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Latest News
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As the local angling
community eagerly awaits the second annual Cayman Swordfish Challenge,
world-leading swordfish expert, Captain Steve Huddleston, gauges
the prospects for this year’s tournament and the Cayman fishery.
Visiting the Island in May as consultant to the Swordfish Challenge,
Capt. Steve had an opportunity to fish consecutive nights with
local mate Dawson Wright. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing down
here.” Steve says, “There are fish wherever we look - North side,
East End, South Side: we’re getting action,”
And not only is the species here in abundance, Cayman is unique
in that swordfish are found very close to shore, day or night.
“Anywhere else, we think nothing of running 60 to 100 miles to
get to the fish.” Captain Steve explains, “Here, we can put our
lines down and actually watch cars go by on shore.”
It’s even more remarkable that until very recently, swordfishing
was unheard of in these waters. In fact, studies show that Cayman
is right on one of the major migratory paths of the fish as they
move towards the Gulf of Mexico from the Atlantic.
From inspecting the swordfish being caught here, Steve also believes
the surrounding waters support a healthy population of important
prey species such as squid, cuttlefish and shrimp.
Capt. Steve seems genuinely astonished by the combination of factors
that Cayman offers to swordfishing enthusiasts. “In addition to
the quantity of fish here, the proximity of the fishery and the
ecosystem, Cayman has favourable currents which allow you stay
over the hotspots longer,” he explains, “plus, no matter where
the wind’s coming from, there’s always a lee side to fish on!”
Swordfishing in Cayman has a bright future, believes Capt. Steve,
especially if managed properly from the start. The point isn’t
lost on the founders of Cayman Swordfish Challenge who are actively
seeking the guidance of the sport’s leading figures, Steve among
them, to help develop and manage the fishery.
“Get it right, and Cayman can reap huge benefits”, believes Capt.
Steve, “and this is why I’m only too happy to share my knowledge
and experience with Cayman’s anglers.”
Building on the enormous interest shown during last year’s inaugural
tournament, the Swordfish Challenge is being brought forward to
late June when fair conditons can be expected. This year, too,
anglers can benefit from masterclass workshops by legend Captain
Bouncer Smith and other Florida-based experts such as Captains
Steve Huddleston and Harry Vernon.
The workshops will teach you everything you need to know to get
started in swordfishing: where to look, gear and equipment, bait
rigging techniques and, of course, how to land a fish.
The perfect waters, the leading experts, the best time of year.
If you’ve ever dreamed of catching a swordfish, the Cayman Swordfish
Challenge ‘O8 is the perfect opportunity.
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