The Thailand Classic 2017

Once again me Hearties the weather kept the boats mainly in port and the fishing was as fickle as a catching a good internet connection.

I have it on good authority that next years “Classic 17” Fishing Competition is altering its venue from the Similan Islands, (outside the exclusion zone), to an area outside Chalong Bay encompassing “all” the local  hotspots Green Island, The Rachas, The Drop-off and for anyone wishing to “overnight” Koh Ha / Roc and Hin Dang.

The organizers advise me this was done to allow a bigger choice of boats, including “open” and single engine craft and therefore more flexible pricing for Thailand’s premier Big Game competition. So it’s everything from Gin Palace luxury to bare boards “roughing it” on a ‘budget” boat although I am waiting on information regarding a mother-ship, and landings information.

It is expected that the “live-aboards” will stay at sea for the duration of this three day event which will get underway at 8am on the 1^st of March 2017 from Chalong Pier, while the smaller boats are welcome to bribe and corrupt their crews to stay out as long as they like in order not to miss the dusk Sailfish runs, or even sleep rough off one of the islands, which would be my preference on a Mena “budget” boat.

All the sponsors for the previous 8 years are once again on board including the Phuket News and the Kan Eang Pier Restaurant who will once again be offering their sensational seafood buffet at the prize giving on the 4^th of March which will, as usual, be all inclusive including wine and beer.

With seven months to go there are already 12 confirmed teams.

Although not finalized, hopefully the registration will once again be held at Mad Mohally’s, “famous fishing bar” in Rawai on February the 28^th.

The rules will be as the previous 8 years and will be available from Warren Crowe at thailandclassic2017@gmail.com along with any registration or boat enquiries you may have and with a dozen already registered most of the better over-night boats are already booked, so it’s worth an e-mail.

Fingers crossed the weather improves and next month I will be able to once again keep you up to date on what the local fishing is like.

Tight lines to all.