Well, it was always going to come to this, sooner or later. As Erin churns her way across the Atlantic, still undecided as to her path, the local boating populace is busy evaluating predictions and making decisions. Take the boat out of water. Strengthen mooring chains and cables. Add extra ropes. Different strategies for different situations. Regardless of the impact of any tropical weather system, the fishing scene will be completely altered as the week progresses.

Most of the pros and more seasoned amateurs have arrangements that will ensure that their craft are ready for action again within a day or so of any storm’s passage. For others, it will be season over as the boat sits in their driveway or on blocks in some boatyard. Now is the time to settle in, and wait and see.

Looking back to last weekend and the 2025 Bermuda Marlin Release Challenge will put a positive spin on things for a bit. The day in question was perfect for billfishing and with a full moon, hopes were high. Nine boats started but, unfortunately, in one case negative circumstances prevailed and that left only eight boats competing for the honours and optional cash jackpot.

The morning was slow, and this was attributed to the fish being able to feed at night given the bright moon.

Just before noon, things came to life with Paradise One hooking up and then, sadly, pulling the hook on a blue. A short time later, Treasure Isle hooked up and went on to catch and release a blue marlin, setting the mark for the day. The boat Audacious then hooked up and spent the best part of two hours catching and releasing a blue marlin estimated at 400 pounds.

Three boats then hooked up in rapid succession with releases to follow. Notable was Legacy’s release, which was estimated at 650lb-plus. With time the deciding factor in this tournament, it all hung on whether any boat could manage a second release before time expired. Although it took Overproof past the end of time to release their fish, estimated at more than 500 pounds, in the end it was Treasure Isle with the first fish of the day that ultimately held on to win. Congratulations are in order for all who took part in this refreshingly different marlin event.

Fingers crossed and fishing resumes for those who are able to venture out later this week. This is that time of year that brings the doldrums to mind. While chumming is the method of choice, as it saves fuel and offers the best chance of some fish for the table, conditions are difficult for both fish and angler. It is plenty hot and often windless in a cockpit, making standing there feel a thankless task. The tuna are elusive, preferring the cooler hours when the sun is not shafting into the depths. Small game will please but one must think that spending a few hours in the evening working the channels to catch table-friendly whitewater snappers might just be preferable to a long, hot day with little to show for it. For wahoo and tuna, the offshore will liven up in a few weeks.

Regardless of any impending weather, tomorrow will see the ever-popular Bermuda Annual Junior Fishing Tournament. The event, fished in memory of Niel Jones, a leading proponent of Bermuda’s light-tackle fishing, is open to all juniors under the age of 17. With a view to involving as many as possible, the fishing can be done from the shore or from a boat fishing inshore or offshore, and any tackle can be used from handlines to rod-and-reel combinations.

Entry can be made via Facebook and there are already many signed up. Fishing starts at 8.30am on Sunday morning, with the weigh-in taking place at Spanish Point Boat Club from 3pm until 5pm. There will be lots of prizes and giveaways. Additional information can be had from Colin Jones at colin@cnc.bm. This is one of the few opportunities to get the next generation of anglers and fishermen involved in a sport that has been a vibrant part of Bermuda’s social tapestry for many years.

If anyone is in any doubt as to the impact of sportfishing on an economy, consider last week’s White Marlin Open, which is fished out of Ocean City, Maryland. Quite apart from being an event that is a significant generator of income for a commercial community that is largely seasonal, the prize money is huge and this tournament welcomes literally hundreds of boats that try their luck for a variety of species.

It claims to be the world’s largest and richest billfish tournament, and with this year’s winning 72-pound white marlin collecting $3.9 million, it sets a pretty high bar. The largest blue marlin took home $1.2 million. Big bucks all around, even for the sole wahoo that was weighed in; that earned just over $74,000. Putting everything into perspective and it is easy to see the overall value of an international tournament to many sectors which can benefit from the prospects of Tight Lines!!!