Belize to Host First Fly Fishing Tournament

The non-profit Tres Pescado (“Three Fish”) Slam Tournament will take place August 20-22 on Ambergris Caye in northern Belize. “The Tres Pescado Slam Tournament is filled with ‘firsts:’ 1st Belize fly fishing tournament; 1st Belize 3 fish grand slam event; 1st Belize tournament approved as an IGFA Inshore World Championship qualifier event for the 2010 World Championships; 1st Belize fish census data collection effort.” What also caught our eye is that the tournament will include a “poling contest (the world’s first?).
The event’s proceeds will all go to further the protection and research of tarpon, bonefish and permit — fish that just last fall were given “catch-and-release-only” status in a progressive move by the Belizean government.

Read the full press release in the extended entry.

BELIZE CATCH AND RELEASE LAW SETS STAGE FOR TOURNAMENT
A 3 Day IGFA Qualifier and Census Collection Event All Rolled Into One
This August 20-22, 2009 Belize will host the country’s first international fly fishing tournament, the Tres Pescado Slam Tournament, following on the heels of the recently passed catch-and-release only Belize law protecting tarpon, bonefish and permit. The 3 day event will be held on Ambergris Caye in the town of San Pedro known for the grand slam opportunity provided on the island’s flats.
The Tres Pescado Slam Tournament is filled with “firsts:” 1st Belize fly fishing tournament; 1st Belize 3 fish grand slam event; 1st Belize tournament approved as an IGFA Inshore World Championship qualifier event for the 2010 World Championships; 1st Belize fish census data collection effort.
Modeled after many successful fly fishing tournaments, this event pulled the best from several tarpon, bonefish, and permit tournaments as well as the now famous Florida Keys Bonefish Census and rolled it all into one annual event. With many goals for this event, continuing the protection and research of the local 3 grand slam fish is the primary force behind hosting the tournament.
Teams for the tournament consist of a Pro Division and an Amateur Division. All teams must perform proper catch and release methods and collect census and catch data during the 3 days of the tournament. Points are scored by linear inches totaled for each fish caught.
In addition to the fishing, a fly casting competition, skiff poling contest as well as fly fishing and fly tying demonstrations will be held in and around the San Pedro Central Park event headquarters each of the 3 days with prizes and trophies for the winners of these other events.
Each evening, the tournament will host an event that will include a Bonefish and Tarpon Trust lecture, Fly Fishing Film Show, and the closing Caster’s Banquet on the final evening.
The tournament is a 100% non-profit, all volunteer supported event with all proceeds going to further the protection and research of the 3 grand slam fish. This year’s census information will be used as the baseline for the annual census.
If you’d like more information on the Tres Pescado Slam Tournament you’ll find a complete detailed listing of events, sponsors, rules and more at www.tres-pescado-tournament.org .
Contact: Jim Oliver
Phone: 011+501-668-6690
Email: [email protected]