The shores of Barkers in West Bay are set to host the annual fishing tournament this Easter Monday, 6 April, continuing a long-standing tradition centred on the preservation of Caymanian heritage and culture.
The gathering serves as a memorial for the late Gressman ‘Gressy’ Ebanks, of West Bay, who passed away in April 2013. Ebanks fished regularly on the Barkers shoreline, and the annual tournament pays tribute to him, honouring a legacy rooted in the historical customs of the district.
For generations, the Barkers area has been a focal point for holiday activities, including catboat regattas, community fishing and the racing of miniature boats crafted from coconuts.
By maintaining these events, event organiser Eziethamae Bodden aims to ensure that these cultural practices remain a foundational part of the local Easter celebrations for future generations.
The tournament is structured as a catch-and-release competition, with no registration fee required for entry, though participants are responsible for providing their own fishing lines, bait and necessary supplies.
The schedule for the day begins with the start of fishing at 9am. Following the initial hours of the competition, breakfast and refreshments will be served at 11am.
The competitive portion of the event concludes at 12:30pm, allowing for a transition into the final ceremonies.
Recognition of the participants’ efforts will take place during the prize-giving ceremony scheduled to commence at 1pm.
Awards will be distributed across three primary categories, including the person who catches the first fish of the day, the individual who secures the largest fish, and the participant who records the highest volume of fish caught and released.
In addition to the angling competition, the event includes activities designed for younger attendees, specifically a children’s Easter egg hunt.
The event is open to the general public, and all interested individuals are invited to attend.
For further information regarding the rules, logistics or historical context of the tournament contact Bodden at 929-9932.
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