BBC 2011 Registration is Open

The excitement is already building for the 38^th annual Bahamas Billfish Championship ... five action-packed billfish tournaments in the Out Islands of The Bahamas. The 2010 Series provided an exciting season finish for First Place, Miss Annie; Second Place, Deguello and Third Place, Ticket. An average thirty-two participating teams at each of the five tournaments meant a return to the great camaraderie among the anglers and crews that has been characteristic of the BBC for years.

For 2011 there is a change in venue - the relaxed, fun-filled atmosphere of Guana Cay is the backdrop for the fourth tournament in the Series - the Guana Cay Championship. Orchid Bay is the host marina and there are an abundance of reasonably priced shore side accommodations from which to choose at Orchid Bay and close by on Guana Cay.

The informal settings of Cape Eleuthera and Guana Cay call for drink contests, hors d'oeuvres contests and old fashioned barbecues for those 'relaxing' hours after a full day on the water. Of course the contests have some really great prizes for the winners and offer a 'tasty treats' for the non-contestants.

Don't miss-out on the Early Bird Discounts for entry fees. Save a full 10% by signing-up before December 31^st. 

BBC's Early Bird Discount

     For teams fishing the 2011 BBC series there is a great opportunity to save money ... 'BBC's Early Bird Discount.' Quite simply, the earlier you enter the more money you save!

• Pay your tournament Entry Fees prior to December 31, 2010 and receive a 10% discount.
• Tournament Entry Fees received prior to January 31, 2011 are eligible for a 5% discount.

     That means that if you are planning to fish all five BBC tournaments in 2011, you can save $1,000 by paying the entry fees by December 31, 2010. The online Registration & Tournament Entry form does not have an area where the Early Bird Discount can be deducted; however, the appropriate discount will be applied before the credit card is processed.

      The Early Bird Discount applies only to Tournament Entry Fees; not the mandatory BBC Registration Fee. All tournament Entry Fees are due and payable 30-days prior to the start of each BBC tournament. The BBC Registration Fee is non-refundable. Tournament Entry Fees become non-refundable 30-days prior to the tournament start date.

BBC host resort Romora Bay received international press for their assistance in the apprehension of the 'Barefoot Bandit' - Nipper's popular entertainer 'Barefoot Man' wrote a song out of what he perceived to be an identity theft ... Wait until you see the new Maxwell's Supermarket in Marsh Harbour - well worth the wait! ... Dr. Michael Spicer is returning to BBC 2011 with reformulations to his popular sunscreen as a result of suggestions received from the 2010 BBC participants. Look for a new name and new look on his entire product line ... We all wish Jose Millan of Bertram Yacht a speedy recovery after his recent surgery.

 Look for a brand new website to debut soon for long-time BBC sponsor Abaco Gold ... Orchid Bay has unveiled an expansion plan that includes a canal, two additional marinas, fifty-three lots and a 100-room hotel ... Congratulations to our BBC teams that did well in tournaments this summer - Rum Bum 2^nd and FaLaMe 3^rd at the USVI July Open - Therapy 3^rd place in the Boy Scout - Uno Mas 1^st place at Pirate's Coves and Cowpoke 1^st place in the Jupiter Billfish Tournament ... The government of The Bahamas has unveiled plans for a new terminal complex to compliment the recently opened new runway at the Marsh Harbour International Airport ... Mark your calendars for the BVI Billfish Tournament hosted by the Bitter End Yacht Club July 17^th - 20^th at Virgin Gorda.

Artist and angler R. J. "Bobby" Boyle has again agreed to provide the artwork for the 2011 BBC series  T-shirts ... Look for hors' d oeuvres contest and drink contests to take place during several of the BBC tournaments in 2011 ... One such contest may take place at Nipper's during the Guana Cay Championship ... Roundscale spearfish are back in the news as NMFS moved to add the recently recognized species to the definitions in the implementing regulations of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Atlantic HMS regulations ... Despite approval by the Bahamas Investment Authority, the purchase of Walker's Cay by Victoria House IBC is on indefinite hold.

  Don't miss-out on the Early Bird Discounts for entry fees. Save a full 10% by signing-up before December 31^st.

Tagging activity in 2010 enjoyed a marked increase from last year. With a sluggish economy, it is surprising that the number of fish tagged in 2010 may possibly reach the second-highest point in the program's history. With the charter boat business way down and most anglers making fewer offshore trips, this is a testimony to the importance of dolphinfish to these recreational fishermen.

 Tagging activity was up in many areas. The number of fish already tagged along the east coast of Florida, 1,064, is well above the eight-year average of 912 fish. Tagging in The Bahamas is 72 percent above the eight-year average of 118 dolphin.