Under the watchful eyes of IGFA representatives Harvey Probert and Albert Threadingham, anglers mingled with spectators over the course of the weekend as walu, wahoo, mahimahi and more were weighed and recorded for the 30^th Pacific Harbour International Game Fishing Club’s Annual Tournament.

Sponsored and hosted by the Pearl South Pacific Resort in Pacific Harbour, Club chairman and tournament organiser Mark Spurling said of the event, “We are grateful to the Pearl Resort for sponsoring and hosting our 30^th  Annual Game Fishing Tournament – it has been a great success with 8 participating boats and more than 60 anglers. Pacific Harbour has proven itself time and time again as having some of the best game fishing grounds in Fiji and this years event was no exception!”

Freedive Fiji’s Winning Team with their trophies.

With over 38 fish caught, excluding fish that were released after being weighed, or fish disqualified for being underweight, the competition was divided into two main pools. Total prize fund this year was over $11,000 which saw 8 teams vying for the winning title.

Defending champions Lunesea from Namotu Island Resort failed to hold off fierce competition from the Freedive Fiji team, who after taking an early lead, continued to flex their rods over the three-day event, recording a winning total of 572.1 points.

Patrick Palmer describing his tag and release experience.

World-renowned fisherman George Trinkler flew in from Australia to join the Freedive team and caught the heaviest wahoo of the tournament weighing in at 35.1kg.

“It’s definitely the most competitive tournament in Fiji, held at a fantastic venue with awesome fishing,” said Mr Trinkler, “I only have good things to say about Fiji and the Freedive Fiji gang!”

Patrick Palmer owner of Coral Cove Beach Villas, caught and released the only sailfish of the competition – believed to weigh over 70 kilograms!

“It was the final day of the tournament and we were on our last run back to the weigh-in, coming towards Frigates Passage when the fish struck” said the Kevlar Kat team fisherman.

A sailfish being brought alongside for tagging Freedive Fiji

After a 22-minute battle, the monster was tagged with an official IGFA tag and carefully releasedafter 5 minutes of being rested and revived.

Mr Palmer added, “We were trawling dead bait – and of all the rods onboard, the sailfish decided to pick a fight with the bright pink rod and Shimano T30 rigged with 15kg line!”

Day 2 catch lined up to be weighed.

The event was a huge success enjoyed by all participants and spectators, “Pacific Harbour has yet again proven itself as one of the best venues in Fiji for game fishing!” concluded Mr Spurling, who when not organising Game Fishing tournaments, also manages the popular tourist attraction Terra Trek Tours.

The lovely Tima from The Pearl South Pacific Resort handing out copies of the Guide to participants and spectators.

We at FijiMarinas.com are already looking forward to next year’s event. Be sure to pick up your 2014 edition of ‘A Mariners Guide to FIJI Shores & Marinas’ or keep an eye on fijimarinas.com for 2014 Game Fishing tournament dates!

Congratulations again to Freedive Fiji and to all of the participants!