NEW 2011 OFFSHORE CAPE COD FISHING TOURNAMENT

[cappyD]

To those interested,

Happy New Year folks. I am considering the prospect of creating a Cape Cod based offshore sportfishing tournament. This would be an all species event, very similar to the layout of the Block Island Tri-State and Nantucket Big Game Battle...two days of fishing(with an overnight). There would be a registration on Thursday evening and the fish days would be Friday through Saturday, wiegh station closing at 5pm on Saturday. There would be an awards ceremony on Saturday evening, and boats would leave on Sunday morning to return back to port. There would be calcuttas as well as regular prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place wins. As far as location goes I am considering Cuttyhunk Island as it's cloer to the canyons than any other port in Massachusetts, and I have already done some homework regarding slip availability, tent space ect. Im not sure what the entry fee would be...probably between $1000 and $1500.

However...and its a big however! I first need to know truly how much interest there is in something like this. There are certainly more than a few boats up here that I could see entering this type of event. One thing is for certain, it would be a world class production, and it would be done right. Please let me know if this is something you would be able and willing to partipate in. Any suggestions and/or feedback would be appreciated. Thanks and enjoy this cold weather. My personal email is captdamon@gmail.com. Thanks for your time.

--capt Damon Sacco

[Reel Pursuit]

Does the Green Harbor Tuna Club still run a tournament out of Cuttyhunk?

[chumtini]

The tri-state, as you know, is 3 days - 2 days fishing (with overnite) and a lay day. It gives you some flexibility with weather.

[seaworm1]

Does the Green Harbor Tuna Club still run a tournament out of Cuttyhunk?

it doesId be down for something like that Damon, Best time might be in the heat of early Aug when the BFt bite slows

[JoeyM]

i'd be interested, but the hardest part for me is scheduling time off from work.

what dates were you considering?

[cappyD]

Im thinking September 8 thru 11 or 15 thru 18. The problem with august is there are so many other tourneys to compete with and the night bite out there doesnt really heat up until late aug anyway. I would consider a 3 day event with a layday...but thats another day out of work for people...though it does help the smaller boat fishermen, allowing captains to fish in better weather. So far I have 3 boats who are "definitely" interested. For this to work right were going to need a minumum of 25 boats or its just not worth the time, effort, and money for anybody. I think it would be something all of us could look foward to each fall, especially if it grows to 50 plus boats. John White used to do a tournament in Cuttyhunk in the 90's and early 2000...it was the most fun out of all the events we fished. I think therev were 80 boats at one point.

The Green harbor Club does host an event on Cuttyhunk in August which is another reason why I am thinking september. If I added a lay day in, the schedual would be

Wednesday Sept 7th........Register, Rules, Captains Party, Dinner
Thursday Sept 8th...........DAY 1 FISHING(or layday)
Friday Sept 9th...............DAY 2 FISHING(or layday)
Saturday Sept 10th.........DAY 3 FISHING(or layday)
Saturday Sept 10th.........Awards Ceremony, Pig Roast, Live Music
Sunday Sept 11th...........Boats leave by 11am

[JSeas]

Damon:

Spoke with RipDog crew. Either RipDog or JSeas or both would enter this tournament.

Jim O

[diablo]

Damon

I am in. I do like the layday idea, gives us some flexibility with the weather. I think if you can coordinate with some of the other tournaments to not be at the same time that would benefit all. Maybe someday join forces with the other tourneys and start a series.

[jmrecord]

At this point I would say yes. But would have to see exact dates Exc..the work thing..Damon what kind of layout you thinking?

[cappyD]

Im not sure what you are referring to regarding "layout" but this is an all species event...bluewater fish only...will NOT include bluefin tuna. Theres far too much uncertainty with bluefin regs at this point. It will be a point system which will include releases as well. All releases(billfish only) will have to be documented with a digital STILL cam and there will be tourney flags(12" x 12") that will be required to be in the pics. The point system will be

1. Blue marlin..................200 points(unlimited entries)
2. White marlin...............100 points(unlimited entries)
3. Big Eye Tuna...............( 1 point per pound/2 fish max)
4. Yellowfin Tuna.............( 1 point per pound/3 fish max)
5. Albacore Tuna.............( 1 point per pound/3 fish max)
6. Wahoo.......................( 1 point per pound/2 fish max)
7. Mahi..........................( 1 point per pound/3 fish max)
8. Swordfish...................( 1 point per pound/1 fish max)

I tried to level the playing field as much as possible and require boats to catch multiple species. So instead of being a lottery tournament where the one right fish wins, crews will have to strategize a little.

The big obstacle for me is time and energy and risk. To do it right I am going to have a deadline for entries probably on June 1st. What I am not going to do is host a tournament event with 15 boats. Its not worth it for anybody. I want to bring sponsors in, possibly incorporate a charity, food, prizes, live music...all very possible but only with GUARANTEED participation. Something to think about. Please only respond if you are serious. Im still open to suggestions as well.