JUST when you have started thinking that summer is here, you should also be aware that the days are already growing shorter and that, in a twinkling of an eye, autumn will be upon us. Not a happy thought but one that is really quite realistic. We are already looking at July which is chock full of billfish tournaments with the first one getting underway in a little over a week's time.

The departure of the sailing armada which pretty much took over Bermuda's harbours this week will make room for the classy sportfishers that have decided to use the island as their base for a shot at the Blue Marlin World Cup and then to compete in the Bermuda Triple Crown and Bermuda Triangle Tournament Series.

For these boats there is only one species of interest and, happily for the fish, virtually all their captures will be destined for release back into the wild.

The truth of the matter is that while the marlin chasers get most of the glory, the vast majority of people who go fishing are really not interested in fish that they can't eat. Thus, the average angler would prefer to put a couple of wahoo in the boat rather than tussle with a billfish that is going to do its best to get away and to burn up a goodly portion of your day on the briny.

The problem is that the wahoo have tapered right off and while trolling will get the odd strike or two, it is simply not fuel efficient to spend a day on the drag. There are very few dolphin around and while these might please, again they are not a reliable proposition.The bottom line is that it is now that time of the year where the choice comes down to hunting billfish in the deep or chumming for the other species that grace our waters during the summer months.

As to the fishing itself, well, this does leave something to be desired. The yellowfin tuna have taken to keeping a low profile and the blackfin can do only so much to fill the void. The International Light Tackle Tournament, which is normally a good indicator of the quality of the fishing, was the poorest in many memories with catches consisting of as little as one or two fish. The majority of the tuna were blackfins and many boats forsook the tuna to concentrate on some of the lesser-worked game species such as amberjack and bonita.

So, if it's tuna that you want, be prepared to settle for blackfin. You can increase your chances with this species by setting your anchor a bit shallower on the Bank or by concentrating your efforts down north and east along Bermuda's Edge. Make no mistake, the blackfin is a worthy game fish in its own right and many Bermuda blackfin are world class. Any large blackfin should be weighed as it might well be a potential record.

Once upon a time, virtually all the blackfin records were set in local waters and it is only because of the lack of emphasis on lighter tackle angling that places like Florida have usurped many of these records. Blackfin tuna tend to weigh more than they appear; this is the reason they were once referred to by scientists as the Bermuda or "chunky" tuna.

Apart from the blackfin, there is some good small game fishing to be had and although this is not what immediately comes to mind when planning a sortie offshore, there is some merit to gearing up accordingly. This means lighter tackle and spinning gear often comes into its own, as well.

There are some rather large rainbow runners on the Banks. Large as in more than 20 pounds! On suitable tackle they are worthy opponents and will give a good account of themselves. Although they do grow to be in excess of 30 pounds most of the world marks on the various line classes are held by fish in the low 20s, so again, here is a species that could land you in the record book.

Running a rig down a bit deeper (try using a pinch-on or rubber-core sinker) might well get the attention of amberjack or bonita. These species often lurk just that little bit deeper out of sight at the back of a chum slick. If you are shallow enough or if the current is running up onto the Bank, you might well also get some yellowtail snappers, of which there is a magnificent level of quality at the moment.

Do not overly disparage the lowly barracuda. While it is frustrating to have a live robin wasted on Ole Snaggle-Tooth, with some careful knife work, the flesh will yield up a firm, white-meat fillet that is actually quite delectable. So when a 'cuda and its mates take up residence in your chumline, it can be worth trying to catch them. To really liven up proceedings use a spinning rod and one of the surgical tubing lures. Although they don't look like much, for some reason, they will drive a barry nuts and these lures seldom fail to get a reaction. On light tackle a barracuda will run and even uncork a leap, making for some fun fishing.

Last week saw the return of the Sea Horse Anglers Club team that had travelled to Havana, Cuba to fish in the 55th Hemingway International Blue Marlin Tournament.

This tournament, which obviously suffers from the United States' ban on American travel to Cuba, had 13 teams from all over the world competing in what must be the world's oldest billfish tournament. The tournament is exclusively tag and release format. The only tackle used is 50-lb test which is well suited to the majority of the fish caught along the north coast of Cuba at this time of the year as they are smaller marlin in the 150 to 250-pound range.

The Sea Horse team had nearly won the event in 2005, finishing a narrow second behind the Big Game Fishing Club of France.

So it was with the greatest of expectations that the team went to the tournament this year only to be disappointed when a combination of poor weather and pulled hooks resulted in them catching no fish.

There were a total of eight blue marlin released during the four days of fishing and, amazingly, the French team once again took top honours.

Back on the local scene, this Sunday will see the rescheduled Bermuda Fishing Clubs Annual Tournament and the Bermuda Anglers Club annual tournament. The weigh-in will be at Spanish Point Boat Club.

Further ahead, those uninterested in marlin can look forward to the Bermuda Regiment Tournament which is a great event for casual anglers. With awards for all sorts of catches, it offers everyone a good shot at winning an award and is well suited to those who just want to try their luck at some Tight lines!!