Here we go. The great Atlantic heat engine is starting to wind itself up as an increasing number of waves coming off the African coast intensify into more complex systems that might eventually mutate into tropical storms or worse.

As this situation builds to its seasonal high, locals slip into the optimistic premise that the Island’s diminutive size and location will combine to elude any systems from direct hits, but anglers and sailors will be well aware that even distant disturbances can make the offshore scene way less than appealing.

Happily, this was not the situation last weekend when a couple of local tournaments saw quite a few boats out trying their luck. The smaller of these events was a billfish release tournament which had boats combing the deep water in the hope of encountering the thrill that these fish engender. As expected, the average size of the marlin has dropped off from what was the norm earlier in the year. The belief is that the males, which are smaller fish, dominate with the larger females becoming noticeably less likely to take trolled baits and lures. This might come down to the males being considerably more numerous and, hence, more likely to put in an appearance in a boat’s spread.

A modicum of action was had by the competitors, but the race remains wide open as it is a multi-day tournament with each boat electing the days that they fish. The entrants have the entire month of August from which to select their days, so there are effectively quite a few cards that have yet to be played.

The Blue Waters Open/Bacardi Tournament proved to be something of an exercise in frustration. In a return to the traditional fishing and methods, competitors went in search of wahoo and tuna. Everyone was well aware that the former would be in short supply and the average size would be relatively small as compared with the individuals that please during the spring run, with the real class fish still due to show up next month as the autumnal run commences.

This indeed proved to be the case at the weigh station when, out of all of the wahoo brought in, only one cleared the 20lb minimum mark. While of no help from the competition point of view, the wahoo that weighed in the ‘teens represented some first quality in the galley and were plenty pleasing for the anglers who had caught them.

With the quality of yellowfin tuna that has recently figured in charter boats’ hauls, there were great expectations from the fleet. At first, this seemed most promising as schools of large tuna could be seen causing expanses of splashes and white water as they tore into bait around the offshore banks. Alas, even trolling right through where the fish had been causing mayhem seconds before failed to elicit any strikes. Amazingly, this was what drove many a skipper to desperation as the fish continued to show throughout the day but would not be drawn into taking any of the many varied offerings of baits and lures.

Given the calm conditions on the day and the actions of the fish, more than one was heard to mutter something about barking dogs and jumping fish both being inclined not to bite.

But, as with most things, there was an exception to the apparent rule and Captain Joshua Crockwell’s Apex came up with a solution that would make them the tournament winner. Included in their overall tally were five yellowfin tuna, ranging in weight from a 30lb to much more significant fish in the 70-plus range up to just shy of the 100 at 98.1lb. Needless to say, this was sufficient to claim the lion’s share of the awards inclusive of Overall High Point Boat.

Fishing in calm conditions can be highly variable. Finding something floating can be a godsend as schools of dolphin or even wahoo can be lurking in the vicinity of such objects. Other times, the ocean can really feel like a desert. When the trolling fails to pay off, dropping down to the bottom can at least provide enough fish to salvage an otherwise uneventful day. Happily, this situation should come to an end shortly as autumnal conditions set in and the fish start to move, livening up proceedings,

The weekend weather ahead will be less than critical for the Junior Tournament as many of the entrants usually concentrate on shore fishing. The amazing thing is that the younger set will try fishing in places that would never occur to a more experienced angler. As a result, they often come up with fish that surprise. To be sure, the entries often more resemble an inventory of Bermuda fish than most other tournaments which only feature a couple of species like wahoo or tuna. Wherever they find their fish, the important thing is that these juniors enjoy the challenge of seeking the thrill that comes with some competitive Tight Lines!!!