Type of Competition
The Annual International Release Blue Marlin Tournament is held in the waters surrounding The Island of Curaçao, Netherlands
Antilles. It is oriented towards the conservation of the species, with individual and team competition (maximum of four (4) anglers per boat ).
Type of Fishing
The Blue Marlin is our main objectives. Since the Tournament is a conservation of the species event, all Billfish under 300 lbs. must be released.
Basic Rules
The Tournament will be fished with maximum 50lbs test line on standard Rod and Reel according to IGFA specifications. The anglers must supply fishing equipment. Fishing will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
for two days. Up to four anglers are permitted per boat. The double line cannot exceed 30 feet (9.14 meters). The combined length of the double line and leader must not exceed 40 feet (12.19 meters).
Registration and Cost of the Tournament
The registration fee for the tournament is US$ 250.00 which includes Tournament Souvenirs, Welcomes Reception, Free drinks
during Happy Hours, Breakfast, Bait, Ice & Drinks, Lunch Box, Wine & Cheese Party, Activities, Lunch and Trophies. Teams that do not come with their own boat can charter local boats. Charter arrangements
must be made well in advance!
Lodging
A wide verity of hotels are available on the Island ranging from small and simple to Luxurious ***** Hotels.
For more information contact the Curaçao Tourism Development Bureau (Phone: 599-9-461-6000, Fax 599-9-461-2305, website )
Location
Curaçao is located in the southwestern Caribbean. The largest of the Netherlands Antilles, it is 38 miles long and from 2 to 7.5 miles wide. It
is located just 35 miles north of Venezuela, 42 miles east of Aruba and only 2 1/2 hours by air from Miami. Curaçao is outside the hurricane belt, making it a sure holiday destination for good weather.
Climate
Located in the tropics, just 12° north of the Equator and outside of the hurricane belt Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average temperature
is about 27° C ( mid 80s F). Refreshing trade winds blow constantly from the east, picking up in the spring months. The rainy season, October to February, is marked by short, occasional showers, usually at night,
and continued sunny weather by day.
Transportation
The carrier,
American Airlines has daily scheduled flight to Curaçao from Miami and KLM from Amsterdam.
Search And Rescue at sea
In case you have an
emergency please use marine-VHF channel 16 to communicate, or just dial in Curaçao phone 913. That is the shortest route to rapid response. In both cases you will be directly in touch with Operators at the Rescue
Coordination Centre ‘RCC’ located in Curaçao at the Royal Dutch Navy base and the Coast Guard Netherlands Antilles & Aruba ‘CGNA&A’ base, located at Parera in Curaçao. Of course the Curaçao Yacht Club will
assist if necessary via marine-VHF channel 68
