money for a good cause so this event is a perfect fit. We’re up and out early, cut our own bait, and have always come back with fish in the boat. This year we plan to do the same and come home with the big one!” With each of their husbands also fishing the tournament on different boats, they are eager to make their mark and show The Bahamas that ladies can fish too.

Bones Bar is the official weigh in station for Freeport, and the bar has also been their lead sponsor.  “We have always tried to be out of the box, and a little quirky,” said Bones Bar owner Jason Franklin.

“A hard-working mums fishing team ticks all the boxes in what a male dominated sport is.  I’d love to see them bring in a large haul and I am so pleased that the ladies are rallying even more support.”

Proud to be sponsoring the team are also Wave Life,  Panama Jack, Kelly’s True Value, Senor Frogs, Del Sol, Bahamian Life, Freeport Ship Services, Katy’s Equipment, the Antoni family, Freeport Vet Hospital, Barefoot Marketing, and 242NewsBahamas. “Many of these companies sponsoring us also have female presidents or owners,” said team organiser Waugh.

“It’s great to get the support of fellow women in this community. Due to  the great response on sponsorship the ‘Bones Babes’ are also hoping to give back in a huge way, to the Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas, with more than just an entrance fee.”

For the last several years, Freeport boats have swept the awards for this annual event, and the ladies hope to bring home some prizes this year as well.

“Over the past few years we watched our husbands plan for and participate in this tournament,” said Bones Babe, Nikki Rose.

“Until we thought, why not us? We love to fish, and this is a great way to show our sons and daughters – MOM’s can do it all!”

Tournament results will be announced during special ceremonies at Green Parrot on June 1.

To learn more about the tournament, visit the Rotary’s official website at www.bahamasrotaryfishing.com or follow Harbourside Marine via their Facebook page.