Monday, June 27, 2011

2011 Tres Pescados Slam Tournament

This July 28th, 29th and 30th marks the 3rd annual Tres Pescados Slam Tournament to be held in San Pedro. The Tournament has become known internationally bringing the needed attention to Belize’s catch-and-release law for the tarpon, bonefish and permit which in turn brings fly fishing anglers all year to our waters trying for the coveted grand slam of all 3 fish in one day.

This year’s event includes the same wining formula as in past years with a new moon, great local fly fishing guides, one and two person angling teams, great location with award winning food and accommodations, a fly casting competition, and of course, the marvelous creatures that are only found together in a few spots on Earth with Belize being the best of those locations.

Wesnday, July 27th starts the event with the Casters Banquet being held at the Lion’s Den with all teams required to be represented to go over the rules and receive any last minute changes or updates. The San Pedro Lions have always put on a great banquet for us. Putting the money raised back into the community and providing ongoing protection of the sustainable income the 3 fish represent to San Pedro is a priority of the Tournament.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday (July 28-30) are the hard fishing days for the Pro Division competitors coming to town to team with the fly fishing guide they think will bring them to the Grand Champion win. We have 17 Pro teams entered consisting of one and two persons per team with most coming from the USA to compete for the title of Grand Champion of 2011. We have two women teams entered this year and many of the same faces from the teams of the past will compete once again this year.

The Amateur Division will once again be opened for all those wanting to compete without a guide and against the other amateur fly anglers entered. This division allows two person teams to compete for a split of 30% of the purse among the top 3 amateur winners.

The purse again this year will be $10,000 divided among the top winning spots. We hope to once again donate and equal amount of the money raised to the Conservation and Management of Sport Fish in Belize program designed to further the protection of this sustainable income producing resource.

The casting activities for the for the youth, men and women along with the kids mini-rod casting will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Central Park from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM each of those days. The kids casting with prizes will again be free for all kids.

Mark your calendars for July 28-30, 2011 for the 3rd Annual International Tres Pescados Slam Tournament and compete in the fishing, casting or bring the kids to cast the mini rods. Your help will keep the stainable income from these 3 fish here for generations.

We would like to thank El Pescador Resort for being the Presenting sponsor again this year; Belize Tourism Board, Victoria House and The Phoenix Resort for their Platinum sponsorships; Captain Sharks, Marelco, Costa del Mar Sunglasses and Tres Pescados Fly Shop for their Gold sponsor; San Pedro Town Council, Anglers Abroad Fly Shop, Go Fish Belize, Yellow Dog Adventures, The Red House, Caye Casa, Palapa Bar, Fly Treks, and Fish The Earth for their Silver sponsorship; and Fidos, Atlantic Bank, San Pedro Tourism Guide Association, Coastal Xpress and Caribbean Treasures for their Bronze level sponsorship.

For more information please go to http://www.tres-pescado-tournament.org or phone Jim Oliver at 668-6690. The Ambergris Caye Fly Fishing Club is the event organizer.