Wahoo Smackdown VI Tournament - Marine artists are onboard

by John Bell on 8 Jan 2015 A world class marine artist and an award winning sportfishing photographer are onboard for the next installment of the highly popular Wahoo Smackdown fishing tournament series—scheduled to return to the docks at the historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina on February 19-21 with some $50,000 in cash and prizes on the line.

Returning to the tournament series for Wahoo Smackdown VI is the celebrated marine wildlife artist and accomplished angler Carey Chen, who has been named Grand Marshal. Chen has again been commissioned to 'paint a trophy' that will be awarded to the top team for Smackdown VI. A Carey Chen original is typically valued at $15,000 or more.

Joining with Chen as 'Official Tournament Photographer' is Pat Ford, an avid angler whose dramatic action shots can be found on the covers of sportfishing magazines around the world. Ford is a retired Trial Lawyer who has developed a second career in marine oriented photography and has published two books 'The Best Fly Fishing Trips Money Can Buy: and 'Fly Fishing Day Dreams'.

'Both Carey and Pat are at the top of their game,' said Tournament Director Chase Camacho. 'For an island known for its creative connections, with legendary fishermen like Ernest Hemingway, Zane Grey and Michael Lerner to name just a few, it’s a tribute to the competition in this tournament that we can add talents like these two men.'

Camacho said Wahoo Smackdown V, held this past November, attracted a record 29 boats. Team 'Cash Out' took heaviest fish honors with 47.6 pounds. Heaviest five fish over two days trophy went to team 'Fishin A Loan', and Heaviest Fish (First Day) winners were team 'Snow Cone’s Revenge.'

'We do know there are some record-sized wahoo swimming in the stream off Bimini,' said Camacho. 'In November, fishermen landed a huge 122.7 pounder off Bimini, but because they used an electric reel it disqualified a potential IGFA World Record fish.'

'We put on a great tournament,' said Camacho, who added that several boats are already committed. The entry fee for Wahoo Smackdown VI (which includes four anglers per boat) is an affordable $1,500.

Rules for the two-day Smackdown series have increased fishing limits from 60 to 75 miles on Day One and unlimited miles on the Final Day (boats must remain in Bahamian Waters). Registered checkout starts at 5:15 am both days, lines in at 4:30 and back at the dock at 5 pm. Teams can weigh up to five fish per boat. Camacho said a Tournament Committee would continue to review tournament rules for the Wahoo Smackdown series as it continues to develop.

For information regarding the Wahoo Smackdown VI tournament and to register online, please click here or call (800) 867-4764 or email dweber@biggameclubbimini.com.