2012 marks the fourth year of the annual Tres Pescados Slam Tournament and as of Wednesday August 15th, some 15 boats had signed up with a total of 36 anglers. The dates are set for Thursday August 23rd through Saturday August 25th.
The tournament has attracted international attention with anglers traveling from neighboring Mexico and as far north as the United States to compete for the coveted prizes. The tournament is a catch and release fly fishing tournament for the three flat species – bonefish, permit and tarpon. Rules of the tournament are simple: – everyday each team will get a different ID tag and they will have to take a digital photo of the fishes caught with the ID tag and then that comes back to the tournament committee and points are based on the fish caught and released.
Teams will battle for first, second and third place; top guide which will be awarded for the winning team’s guide, as well as the big fish award. The award banquet and ceremony is scheduled for Saturday night at the Holiday Hotel and Caprice Bar and Grill starting at 7PM followed by a “little sware” according to organizer, Wil Flack of Tres Pescados Fly Fishing Shop.
As is customary, a portion of the winnings from the tournament will be donated to a local cause. The cause will be decided upon by the anglers through a voting process. A Grand Champion trophy will be donated by Robbie Guerrero this year, which will have the names of all previous winners. This trophy will remain at the Tres Pescados shop and names will be added yearly. Next year will mark the grand fifth year of the tournament and the dates are already set for August 8 through 10, 2013. Sponsors for this year’s tournament include: El Pescador, SIMMS, Costa del Mar, Holiday Hotel, The Pheonix, Belize Tourism Board, Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventure, Anglers Aboard Fly Shop in Caye Caulker, Fly Treks, PELAGIC, Victoria House, The San Pedro Sun and Belizefly.com. For more information Wil may be reached at 226-FISH or 629-6599.
