magazine
| June 2016
years
Bermuda Anglers club COMMEMORATIVE
ILTT fishing, fun and friendships
5
CO-COORDINATORS Cindi Pearmen & Claire James SECRETARY Cindi Pearman TREASURER John Ringold STATISTICS Steve Richards RULES & REGULATIONS Niel Jones COMPLAINTS & DISPUTES Francis Patterson WEIGHMASTER Mark Booth RECORDER Jill Henneberger POTENTIAL WORLD RECORDS Bobby Rego TATLER Cindi Pearman FUNCTIONS Claire James PRIZES/RAFFLE Cindy Mitchell & Fiona Beck PRIZE PRESENTATION Kip Froud & Cindy Mitchell SPONSORSHIP Mark Booth & Michael Batista
picturesquebermuda.com
Thank you to our sponsors
The Bermuda Anglers Club would like to thank our generous sponsors for making the 50th International Light Tackle Tournament possible. As the Island's oldest fishing club, established in 1938, the Bermuda Anglers Club has a rich history of promoting sport fishing. The support in reaching the goals of this historical tournament from past and present businesses and individuals has made it possible for us to celebrate 50 years of this magnificent event. While the ILTT focuses on promoting Bermuda as a premiere sport fishing destination, attracting teams to compete and enjoy the unique hospitality that Bermuda built her good name upon, it also serves another tremendously important function. Any surplus earned on the ILTT goes towards running the annual Junior Fishing Tournament that see over 100 kids compete in August of each year. That event helps inspire a new generation of responsible anglers, build bridges in our community and gives children a chance to learn valuable life skills. We look forward to welcoming our international guests for a week of outstanding fishing, fun and friendships in Bermuda.
ILTT committee
5 tournament HQ 6 schedule 7 Welcome 10 offshore world champions 12 iltt history 14 junior tournament 16 the tatler 18 tackle 20 historic hospitality 24 captains & mates 26 teams 33 great catches 44 celebrities 50 lady anglers 57 high point angler
Tournament HQ
Niel Jones
Claire James, Cindi Pearman & ILTT participant contributions
copy editor
front cover
Barr's Bay Park
11 Bobby Rego 20,41 Barbara Cooper 28 Stuart Harries 31 Bob Brien 36 Crayton Greene 42 Sue Pearman 47 David Fingland
by Claire James
The central location makes it easy for spectators to see the daily weigh-ins from 4pm on June 20, 21, 23 and 24, 2016. This will be a truly memorable occasion, which celebrates the proud history of this tournament and the tremendous light tackle fishing available here in Bermuda.
reflections of the iltt
Contents
editorial & Archives
& magazine design: Claire James
Featured
Cover image: Roland Skinner
Pearman Family
Weigh-ins for the 50th running of the Bermuda Anglers Club International Light Tackle Tournament will take place at the tournament headquarters located in Barr's Bay Park in the City of Hamilton.
Schedule
I would also like to celebrate and remember the many anglers, local and overseas, who have fished the ILTT for ten plus years. Bill DuVal and his wife Gene from Virginia fished thirty and twenty-three times, respectively. Wayne Booth also from Virginia sixteen and his wife Lisa twelve times, Pete Rose also sixteen and his brother Colin thirteen both from the Bahamas. Crayton Greene, twenty-eight, Cyril Cooper twenty-one, Danny Fox twenty, Francis Patterson seventeen, all from Bermuda. David Fingland from the Bahamas will be fishing for his sixteenth time. In 2013 with teammate Scott Deal, from Florida, they won the tournament. On behalf of the Bermuda Anglers Club I would like to thank our sponsors for supporting the ILTT and the annual Junior Fishing Tournament that is made possible by the remaining surplus funds from their generosity. We are here today because of the hard work of the Executive Committee and our volunteers. I would like to thank in particular Cindi Pearman, Claire James, Dean Rea and Fiona Beck who have worked so tirelessly to pull this altogether. In its 50th year the ILTT is truly a celebration of great friendships that have evolved over many years. - Kip
Kip Froud, President Bermuda Anglers Club
Welcome
WELCOME MEETING Sunday June 19, 6:30pm Hosts: David & Dianne Skinner FISHING DAY 1 Monday June 20 4:30pm Weigh-in Barr's Bay Park 5:00pm Food and refreshments FISHING DAY 2 Tuesday June 21 4:30pm Weigh-in Barr's Bay Park 5:00pm Food and refreshments MID WEEK BBQ Wednesday June 22, 6:30pm Host: Cindi Pearman FISHING DAY 3 Thursday June 23 4:30pm Weigh-in Barr's Bay Park 5:00pm Food and refreshments FISHING DAY 4 Friday June 24 4:30pm Weigh-in Barr's Bay Park 5:00pm Food and refreshments Goslings invitation: Newport to Bermuda party PRIZE-GIVING Saturday June 25 Blû Bar & Grill, Belmont 9th Hole private event space 6:00pm Cocktail welcome 7:00pm Dinner
2016 marks the 50th running of the International Light Tackle Tournament. As the current President of the Bermuda Anglers Club it gives me great pleasure to welcome the participants of one of Bermuda’s oldest and most well established fishing tournaments. The Bermuda Anglers Club looks forward to hosting anglers and guests with a week full of true Bermudian hospitality planned to honour such a prestigious event. I look forward to supporting the nine teams, of three anglers each from Bermuda, the United States and the Bahamas who will pit their skills against each other and the tuna, wahoo, marlin and other gamefish that roam Challenger and Argus Banks. With all competitors using the same 12lb test Maxima Chameleon line, this will guarantee some extremely tough competition both with the fish and between anglers!
celebration
Returning Anglers
Francis Patterson, Crayton Greene, Wayne Booth, Gene DuVal, Bill DuVal, Lisa Booth, Danny Fox, Cyril Cooper.
Cup Winners
In 2003, BAC members Danny Fox and Bobby Rego, along with team mates Buddy and Casey Sowers from the United States, represented the ILTT at the Rolex IGFA Offshore Championship in Mexico, and won!
My first tournament was 1975, we came 2nd and I was high point angler. My two best fish were a 57lb amberjack and a 59lb yellowfin. I fished with Chuckie Berg and Janet Lines. I fished at least five others with 2002 and 2005 being outstanding. In 2002 I fished with Danny and Buddy Sowers when we won and received an invitation to fish the 2003 Rolex IGFA Offshore Championship. We were joined by Casey Sowers. The main target was striped marlin and we were joined by fifty-four other teams from around the world. Margaritas became the drink of the week. The Cabo method used to fish was sighting the marlin and casting live baits using conventional reels (not easy, unless you're a mate) with circle hooks; as luck would have it, Buddy had two spinning outfits which were much easier to use. We released three on the first day, seven on the second, none on the third and five on the last day, which closed the deal. We knew we were leading the tournament but had to wait for the last boat to get in. We were still at the dock when the Tournament Director announced that we were the winners, a very emotional time for all. We all received gold Rolex watches and the right to receive an invitation every year. We fished in Cabo for the next nine years with the best result in 2005 when we finished second. The Tournament was moved to Costa Rica as the Offshore World Championship in 2013. Sadly, our Team Captain Buddy passed in 2014 - a true friend and a great angler, remembered by many. Danny, myself, Casey and Capt. Allen DeSilva fished in 2015 ending up 10th out of sixty-six teams. This year we ended up 22nd out of sixty-six teams. Can't wait for next year. Tight lines to everyone fishing the 50th ILTT - Bobby
2015 OWC WINNERS Team Fa La Me, Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish OWC Tournament, Bermuda
Offshore World Champions
Winners
bOBBY REGO
The ILTT became a qualifying event for the Rolex IGFA Offshore Championship, now renamed the Offshore World Championship in 2002.
winners
ILTT HISTORY
The first International Light Tackle Tournament (ILTT) was held in 1961 and grew out of a government-sponsored tournament between the Bahamas and Bermuda. Author Joe Brooks, who was friends with Pete Perinchief, formed a team of American Sports Writers to come to the Island to fish and then write about their time here for their respective hometown papers thus promoting Bermuda. There were four teams in the first ILTT and originally there were only three fishing days - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - but anglers and guests would arrive by Sunday to take part in events before the tournament. Since then the tournament format has varied between three and four days of fishing in June or July. In the first ILTT 30lb, 20lb and 12lb test were used. In subsequent years the line classes have varied from 8lb test to 30lb test but in recent years only 12lb test has been used, making things considerably easier on the visiting anglers. Comedian Jonathan Winters fished for a number of years and his team won in 1969. In 1982 – to celebrate the 21st running of the event – the American TV network ABC came down to film the tournament for their fishing program “The American Sportsman”, entering a celebrity team comprising Ernest Borgnine (actor), Lynn Swann (NFL player) and Curt Gowdy (The American Sportsman host), who Joe Brooks had worked with. The weigh-in was originally at Cambridge Beaches Hotel, then moved to the Newstead Hotel before transferring to the Spanish Point Boat Club. Latterly, tournament HQ has been at Barr’s Bay Park in Hamilton, which allows more locals and tourists to see the boats return at the end of each day’s fishing. Teams have competed from the Bahamas, US, Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, New Zealand and UK. One of the hallmarks of the ILTT is the high number of international competitors who return year after year. William ‘Bill’ DuVal from Virginia, USA, competed 30 times, his wife Gene 23. Some great fish have been landed throughout the years including some world records. John Hunter from Virginia, USA caught a 107lb tuna on 30lb test in the first tournament. On 12lb test Susan Beauchamp caught a world record 29lb 8oz blackfin tuna in 1988 and a 22lb 8oz horse-eye jack in 1990. In 2001 Colin Rose caught a world record 38lb 1oz almaco jack on 16lb test. In 2002 we became a qualifying event for what is now the Offshore World Championship (OWC) and club members Danny Fox and Bobby Rego along with their US team mates Buddy and Casey Sowers, represented the ILTT at the 2003 OWC in Mexico and won! Through the dedication of the Bermuda Anglers Club members and the visiting anglers we have managed to reach a milestone with this year being the 50th ILTT. And thanks to the efforts of members like Keith Winter, Francis Patterson and Cindi Pearman the Club has a comprehensive collection of records dating back to the first tournament.
Juniors
The annual Junior Fishing Tournament, a free family and community event hosted by the BAC each August, is partly funded by the ILTT. In 2015 over 100 participants weighed in.
Junior Fishing Tournament
Opposite page: The results and kids featured in the winter issue of Bermuda Parent Magazine.
The first Light Tackle Tatler was published in June 1963 and there has been one for every tournament since. It was mainly a way to publish the results each day but thanks to dedicated Club writers and those who like to tattle on others, we have some great stories by which to remember the tournament. It is due to the Tatler and tournament statistics that have been diligently kept over most of the years, that we have such a complete history of who fished, who won and what was caught. Thank you to all the editors over the years for our little paper.
writers & illustrators
Tales , stories & scores
Tatler
The 50th running of the Bermuda Anglers Club International Light Tackle Tournament will be a truly memorable occasion. Anglers from Bermuda, the United States and the Bahamas will pit their skills against each other and the tuna, wahoo marlin and other gamefish that roam Challenger and Argus Banks. All competitors use the same 12lb test line – Maxima Chameleon – to guarantee some extremely tough competition both with the fish and between anglers! The winning team will earn the right to go on and fish in the Offshore World Championship to be held in April 2017 in Quepos, Costa Rica. Barr’s Bay Park, Hamilton, will act as tournament headquarters. Its central location makes it easy for spectators to see the daily weigh-ins. Currently there are between 8-10 potential teams interested.
2016 12lb line test
Proudly serving the ILTT since 1978
overall high point ROd
The line classes used in the ILTT have varied considerably from 8lb test to 30lb test but in recent years we’ve reverted back to 12lb test as one line class makes things considerably easier on anglers that travel to Bermuda to compete in the event.
Pictured left, Bobby Rego of Flybridge Tackle staying late and opening on tournament Sunday to help anglers prepare their tackle.
nothing beats bermudian hospitality
by Barbara Cooper
Hospitality
"I particularly think back on the many times in the olden days when Cyril & I, Betty & Crayton, Keith & Helene Winter and James & Sue Pearman opened our homes and our hearts to the anglers. They always said: 'nothing beats Bermudian hospitality.' One of Rosemont's legacies is hosting the ILTT anglers and we always welcomed them as best friends, and treated them as family." "It is heartening to see the ILTT tournaments still going strong, and maintaining the high standards that were set by the ‘grandfathers’ of the sport!" "May tight lines continue." - Love Barb
We love hearing from our members. We received this lovely message from Barbara Cooper in response to The Bermudian feature: "It is wonderful that The Bermudian offered Crayton the chance to tell “the ILTT story." Who better than him? - a veteran and a dinosaur!"
bill & gene duVal The 20th ILTT was held 13th -20th July at Cambridge Beaches, again using 12, 20 and 30lb test line. 8 teams competed, with Sea Horse Anglers winning for a second time in a row. Team New Zealand fished the tournament as a result of a BAC team fishing their Open Tournament in 1975. High Point Rod was John Barnes on the Sea Horse Anglers Club team. High Point Fish was an 83lb 12oz yellowfin tuna caught on 12 by Bill DuVal of the Virginia Anglers Club. High Point Boat was Nery with Captain Harry Leman and mate James Barnes
1965 Cambridge Beaches
Rosemont
Host hotels & WEIGH-INS
Bill and Gene DuVal fished the ILTT 30 and 23 years respectively. Bill first fished in 1967 for Virginia Anglers Club and then returned to fish with them in 1971 through to 1995 when they fished with their son John. Gene joined the team in 1985. Bill first won in 1972, then again in 1977 and in 1986, and in 1994 with Gene and Crayton Greene. In 2001 and 2002 Bill fished as part of team Virginia Free Reelers, with Wayne Booth and Pete Rose, winning in 2001. In 2003 the team changed names to the Survivors and Crayton joined Bill and Wayne. Of the three years they fished together they won in 2003 and 2004. Gene formed an all-ladies team in 2001 with Lisa Booth and Cindy Mitchell, calling themselves the Tuna Teasers. They fished together until 2005. Gene went back to Bill and Crayton in 2006 for one final time and fished as Thumbs Up. Gene fished for Gwynedd Valley Fishing Club in 1977-1980 and 1983, winning in 1978. Bill and Gene went on to start the Key West ILTT modeled on our event. Gene passed away in October 2007. In 2004 she was inducted into the International Women's Fishing Association Hall of Fame. She has seven IWFA club records. She was the Virginia representative for the International Game Fish Association and was the first woman to receive the IGFA's outstanding achievement award. Gene held more IGFA world records than any other lady angler. Bill died in March of this year. He was one of the first members of the Virginia Anglers Club and served as president and board member for many years. He attained more than 70 world record catches on light tackle.
Spanish Point
Cambridge Beaches was the host hotel for the early years. In 1970 Ariel Sands and Sandy’s Boat Club were the hosts. In 1971 Newstead became the weigh-in station until 1977 when it went back to Cambridge until 1985. Then Rosemont Guest Apts and the Spanish Point Boat Club were hosts until 2012 when the weigh-in moved to the heart of Hamilton at Barr’s Bay Park.
Newstead
captains & Mates
playmate
high point boat
The great teams and anglers have made the tournament memorable, but without the boats to take them fishing there wouldn’t be a tournament.
Captains Keith & Kevin Winter Keith was a member of the Club’s executive committee from 1972, becoming president in 1976 and entered his boat Playmate the same year. He was also on the ILTT committee for a number of years. Keith first fished the tournament in 1978 for the Club, coming in 3rd overall. Then again for the Club in 1982 and 1983, winning that year, Virginia Screaming Frogs in 1991 and for Reel Dealers in 1993-1995. While the men fished, Keith’s wife Helene would entertain the ladies by way of luncheons. Kevin first partook in 1977 as a mate on Spellbound. Mated again in 1980 on Lobster Reef with Gene Barnes as captain and in 1982 on Four Winds with Bobby Dallas as captain. In 1983 Kevin started running Playmate, which was High Point Boat that year with Chris Lusher as mate, and has been partaking on and off ever since. Keith then ran the boat with Richard King as mate. In 2005 Keith & Kevin won top boat. Kevin took over running Playmate again when Keith passed in 2009. Kevin won the next 3 years with Chris Burgess as mate.
The Spruce Creek Rod and Gun Club entered a team 10 times from 1969 – 1978, winning in 1975.
The Virginia Anglers Club have been the most frequent visitor, entering a team every year from 1961 to 1995 and they won five times – 1962, 1972, 1977, 1986 and 1994.
The Miami Beach Rod & Reel Club fished eleven times between 1961 and 1975 and they won three times – in 1961, 1965 and 1971.
Massachusetts Beach Buggy Club only fished three times: 1965, 1966 and 1968, but they managed to win in 1966.
Pennsylvania Anglers fished from 1963 -1976 and they won twice – 1967 and 1973.
The New York Athletic Club competed from 1965 – 1971 but unfortunately they never won.
Blue Water Anglers Club have only fished three times in 1979, 1980 and 2014 and never won, but Dr. James King sure made himself known.
Sea Horse Anglers Club have entered eleven times between 1979-2013 and won on three occasions. They won in 1979, the first year they entered, and backed that up in 1980 (the 20th ILLT) and again in 2005, which was our 40th. David Ross DeSilva has fished nine of those eleven years. His first was our 40th tournament and 2016 will be his 10th.
The Bermuda Anglers Club, competed every year bar one. Despite having home advantage they have only won the tournament ten times – 1963, 1968, 1976, 1983, 1988, 1989, 1998, 2007, 2010 and 2014.
blue water anglers club
Teams
There have been some teams that have returned a number of times over the years.
Keystone Governors Team fished from 1969-1977 but were also unlucky to never be winners.
miami beach rod & reel club
Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) entered twelve times with Hugh Gransaull fishing eleven of those from 1968-1993. His team won the 10th ILTT in 1970. In 2012, when he was 90, he returned to watch the two T&T teams of family members compete. The team captains were Stuart Harries and Richard Lewis who fished with Hugh in his later years.
Memories
by Stuart Harries
The Bermuda Anglers Club’s 50th ILTT is truly a celebration of lifetime experiences, as we reflect on the great friendships that have evolved over many years. Hugh Gransaull epitomizes that. Hugh’s friendship over some 45 years includes Keith and Roz Dunmore, Tom Smith, Bill Lawrence, Pete Perinchief, Hooks Cooper, Crayton Green, Irv Lusher, Bill and Gene DuVal, Keith Winter, Bill Garcia, and many more. Hugh spoke of meeting and having a great time with Jonathan Winter at one event. Keith and Roz always went out of their way to embrace us, take care of us, welcomed us into their family and home. Many a night before fishing, their home would be littered with fishing tackle, putting on new lines, testing the break, talking about where the fish are, or not, as they helped us get prepared. So great was the friendship with Hugh is that Keith and Roz came to our wedding in Trinidad, in 1971, when I married Hugh’s daughter, Johanne. The great evenings, after fishing, spent at Cambridge Beaches, Rosemont, homes of Crayton Greene, James Pearman, in 2012 at Cindi Pearman’s, wonderful restaurants, all made for fantastic memories and friendships. The curry marinade and barbecue tuna at Hooks’ home is always remembered, The Dark n’ Stormy after a hard day’s fishing in the sun, was always the way to go. We have had the opportunity to fish with some great captains, Alan Card, Peter Olander, Sinclair Lambe, Allen DeSilva, Kevin Winter, and their mates, many of whom have supported the tournament for many years. These excellent captains always gave us a great time. Hugh was presented in 1993 with his gold pin in recognition of 15 years’ support and fishing in the ILTT. What a fantastic moment I was able to share with him. We left Rosemont in a horse drawn carriage, through the streets of Hamilton to the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. The evening was a fabulous event as everyone had a great time. Hugh has been an overseas member of the Bermuda Anglers Club for over 45 years. He has had two sons-in-laws, Richard Lewis and myself, 4 times since 1979, to fish in the tournament, and another, Peter DeVerteuil twice. His son, John, once. Then in 2012, Hugh at 90 years old came with us, and another generation, two grandsons, to fish, as he entered two teams. Hugh was interviewed on local TV, and the newspaper, as to what the tournament meant to him. He spoke so eloquently as to the warmth and friendship of the Bermudian people that he has received through the years; to catch and release, to those behind the scenes who work so hard, and the many great times had. This is what speaks volumes for the history of the Bermuda Anglers Club. To have created a legacy, to the encouragement of families, friends, international invitees, anglers and boat captains, to continue and support the ILTT. With very best wishes for a most successful and wonderful 50th celebration. Tight Lines, - Stuart Harries
a few vignettes
I was fortunate enough to have fished the ILTT back in the 70’s, as captain of the Merion Anglers Deep Water Fishing Club, out of Pennsylvania. In those times, the event was held at both Newstead and at Cambridge Beaches, with a mix of charter boats and private boats. Bermuda, at that time, was a more formal place, with coats and ties each evening, and the tournament had a formal flavor as well. Pete Perinchief could be found on the dock on the odd morning, testing lines for breaking strength, and there was an unwritten sentiment against calcuttas. Our captains included Joe Stubbs, Boyd and Teddy Gibbons, David DeSilva, Eddie Dawson, Harry Lehman and Russell Young, and private boats were provided by Hooks Cooper, with Irv Lusher as mate, Keith Winter and Jack Warwick. Anglers of the day included Bermudians Crayton Greene, David Lines, David White, Bobby Rego, Pete Perinchief, Keith Dunmore, Norbert Monish, Juan Prado, Gary Rego, Michael Robbins, Hooks Cooper, Irv Lusher, Jack Warwick, and Spruce Creek Rod & Gun anglers Paul and Stitler Vipond, Jim Lopez from Miami Beach Rod & Reel Club, Carl Rantz and Tom McKay from Coral Reef Club, (Miami), Bill and Gene DuVal from Virginia Anglers, Charlie Lalli and Walter Clough from Merion Anglers, Hugh Gransaull, Hugh deBohmlaire and Louis Rostant from Trinidad & Tobago, Bill Garcia and Eduardo Cutillas from Bacardi, and Rip & Colin Cunningham from Boston. 1975: On the second day, Jim Lopez, fishing that year for Coral Reef Club, brings on board only 4 plug rods with Ambassador 6500C reels and puts 14 blackfins in the fish box. 1976; On the 3rd day, shortly after noon, a 150lb blue marlin swims up the chum line behind the Bermuda Anglers’ boat and David Lines hooks it, and brings it to gaff, to put BAC over the top for the tournament. 1978: Bob Brien, on Eddie Dawson’s boat, hooks a 22lb blackfin on a 99M Mirrorlure plug, only to have the fish break off at boatside. Twenty minutes later, fellow Merion Angler Mott Peck catches the same fish and brings it to gaff… with the plug still stuck in the side of its mouth. In those days, the Wednesday evening fish fry was held at Hooks Cooper’s Rosemont, and the prize giving at Waterlot. At the latter, the Governor would be in attendance and was always asked to say a few words. Prizes included china from Blucks, Millard Wells paintings and engraved silver pieces. Most all the visiting anglers were accompanied by spouses and, in some cases, children. Wednesday was always a down day, unless pressed into service due to weather.
BEST DRESSED
robert 'bob' brien
Over the years the anglers have caught some big fish (including some world records) and it doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman. We are conscious about sustainability, so there are minimum weights and all billfish must be released unless they are a potential record.
Great Catches
overall high point fish
TUNA: “I am not world qualified, so I cannot say it is the best in the world, but it is unbelievable and challenging.” Crayton has caught big tuna on 12lb test. “You had better believe it. I and a lot of other guys have caught fish (tuna) here that were exceptional.”
Connections and knowing the right people can inspire life-long friendships and experiences. “Friendships are very, very important. My friends Stanley Posen, Gene and Bill DuVal - we shared the same values, learned and helped each other.” Another important connection and friendship was with Peter Perenchief, who at the time was head of Fisheries and the Department of Tourism. “Pete brought the prestige and inspired the fantastic people who would enjoy our hospitality over 10 days.” In 1982 – to celebrate the 21st running of the event - the American TV network ABC came down to film the tournament for their fishing program and also entered a celebrity team comprising Ernest Borgnine, Lynn Swann and Curt Gowdy. Anglers travelled from all over the world and talked fishing. “It made me feel kinda good. That was what we were there for. It was interesting to hear the adventures of fishing elsewhere. There was unbelievable compatibility between the competitors over the years. Everybody would bust their sails to fish our tournament. That made us proud. It was a stepping stone for me to visit a lot of other fishing clubs.”
Reflections
fishing in bermuda
Mr and Mrs Perenchief with Curt Gowdy and Ernest Borgnine
friendships
crayton Greene
memories
the jewel in the crown
First fished the ILTT in 1968 for Bermuda Anglers Club and the team won. In all he fished twenty-eight times over five decades, winning six times. His last tournament was in 2006, on team Thumbs Up with his good friends Bill and Gene DuVal.
I was honoured and delighted to spend a wonderful spring Sunday morning with Crayton as I collect memories from members and anglers to commemorate 50 years of the ILTT. His daughter, Shelly and their family friend, Niel Jones, helped me delve into the archives and share stories of years of Bermudian hospitality. We were all enchanted as Crayton, now 86, shared his memories, stories and high-lights of a fishing tournament very close to his heart. One that he hopes will continue with its legacy and inspire a new generation of anglers.
Historically, the invitational International Light Tackle Tournament was hosted by the Bermuda Department of Tourism and was considered its jewel in the crown of fishing tournaments. “It was a very, very prestigious tournament to be able to fish. We carried a pretty darn good reputation and it was revered for its quality, style, hospitality and comradeship. People had a lot in common together.”
The Bermudian Magazine featured our "Reflections of the ILTT" article in their society and culture section, From the Crow's Nest, on thebermudian.com. We had such a lovely response from our members and their readership including a letter of thanks from Shelda Semerjian (nee. Perinchief). "I was so touched that Crayton mentioned my dad (Pete Perinchief) and his contribution to the tournament. He and my mother were very much involved in the ILTT back in the 60's. My father ran the whole thing and orchestrated so much of the event that made it the success it was. My mother also would spend about a year accumulating the prizes that were handed out. They both loved doing it and I think the only regret my dad has was that he was never to fish it while running it. Obviously there was no time for him to do so. I have such fond memories of the event being held at Cambridge Beaches and everyone would stay there and the cottage my parents were in was situated on the hill overlooking the route the boats would take coming in so he'd know exactly when they would be docking. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his memories of the tournament because it brought back a lot of fond memories for me also". - Shelda
reflection of the bermuda iltt
inspiring a new generation
Legacy & future
Crayton continued; “I fished with Niel’s (Jones) father. I hoped to inspire the next generation. I’d like to know that the reputation we used to have could be restored. It was quality, a technique that not many people used.” Niel added that the comparatively fewer sharks in Bermuda’s waters allows for chunking for tuna which can be thrilling when you see them racing through the chum. At this point in the interview Crayton was concerned how he would be perceived: “I don’t want to brag.” We reassured him that this interview was important as an opportunity to learn from a veteran of 28 ILTTs and to celebrate his part in the legacy. We shared that the ILTT had been confirmed for the week of June 19-25, 2016 and that he had indeed inspired the next generation. We explained that the surplus from the Tournament has supported the Club's annual Junior Fishing Tournament, a free community event, which, for the past 4 years has created the legacy of inspiring the next generation of fishing in Bermuda with over 100 kids participating each year. To which Crayton lit up, smiled at Niel and gently responded, “Keep it going Jonesy.”
the one that got away
After a moment’s pause and a time of reflection, Crayton looked up, another smile lighting up his face and said, “all this is coming from a hillbilly from Boone County, West Virginia, where I caught my first fish, a cat fish, fishing in the river. I am tickled to death you are doing this, I am not a braggart but it makes me feel important, I guess I earned it!"
“Fishing here, with the challenges of everybody else’s line, another fish cutting you off, the risks of fishing, the failure of being over zealous. Some of those fish…. A lot of fish smarter than me would have got away.” “We had good captains, and mates. You learn the quality and value of lines and what they do for you, and then it depends on luck to help catch them.” “Old or young, if you have a desire to catch a fish, all it takes is ability - and a fight to the end.” AMBERJACK: Crayton was twenty years old when he arrived in Bermuda in 1950. “When I first started fishing in Bermuda my knowledge was not very broad. I thought a simple way that I would be able to fish was deep water fishing, catching fish I thought I had some ability with.” “My first Bermuda catch was more than likely a barracuda or wahoo. In my early days I fished quite a bit for wahoo.” When asked about amberjack, Crayton submitted, “Amber is probably one of the hardest fighting fish you will ever catch”. Despite this, fishing for big amber and bonito (almaco jacks) became Crayton’s forte: “It became my specialty.”
“It was a sloppy day. A 12lb test line down deep came tight and I eventually worked the fish all the way to the surface. You really don’t know what you have hooked until you see it. You can waste a lot of time catching a shark.” The tell-tale sign or being able to distinguish between an amber and a shark takes skill and experience. “The action of the fish can sometimes tell you what species it should or could be.” It took 3 ½ hours of playing the fish on 12lb line before he got it to the surface. The conditions were rough. Bill DuVal and Crayton could see it flapping on the surface but couldn’t quite get it to the boat. “With the line going back and forth, there is only so much that it can take before it is damaged.” With the boat not moving to the fish, it remained just out of gaff reach. “We all got a good look, and it was estimated as a 140 pound amberjack. I remember clearly that it was a really high potential fish lost.” Crayton is delighted that the effort has been made to host and celebrate the 50th in 2016. “I would love to see another quality ILTT and a safe future for the Tournament.” “Fishing was the hobby I liked to do most of the year round. The ILTT was the highlight with my buddies with comradeship and the quality of the hospitality. People would open up their homes and the original group was unreal.” Shelly added; “the mainstay Bermuda Anglers Club members all corralled together to help make it all happen, such as Hooks & Barbara Cooper opening up their home and Rosemont to all the teams. The social events around the tournament included the welcoming cocktail party held at Rosemont (Hooks & Barbara) and Flamingo (Crayton & Betty), depending on the year and the bbq dinner, which was hosted at various homes each year. That all took a lot of pulling together.”
Ten teams competed in the 10th ILTT. July 11th – 18th. 12, 20 and 30lb test line were used. Ariel Sands was the host hotel. Boats departed from Robinson’s Marina and the weigh-in was at Sandy’s Boat Club. The winning team was Trinidad & Tobago. High Point Rod was John Miles of the New York Athletic Club Anglers’ team. High Point Fish was a 27lb 12oz blackfin tuna caught on 12lb test by Louis Rostant of the Trinidad & Tobago team. High Point Boat was Marula III with captain Buddy DeSilva and mate Jerry Perry.
1980
Due to no event in 1981, 1984 and 1992, the 30 wasn’t until July 10th -16th 1993. Seven teams participated and 8, 12 and 16lb test were the line options. Weigh-in was at the Spanish Point Boat Club and the prize presentation at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club. High Point Team was Hatteras Haulers – Buddy Sowers, Christian Sowers and Robert Trosset. High Point Rod was Robert Trosset.
It would be fun if you were to collect and publish some pictures taken ‘in the olden days’. After all, we were the ‘founding’ members and were stalwarts for many years! Best Wishes, and Tight Lines to all. I look forward to continuing to support the BAC!" - Barbara Cooper
Cyril 'hooks' cooper
fourtieth
The 20th ILTT was held 13th -20th July at Cambridge Beaches, again using 12, 20 and 30lb test line. eight teams competed, with Sea Horse Anglers winning for a second time in a row. Team New Zealand fished the tournament as a result of a BAC team fishing their Open Tournament in 1975. High Point Rod was John Barnes on the Sea Horse Anglers Club team. High Point Fish was an 83lb 12oz yellowfin tuna caught on 12 by Bill DuVal of the Virginia Anglers Club. High Point Boat was Nery with Captain Harry Leman and mate James Barnes.
1993
TWENTIETH
2005 Due to no event in 1981, 1984 and 1992, the 30 wasn’t until July 10th -16th 1993. 7 teams participated and 8, 12 and 16lb test were the line options. Weigh-in was at the Spanish Point Boat Club and the prize presentation at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club. High Point Team was Hatteras Haulers – Buddy Sowers, Christian Sowers and Robert Trosset. High Point Rod was Robert Trosset.
Cyril ‘Hooks’ Cooper was part of the 1972 Keystone Governors Team and first fished for the Bermuda Anglers Club in 1976. His last two tournaments, in 2003 and 2004, were with the Club. In the intervening years he was the constant angler for 11 years on the Candle Valley Anglers Club team from 1977 to 1993, or as they called themselves in 1988/89/90 the Candle Valley Fishing & Drinking Club. In the years that the team did not enter, Hooks fished for Spruce Creek Rod & Gun Club in 1978 and Reel Magicians in 1991. In 1994 he formed the Hooks and Crooks Team and they fished for 3 years. In all, he fished the tournament 21 times, winning in 1976 and1985. It wasn’t only fishing he did: BBQ’s, Captains’ Meetings and Bloody Marys before anglers left on a Sunday were hosted by Hooks and his wife Barbara at Rosemont Guest Apts which they owned. In later years anglers would still stay at the hotel even after the Coopers had sold it, though their daughter Karen still works there and visiting teams are still welcomed.
TENTH
"Congratulations on your interesting new newsletters. I continue to be interested in following the activities of the BAC, because Hooksie was a very active angler – and he and I were also ‘social contributors’ for many, many years. Crayton & Betty Greene, and Keith & Helene Winter also ‘gave their all’ in those early years, and I hope those legacies live on! It is special to me that Rosemont is still the choice of accommodations for the visiting teams.
1970
Nine teams took part in the 40th ILLT which was held 12th-18th June. Weigh-in was at Spanish Point Boat Club and the prize presentation at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. Sea Horse Anglers Club - Leslie Spanswick, Ronnie Boys and David Ross DeSilva were once again Champions by 112 points. High Point Rod was Wayne Booth, High Point Fish was a 68. 4lb Allison Tuna on 12lb. High Point Boat was Playmate with Keith and Kevin Winter.
by Cindy Pearman
THIRTIETH
hospitality
The Bermuda Anglers Club have been sharing stories, photos and memories of the ILTT through their digital newsletters. Barbara Cooper shared her many memories and stories from years of family, fun, fishing and records.
"Bermuda should be proud of the legacy and well done to the Club."
Buddy, Casey and Christian fished as team Hatteras Haulers from 1990 -1997, except in 1993 when it was Hatteras Trouble as Casey couldn’t make it and Robert Trosset took his place. They won that year which was the 30th tournament and they also won in 1995. In 2002 Buddy, Danny and Bobby Rego teamed up as the Sand Haulers until 2006, except in 2004 when Buddy couldn’t come and Richard Ricca fished in his place.
The Lines family has a long relationship with the ILTT. David Sr. fished for the Club in 1972 and his wife Janet in 1975. David then went on to fish with Bill DuVal for the Virginia Anglers Club in 1976, ‘77, ‘79, ‘80 and ‘82. In 1978 he fished for the Spruce Creek Rod and Gun Club. In 2005 he teamed up with his son David Jr. and nephew Brian Lines as team Comic Lines. And then in 2006 and 2007 on The 3 D’s.
sue pearman
lusher & mitchell families
sowers family
david fished the iltt 11 times, winning in 1977.
Families
Brian first entered his own team in 2001 called Fully Neutrals with Serafino Iaclono and Manfred Kruger. In 2002 and 2003 he teamed up with Todd Peever and James Curtis as team Lever Up. 2004 saw him with Garry Toy and Richard King as Rum ‘n’ Chum. Then it was Comic Lines in 2005, One B and Two D’s in 2008, Double Down Byes in 2009, ‘11, and ’12, 2 DW Squared in 2010 and 2013 and as Team Up in 2014. Brian has fished 12 times, winning in 2011 and 2012. David Jr. has continued the family tradition of fishing by passing it on to his three sons, who have won the Club’s junior trophy a number of times. They moved to Australia a few years ago but he has returned to fish the tournament, and in 2011 was the overall high point angler along with being on the winning team. Irving Lusher fished for the Bermuda Anglers Club from 1976 – 1983, winning in 1976 and 1983. His son Chris fished in 1986. He has also been the Club’s president and tournament coordinator. He and his wife Dorry have hosted captains’ meetings. His son-in-law Peter Mitchell first fished in 1995 with his brother Mark from the UK and Simon Bosley as team Honnington Hoopoes. In 2002 Peter fished with his son Mark and Leslie Spanswick as team Black Sealers and then for the Club from 2003 – 2008, winning in 2007. Peter served as the Club’s president and tournament director. Irving’s daughter and Peter’s wife Cindy first fished the tournament in 2001 on Tuna Teasers with Gene and Lisa, and they stayed together until 2005. In 2006 she was on team Chip ‘n’ Dolls and in 2007 on team 2 ½ Women with Fiona and Jim Hines. Cindy and Fiona have continues to fish together as Chixs with Stixs in 2013 and as Bait and Switch in 2014. This year will be her 10th ILTT. Cindy is a women’s world record holder in light and fly tackle and participates in the fly fishing tournament run by Bob Brien. She just joined the Club’s executive committee but has been on the tournament committee for a number of years.
next generation
Sue Pearman fondly remembers the great things about the tournament were the friendships they all made. "Every year we saw so many of the same people, and also new ones. The Miami team were friends of ours and one of the anglers, William Mehrtens, was a judge. He apparently pulled a gun in a full courtroom on a defendant and threatened to shoot if he saw him in his courtroom again. We ended up buying his boat called “Here comes de Judge”. I also remember a beautiful lady would sun bath on a raft at Cambridge beaches in a bikini, she was on her honeymoon, and all male eyes would be on her, thoughts of fishing forgotten. Jonathan Winters would put on quite a show also at Cambridge." "The wonderful times we had at Rosemont with Barbara and Cyril. They ran everything so well. James and I would host events at our house that were great fun and then Jamie and Cindi took over hosting in the same house."
by Cindi Pearman
Jonathan was also a very good artist and some of his work depicted the tournament.
Jonathan Winters, comedian, was one of the most famous anglers we had. He did a promotional video called Passage to Bermuda in 1963 for the Bermuda Trade Development Board. He started fishing the ILTT the following year on the Pennsylvania team. He fished for them for three years. In 1968 he formed his own team the Fishing 49ers (California). The team including William ‘Bill’ Rewalt and Charles Mather, and they won in 1969.
The American Sportsman anglers
1982 saw the Club run its 21st ILTT. ABC sports network filmed the tournament for a show called The American Sportsman, with the segment airing in 1983. The host of this show was Curt Gowdy, who formed a team called the American Sportsman Anglers with actor Ernest Borgnine and Lynn Swann, a former NFL player and sports presenter. The team came fifth out of seven with Swann the top angler for the team though fifth overall. On day two he was high point angler and had the largest fish, a 51lb 10oz yellowfin tuna. He had never fished before so that was a great effort.
Celebrities
illustrations
jonathan winters
Several years ago Neil McKinney had some beautiful custom rods made up for the tournament. Things were quiet. I was standing behind him while he was eating potato chips in one hand and holding his rod in the other when all of a sudden there were tuna in the chum. Unprepared as he was and much to my horror, all of a sudden I saw his rod leap from his slippery hands and disappear overboard. Gone. Needless to say he was shocked, embarrassed, bewildered and incredibly pissed off, muttering a lot of expletives at the same time. None of us could believe what had happened. Then the bite was on. A tuna took my bait and I was hooked up. Time to focus and get him in the boat. After fighting the fish for some 30 minutes or so we saw colour. We were excited. He was a keeper. But we noticed a lot of other line wrapped around the fish. We couldn’t figure out where all this line came from. As soon as we gaffed the tuna Scott Deal along with Mathew the mate grabbed the line to cut it free when Scottie realised there was still a fish pulling on the other end! He then preceded to hand line the fish in and after it broke off at the back of the boat he then decided to retrieve the rest and other end of the trailing line. After many, many anticipated minutes, and much to everyone’s surprise, we found it was attached to Neil’s brand new custom rod. We were stunned! Absolutely incredible! After I hooked up my fish, the tuna must have swum around with the other fish and got tangled in McKinney’s line. Talk about fisherman’s luck! I am glad to report, Neil has since changed the grip on his rods, does not eat potato chips while fishing and can happily say has not had a repeat incident since. I know there were many more great stories over the 15 years I have participated in this tournament but I can’t really bring them to mind. I remember when Bill DuVal fell overboard fighting a fish. Also the first time I came to Bermuda in the 80’s chugging along on the Atlantic Spray fishing for marlin on 16lb test line on the way out to Challenger Bank, only to catch the occasional wahoo.
the bahamians
david 'Fingers' fingland
The Bahamians is the only way to describe this team, as there have been a number of names over the years and anglers, so it is hard to put them into any one category. Although this tournament grew out of teams from Bermuda and Bahamas competing against one another, the first team to fish the tournament in 1972 and then again in 1974, represented the Bahamas Angling Club. They didn’t return again until 1986. Pete Rose was instrumental in that as he returned 16 times between then and 2009. In 1987 they fielded two teams with one being the first ladies team of Linda Sands, Trish Sands and Julie Le Corgne. In 1989 three teams took part with another all-ladies team of Linda Sands, Beverley Brice and Jan Hardy. In 1988 David ‘Fingers’ Fingland joined Pete and then again in 1990 with Lenny Goodman. 1987 was the first year the Bahamians won. In 1991 Pete changed the name to Freeport Fishing Club and in 1993 introduced his brother Colin and nephew Jamie to the ILTT. They fished together again the following year. In 2001 Pete joined Bill DuVal and Wayne Booth on the Virginia Free Reelers team and they fished again in 2002. In 2006 and 2007 he fished with Wayne and T. Scott Garrett as Dr G and the Stiff Rods and won in 2006. And finally in 2009 he fished with Wayne and Danny Fox on team Foxy and the Stiff Rods, again winning. Colin formed his own team, Goombay Hookers, in 1995 and Pete fished with him one more time in 1997 with Ralph Eickelbeck. In 1999 they won the tournament. David Fingland then joined him and Ralph in 2001 when the team returned and they fished the next 4 tournaments together. In 2007 they introduced Neil McKinney. In 2008 David brought his stepson Scott Deal and then in 2009 they brought Scott’s friend Aron Long. Colin returned in 2010 with Jamie and Wayne Russell. Colin’s last tournament was in 2012 with Neil and Richard Ricca. In all Colin fished 13 years. David formed his own team in 2010 with Scott and Aron and 2014 was the only year they missed but it was due to winning in 2013 and competing in the Offshore World Championship. They will be back this year. David has fished the tournament 15 times, this year being his 16th.
Family and legacy
Couples
Pearman
The Pearman family has one of the longest relations with the ILTT. James E. (Jim) took the Outdoor Writers out fishing before the tournament started. His son James A. fished 4 times - first in 1963 with the Miami Beach Rod and Reel Club and then again in 1967. He fished for Bermuda Anglers Club in 1964 and again in 1965. Jim served on the tournament committee and his boat was a back-up boat. James A. became president of the Club in 1964 and he and his wife Sue stayed involved on the tournament committee for a number of years. In 1988 James’ son Jamie fished for the Club until 1994. He teamed up with his brother Peter in 1988, 1990 and 1994. Steven Antonition was the third angler in 1988, though he had been fishing the tournament since 1985. In 1989 Jamie and Steven fished with Matthew Crumley. Matthew joined Jamie and Peter in 1990 and 1994. Francis Patterson fished with Jamie and Matthew in 1991. In 1993 Jamie and Steven fished with Richard Ricca. The teams won the tournament in 1988 and 1989. Jamie served as the Club’s president and tournament director. Jamie’s wife Cindi has been involved in the Club since before they were married, with their first date being the annual prize presentation dinner in 1997. Cindi became they Club’s vice president this year. Peter now concentrates on fishing fly, partaking in the Bermuda fly fishing invitational.
Dean Rea & Fiona Beck are residents in Bermuda but are from New Zealand. You could say they are our second representatives from that country as we had a Kiwi team in 1980. They are also on the Club’s executive with Fiona as secretary and Dean as a past president. They have never fished on the same team, so there has always been a friendly rivalry at the end of the day to see who did better. Dean first fished in 2006 on The 3 D’s with David Lines Sr. and David Lines Jr. They teamed up again in 2007 with Dean winning the Overall High Point Angler prize. Dean and David Jr. teamed up with Brian Lines in 2008 to be team One B and Two D’s. After deciding they needed a better name for 2009 they became the Double Down Byes. They fished together again in 2011 and 2012. For 2010 and 2013 Dean and Brian teamed up with Neil McKinney as team 2DW Squared and then in 2013 Thad Crouch replaced Neil and they fished as Team MP. If that was hard to keep up with Dean has fished nine times and won twice, in 2011 and 2012. Fiona first fished in 2007, when she first teamed up with Cindy Mitchell and Jim Hines to fish as 2 1/2 Women. The following year she fished for the Sea Horse Anglers Club and represented that club until 2012. In 2013 Fiona rejoined Cindy Mitchell and Joan Vandergriff as a ladies team Chixs with Stixs and then in 2014 as Bait and Switch with Neil McKinney joining the team in place of Joan. Although Bait and Switch were runners up in 2014, winning the ILTT has eluded Fiona, but she is a very accomplished angler, having a number of world records.
fiona & Dean
junior lady angler
Ladies
Tracy Jackson, who fished in the 2014 BAC Junior Fishing Tournament, is an amazing fisher woman and was Top Female Angler for 2014. The photo is on board Playmate who supplied a prize for the top anglers - a day out on the water.
of the ILTT
World records have proudly been achieved throughout the 50 year history of the International Light Tackle Tournament and is testament to the tremendous light tackle fishing available here in Bermuda. The first recorded world record caught by a women in Bermuda was Peggy Chambers with an 11lb 3oz bonefish caught in 1953. Lady angler record holders include Rosalind Dunmore, Janet Lines, Susan Beauchamp, Gene DuVal, Cindy Mitchell and Fiona Beck.
world records
Courtesy of Bermuda Tourism Association
Since 2002 Crisson Jewellers have been a loyal and generous sponsor of the ILTT through the donation of a premium timepiece to be awarded to the Overall High Point Angler. For 2016 the timepiece of choice is the iconic Tudor Chronograph, which comes from the same stable as prestigious Rolex timepieces. "Crisson Jewellers is honoured to be a supporter of the Bermuda Anglers Club and the historic 50th International Light Tackle Tournament. We are especially delighted to have been selected to provide prizes for this popular competition."
High Point Angler
high end prize
The ILTT has a rich history as an authentic Bermudian experience. Set in an environment of unparalleled natural beauty and cultural heritage, it continues to showcase Bermuda’s reputation as a world class fishing destination. In contrast to some of the fishing tournaments held on the Island that cater to residents and international visitors the ILTT is not a prize money tournament. Many competitors return year after year inspired by records, friendships and connections made through true Bermudian hospitality and the prizes awarded that create an enduring and memorable association with the Island.
Tudor Chronograph Timepiece
Generations of Crisson family members present the Overall High Point Angler prize
FUN, FISHING & FRIENDSHIPS
Bermuda Anglers Club, P.O. Box HM 754, Hamilton HM CX, Bermuda bermudailtt@gmail.com ilttbermuda.com
W: CJCOACH.COM
E: cj@cjcoach.com