The first Maldives Game Fishing Challenge held in association with Dhiraagu last week from
9 to 12 November has been praised by international anglers and experts as an exceptional inaugural
tournament. Twenty anglers, including a small overseas contingent from Australia and Singapore, enjoyed competing under International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) rules and reported good fishing in the designated fishing zone in and around North and South Male’, and Vaavu atolls. Maldivian anglers were
comprised of both Maldives nationals and expatriates.
Experts representing the IGFA and deep sea fishing publications were impressed with the organization of the event and the suitability of the Maldives for world-class game fishing competitions. Anglers reported to Tournament Headquarters at Bandos Island Resort the capturing of Sailfish and Wahoo, as well as the tagand-
release of Sailfish, though the prized Tuna and Marlin species remained elusive.
Competitors set sail on the first day of fishing on Thursday 9 November following an impressive ‘sail past’ by the 9 participating boats of the famous Jetty One in Male’. The tournament spanned three days in total, concluding in the late afternoon on Saturday. By that stage, all prize categories bar two had been
determined. The team from Meeru outscored their counterparts by taking out the Champion Team prize. This entitles them to a place in the IGFA’s World Offshore Championship to take place in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico from 13-18 May 2012.
The 2012 tournament has been slated for 23 to 26 November and is likely to be held in the same general area. For results, photos and information on next year’s event, visit www.mgfa.org.mv.