As local fishing gains more international recognition, the Sister Islands are getting added attention.
American fishing personality Capt. Jimmy Nelson was in Cayman this month for the Barcadere Classic, the year’s first angling tournament. The Floridian, who came to film the action, said he intends to return in about two months to highlight Cayman Brac.
“Fishing in Cayman is excellent,” Nelson said. “There is always something biting year round. It’s a real treat to be able to fish in such a beautiful place that has such an amazing fishery. I’ll be back in Cayman the second week of May to do a show in Cayman Brac to showcase the Brac and Little Cayman. Then I’ll be returning again at the end of May for the Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament.
“I love all of the friendly people of Cayman and look forward to my future visits.”
Nelson, 35, has featured Cayman on NBC Sports’ “Extreme Fishing Adventures” TV show, Gaff magazine and Gaff Life TV in recent months. At the Barcadere Classic, he saw a number of notable catches with the three biggest fish being a 58.9-pound yellowfin tuna caught by Carolyn Paffenroth on C Money, a 56.5-pound wahoo by Denise Begg-Smith on SeaBird, and a 46.8-pound dolphin by Josh Ebanks on Knotty Buoy.
According to the latest calendar of events provided by the Cayman Islands Angling Club, the local governing body for competitive angling, the international tournament is the year’s final event from May 29 to June 1. Three tournaments are taking place before that – the Cayman Swordfish Challenge on April 11-13, the Kirk Slam dolphin tournament on April 26-27, and the Brac Jackpot on May 16-18. For Nelson, his Cayman trips are some of many he will be making this year.
“I’ve been fishing my entire life. I’m fishing or on the water around 300 days a year. When I get home, I’ll be fishing in Crystal River, Florida, before I pack again and head to Baha, Mexico, where I’ll be targeting roosterfish, cubera snapper, striped marlin, tuna and wahoo.”
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