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Anglers getting ready to chase big onesBy: By Bill Charles Date Posted: 2011-06-09   Sponsored by the Ryukyu Islands Sport Fishing Association, the annual event will be sending dozens of anglers into waters off Okinawa in search of the ‘big one’ that will bring trophy honors. The weekend’s excitement begins with a Captain’s meeting at Sam’s by the Sea by Okinawa Marine on the 17th for a last minute review of the rules. Fishermen –and women—are vying for a variety of trophies from boats that will hit the waters bright and early Saturday morning the 18th. Sam’s Cup 2011 is a B.Y.O.B. tournament, meaning everyone must bring his or her own boat. Boats are welcome, and charter boat captains and crews can be listed as guests. It’s a non-profit tournament now in its seventh year, serving as the gateway for all other big game fishing tournaments in Okinawa and mainland Japan. Last year’s winning Haya team will be back for Sam’s Cup 2011, and organizers expected to meet or exceed the record 41 teams registered for last year’s tournament. More than ¥1 million in prizes will be awarded to winners of this year’s tournament. Fish must be taken using rod and reel, and must be 10kg or heavier. All qualifying fish species over 10kg qualifies for point accumulation toward total team weight. It’s a 36-hour fishing tournament, starting from the Ginowan Marina Center buoy at 6 a.m. Saturday the 18th. Fishing is open throughout the weekend, with fish catches required to be at the weigh-in station not later than 6 p.m. Sunday. Tournament organizers note that fishermen who have a hit by 3:59 p.m. Sunday must call it in before 4 p.m., then allowed until 6 p.m. to land the fish and two hours more to return to the weigh-in station. The weigh-in station closes at 8 p.m. Festivities and awards ceremonies take place Monday the 20th, starting at 7 p.m., at Sam’s by the Sea’s patio. Special rules apply at the patio, organizers say, since it is a B.Y.O.B. event. As such, participants are welcome to bring their own beverages, but are encouraged to share them with other crews. Fish stories will be welcomed, but complaints will not be tolerated, the organizers emphasize. |
   
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