Recreational Fishing

Most would agree that the benefits of recreational fishing are numerous: it can be relaxing, be a time of bonding between friends and family, and it even gives a sense of accomplishment when that big catch is made. However, for those who want to raise the stakes with their fishing, any one of the fishing tournaments in beautiful locations in the Caribbean islands could be their dream challenge.

Ideally, a tournament set in the tropics of Tobago cannot be beat. The Tobago International Game fishing Tournament is a game where everything is based off of a point system. Blue marlins will garner the most points, but penalties resulting in a subtraction of points happen which underweight fish are caught. Boats can be chartered through the tournament itself.

The best boat and the largest fish are two features looked for in two different categories where fishers can compete. Winners receive reels with rods and a trophy while those with record breaking catches win can win thousands of dollars. For those who are more into the giving than the receiving spirit there is always the Annual Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Tournament.

The Annual Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Tournament is an ESPN covered event that carries a focus on charity. It is not a tournament where competitors play for keeps; however, as the contestants are expected to release whatever they catch. But that is not the point of the competition—raising money for breast cancer is the worthy goal of the event.

So, the reward for your participation may not be the biggest catch but rather the biggest contribution. That contribution will help to bring humanity closer to a cure for a disease that has taken too many lives.

For citizens of the U.S. who cannot venture outside the continental region, North Carolina conducts several tournaments. Pirate's Cove Memorial Weekend Tournament is perfect for a three day vacation while the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament can be considered to have a little more competitive atmosphere. That is because there is a $25,000 reward for the biggest mackerel! North Carolina is definitely to go-to spot for to tie over those who cannot make it to the islands just yet.

As with any type of recreational fishing, one has to become familiar with the rules and licensing laws relevant to a particular region and adhere to them. Challenging fun is guaranteed to follow in these friendly but competitive fishing games.