The 8th annual Tres Pescados Slam Tournament was held on Saturday, August 6th and saw 15 teams of professional anglers joining the competition this year. Only one team could take the coveted prize, and this year, that is Team Super Fly! Courtney Smith (solo angler) took second place and Team El Diablo settled for third place.
The iconic catch and release tournament is considered the largest fly-fishing event in Belize, and sees the participation of top national and international anglers. The anticipated competition is usually a three-day event, but due to Hurricane Earl this year, it was just a one day event. The event also promotes the importance of the three fish species to the economy of Belize. All protected fish, the Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit play a big role in the fly fishing industry.
According to rules of the tournament, during the competition, participants must handle the fish properly to ensure their survival. The team’s catch is recorded through video or photo proof, and points are awarded according to the size and species of the fish caught.
The boats left early on Saturday and by 3PM all catches had to be checked in. Anglers gave it their all as it was just one day to try and win the big prize, a Grand Slam of catching all three fish. Shortly after 7Pm, all participants then gathered at the Caprice Bar and Grill for the awards banquet. Organizer Will Flack of Tres Pescados Fly Ship thanked everyone for participating and salvaging the tournament despite the obstacles of the hurricane. During the award ceremony the prizes for the top three teams were handed out. El Diablo in third place walk away with $2,000, Courtney Smith in second place with $3,000 and team Super Fly was awarded the top prize of $5,000.
At the awards banquet, Flack also announced that of the funds also raised in the tournament, some will go towards Oceana in Belize’s project against Gill Nets. Meanwhile, Ocean Academy Primary School in Caye Caulker will also benefit from the funds. According to Flack the only school in the country that has a program focusing on fly fishing and the promotion for the protection of the Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit fish.
After the award ceremony everyone was invited to an after party held at Finn and Martini Restaurant.
The San Pedro Sun congratulates all anglers on an excellent tournament.
Organizers would like to thank all event sponsors, including Oceana in Belize, Belikin Beer, Belize Tourism Board, Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures, SIMMS, Victoria House Resort, HATCH, Belize Fly, Tangelo, Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, El Pescador Resort, RIO Products, Holiday Hotel, Scott, MARELCO, Tropic Air, Mustad, YETI, Costa and Angler Abroad Fly Shop.
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