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 âClassic 17â Fishing Competition is altering its venue from the Similan Islands, (outside the exclusion zone), to an area outside Chalong Bay encompassing âallâ the local hotspots Green Island, The Rachas, The Drop-off and for anyone wishing to âovernightâ Koh Ha / Roc and Hin Dang.
The organizers advise me this was done to allow a bigger choice of boats, including âopenâ and single engine craft and therefore more flexible pricing for Thailandâs premier Big Game competition. So itâs everything from Gin Palace luxury to bare boards âroughing itâ on a âbudgetâ boat although I am waiting on information regarding a mother-ship, and landings information.
It is expected that the âlive-aboardsâ will stay at sea for the duration of this three day event which will get underway at 8am on the 1st 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 âbudgetâ 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 4th 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 Mohallyâs, âfamous fishing barâ in Rawai on February the 28th.
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 itâs 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.
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