It’s time for the ultimate fishing trip! Sport fishermen from all over the world are coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands for the 39th annual USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament.
From August 10th to August 14th, fishermen will hit the waters of the North Drop three days before the August full moon and one day after.
It’s often just called the Boy Scout Tournament (since the Boy Scouts are the main sponsor) or even the Super Bowl of Sports Fishing. Last year 41 boats took part, and Florida angler Sandra MacMillan took home the top prize of $10,000 cash.
Of course, every fishing tournament comes with a great party or two, and there will be no shortage this year. A celebration was held at the American Yacht Harbour in Red Hook, St. Thomas, on August 8th. There will also be a Cheeseburger in Paradise barbecue hosted by the Virgin Islands Council of the Boy Scouts of America, many dock parties, a Caribbean Night Show featuring stilt-walkers, and evening entertainment all week long. The tournament winners will be announced at a banquet on August 14.
The waters around USVI are world famous for fishing. There have been 24 sport fishing world records set here, including for enormous blue marlin. The North Drop is rich in blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish, and it can easily be accessed from St. Thomas or St. John.
Even if you can’t make it down here for the USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament, you can experience the thrill of sport fishing here all year round. There are many sport fishing charters available for half day and full day trips, with experienced crew. So why not book yourself into a great Virgin Islands villa, and unleash your own inner Ernest Hemingway on the fishing trip of your dreams.