GRAND BAHAMA, Bahamas – The Bahamas Bonefishing Tournament series, a roving, four-islands tournament which kicked off at the Grand Lucayan in Grand Bahama, July 8-13, 2025, was a historic event and rounding success. The top two angling teams and their guides became the first qualifiers for the Championship Tournament, which will be held October 21-26, in Black Point, Exuma. The next tournaments will take place in Andros, October 7-12, and Eleuthera, October 14-19, before the championship.
The first leg of the historic, 4-islands Bahamas Bonefishing Tournament Series, organized by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) kicked off July 8-13, 2025, in beautiful Grand Bahama. Twelve anglers and six skilled fly-fishing guides participated in the event which was met with fierce competition, comradery, authentic Bahamian culture, and conservation experiences. Pictured from left to right are Joel Moxey, event co-host and Consultant, BMOTIA; David Tate, winning guide; Omeko Glinton, winning angler; Wendell Saunders, Executive, BMOTIA-Grand Bahama; Malachi Rolle, winning Angler and Earnestine Moxyz, event co-host and Senior Manager and Lead for Fishing Industry, BMOTIA. The remaining 2025 tournaments are set for October 7-12, in Andros; October 14-19, in Eleuthera and the championship is set for October 21-26, in Black Point, Exuma, where some $50,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs. The top two teams from each island advances to the championship, and 12 local or foreign anglers can register to compete in the open slots in the championship tournament. (Photo Credits: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation)The high-level tournament, which was held in Grand Bahama this past weekend, utilized the International Game Fishing Association rules and regulations and saw 18 of The Bahamas' top anglers and guides compete in three full days of fishing. The comrades who came from Acklins, Crooked Islands, Andros, Abaco, Exuma and Grand Bahama and whose combined angling and guiding experience totalled more than 600 years, welcomed the friendly but fiercely guided titles.
Emerging victorious with a total of 118 points were Omeko Glinton, a veteran angler and guide from Grand Bahama and Malachi Rolle, from Black Point, Exuma, who was the only novice in the Tournament. They were guided by David Tate, a veteran from Grand Bahama.
Second place finishers were awarded to veterans David Pinder from Grand Bahama and Abaco's Paul Pinder, guided by Howard Thomas from Grand Bahama. They received a total of 97.5 points.
Third place finishers with a total of 89.5 points were Shawn Riley and Greg Roberts from Andros, and they were guided by Joseph Thomas, from East End Grand Bahama.
Prescott Smith of Andros caught the biggest bonefish, measuring 24 inches long and Omeko Glinton captured the most fish caught, with 73 points.
“With approximately 700 islands and cays worth of wonders to explore, this event allows our visitors to tap directly into the natural beauty as well as the unique appeal of our destination.” Said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Honourable I. Chester Cooper. “Only a month following their announcement, this tournament, as the first part of a continuing series, has provided a positive impact on the local community, creating genuine opportunities for Bahamians to build careers within the tourism industry. Across the length and breadth of our archipelago are scores of experiences that go beyond the day-to-day, experiences which are being made increasingly accessible. Through these events, we show how sustainable sportfishing is an enjoyable experience for our guests as well as a major support for the economic growth and strength of our islands.”
“The Bahamas Government and the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation are committed to the flats and fly-fishing industry in The Bahamas and to growing our family island communities through this sport," said the Deputy Prime Minister.
The tournament series is expected to generate over $1 million in economic impact across the participating islands. Local hotels, fishing lodges, restaurants, retail shops, transportation providers and independent guides are all expected to benefit from an increase in visitors. Additionally, the series supports community-building and sustainability efforts through targeted financial contributions and visibility for local initiatives, while contributing to the long-term growth of the fishing sector.
Assisting with the event were key event sponsors such as Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, which spearheads the event’s conservation initiatives, along with Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits, Yntegra Group, and Fly-Fishing Journeys, whose sponsorship and media support enhance both the tournament and its global visibility. Fishing lines used in the tournament were generously donated by Scientific Anglers and sunglasses were provided by Bajio.
The next upcoming tournament will take place on October 7 – 12, 2025, at Andros Island Bonefishing Club, Behring Point, Andros. Anglers interested in participating or learning more about the tournament series can register at www.bahamas.com/bahamas-bonefishing-tournament-series.
