Band the Billfish Tournament

Sport fishing tournaments are some of the most generous supporters of conservation efforts aimed at maintaining healthy oceans and sustaining fish species populations. None represents this better than North Carolina Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish Tournament held in Morehead City, North Carolina.

The tournament worked with the National Marine Fisheries to establish minimum catch weights for Blue Marlin to allow younger fish not yet of breeding age to grow into maturity. The tournament is proud to report a 100 percent release rate over the last 15 years and in 24 of the tournament’s 30- year history. The previous years had a release rate of 99 percent.

This year’s tournament, held July 18-21, begins with a Captains’ Party. Fishing days will be July 19-21, and teams fish any two of the three days. More than $100,000 is up for grabs in prize money with special categories for Lady Anglers and Greenwing Anglers.

ncdubillfish.com

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating July 2018
Photo courtesy of Point Click Ducks Unlimited

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The Southeast Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) brings water, wildlife, and outdoor enthusiasts together.

Water, wildlife, and outdoor enthusiasts gather in Charleston, South Carolina, over Presidents’ Day weekend February 16-18 for the biggest outdoor sporting event of its kind in the U.S. The Southeast Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), now in its 36th year, promotes the preservation of wildlife and nature conservation. From a modest beginning of 100 exhibitors and 5,000 attendees, the event has grown to over 300 exhibitors and 40,000 attendees. SEWE holds over 70 events across 5 venues, including dock dogs sporting water trials, thrilling birds of prey flight demonstrations, retriever events, and waterfowl decoy auctions. Artists and vendors attend from every state in the U.S. and internationally from seven nations.

SEWE’s Sporting Village hosts exhibitors showing the latest from outdoor outfitters, boats, and equipment. Fishing, hunting, and outdoor guides will have retriever demonstrations,
fly fishing, fly-tying, and cast net tossing instruction by local experts. Attending SEWE also supports their mission to provide educational opportunities and in-school programs that connect children to the power of the outdoors.

Through art, nature, and science outreach programs, SEWE helps children learn about the exciting outdoor world and the importance of protecting and preserving it forever. If all of this isn’t enough reason to attend, attendees have a chance to win a 2018 Scout 195 Sportfish boat donated by Scout Boats and Ducks Unlimited. Raffle tickets for a chance to win the boat are $100, and only 600 tickets will be sold.

sewe.com

By Bob Arrington Southern Boating February 2018

Fishing Florida in February

Boat Handling at MIBS