Fishing Tradition
FISHING is one of Roatan's oldest traditions. The International Fishing Tournament is an annual event which has grown in popularity in recent year. Roatan's "Catch and Release" Billfish Tournament attracts anglers from all over the world. The event has an affiliation with the IGFA, Billfish Foundation. Because the tournament is a catch and release tournament, fish populations have grown over the years. The top price goes to a fish weighing more than 708 lbs.
Competition Categories
BILLFISH DIVISION
The Team with the most Billfish points will take the price.
White Marlin, Sailfish, Spearfish, and the coveted Blue Marlin are the only species that quality in the Billfish Division.
500 Points: Blue Marlin
300 Points: White Marlin
200 Points: Spearfish
200 Points: Sailfish
PRO TIP: If anglers have video evidence of a clean hook removal on any of the billfish species, then they will qualify for an added 50 points.
Other Divisions
Other divisions include the Rodeo Division & the Junior Division. The Rodeo Division is a point-based division whereby points are awarded based on a one-point per pound basis. There are a few pieces that qualify for the Rodeo Division. Dolphin, Kingfish, Tuna, Wahoo, all qualify in the Rodeo Division. There is a minimum of 20 pounds of weight to qualify in this division. As in the Bill Fish Division, an on-deck video is required. The video must include the day's flag, and it must be taken just after the catch is made.
The Junior Division is reserved for anglers 15 years old or younger. Qualifying fish must weigh a minimum of 15 lbs. The species are the same as in the Rodeo Division but also include the ever-present barracuda. The Barracuda is the only species with a weight limit of 10 lbs.
Roatan's International Tournament has grown in popularity and prestige. It's grown in popularity because it is a catch and release tournament that has proven to yield large catches year over year as fish have the opportunity to grow older and large over the years. The tournament has grown in prestige through an ongoing relationship with the IGFA, Billfish Foundation.
September 13-16
Booking a Fishing Guide
You can book a fishing guide outside of the tournament for an enjoyable fishing experience by clicking below. We only employ experienced fishing guides.