March 20, 2013

Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina Announces First Annual Billfish Bonanza

thebahamasweekly.com - Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina Announces First Annual Billfish Bonanza


They are charging hard again offshore Bimini and the historic Big Game Club Resort & Marina is putting out the call for teams to compete in the upcoming Billfish Bonanza tournament.

Following two recent, highly successful Wahoo tournaments, in which over 10 dozen anglers hauled in nearly three tons of fish, Billfish will be on the hook for May 15-18 for what should prove to again be a memorable outing.

“Considering our last tournament in February, we have a lot to live up to,” smiled Big Game General Manager Michael Weber.

The Bimini Smackdown II Wahoo tournament brought together 22 boats over 100 anglers in a fun-filled weekend that featured plenty of Wahoo action, a Playboy Playmate, Ernest Hemingway’s grandson, country music artist and outdoor TV show host Craig Morgan and the launch of the world’s first, at-the-dock shark experience—Bimini Bull Run.

Weber said the entry fee for the upcoming billfish tournament will be an affordable, $1,450 per boat, which includes four anglers per boat, events, prize money and giveaways.

To register online, please go to www.biggameclubbimni.com/big-game-marlin-tournament.htm

Host to numerous major sport fishing tournaments for more than half a century, The Billfish Bonanza is a world-class bluewater tournament angling in Bimini, a world-class fishing destination, recently ranked #3 in the top ten fisheries of the world by Sport Fishing Magazine.

Weber said the tournament will feature three days of fishing, and target all billfish species. Eligible species for the Billfish Tournament include Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Spearfish and Swordfish.

Bimini’s location along the legendary Gulfstream (a “river” of warm water) location is at the apex of a superhighway for migrating fish and acts as a kind of sushi conveyor belt carrying abundant food to the local fish. Deepwater game fish include marlin, tuna, sailfish, wahoo and swordfish, while big grouper, barracuda and schools of snapper can be found on the reefs. Bimini’s flats are home the fishermen’s favorite prey, bonefish and permit. With more than 50-record-setting catches in the waters around the island, Bimini has earned its title of Sport Fishing Capital of the World.

About The Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

The Bimini Big Game Club, a legendary outpost for fishermen and host to numerous major sportfishing tournaments for more than half a century, officially re-opened in 2010 following completion of a $3,500,000 renovation that included all guest rooms and the new Bimini Big Game Bar & Grill. More recently owners have added the Gulfstream Conference Center and Hemingway’s Rum Bar & Social Lounge, a fully outfitted watersports facility and a floating dock to accommodate seaplane service directly to and from the resort. For information on the Big Game Club Resort and Marina go to www.biggameclubbimini.com

March 05, 2013

LIGHTS ON GRAND BAHAMA BANK via Explorer Chartbooks

LIGHTS ON GREAT BAHAMA BANK | Bahamas Chatter

On the Great Bahama Bank, both Russell Beacon and the Northwest Channel Light are missing. The structures are no longer standing, so these visual points are no longer available as navigational aids to yachtsmen traversing from Bimini to the Berry Islands. Although the Mackey Shoal Light pole is still standing, it is unknown whether it is lit, so it should be considered as unreliable.

March 04, 2013

BIMINI UPDATE via Explorer Chartbooks

BIMINI UPDATE | Bahamas Chatter  (click to go to the website)


There are currently no problems with the channel leading into North Bimini. Two large, easily seen buoys, a red and a green, mark the entrance to the channel near their charted locations. The dredging operation has been suspended and there is no equipment in the harbour, yet it is expected to continue on an as-needed basis to keep the channel open for the fast ferry, which comes on weekends. Seaplane service from Florida is active in the harbour, so you should be aware of the possibility of a landing in North Bimini harbour as you traverse the area.

In North Bimini off of Alice Town, there is a new concrete jetty jutting out from the government dock. It has a green quick-flashing light on the end of it.

Also, the old Customs building near the government dock is slated to be torn down. It is currently not being used. The Customs officer is now located at Bimini Big Game, where cruisers must go to clear in. The Immigration officer is still in the small building next to the old Customs House. Reports are that stays as long as six months are being granted in Bimini.