Mid April was reeling with action during the 2026 Republic Bank Sir Charles Williams International Fishing Tournament. One hundred and fifty-six anglers across 25 boats numbering, inclusive of 9 female and 6 junior anglers took to Barbados' waters to see who could come out on top by landing the biggest catches.

A number of dolphinfish, barracudas, and kingfish were brough to the scale, and while the most prized fish (blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and other billfishes) were not heavy enough (> 350lbs) to bring back to the scale, there were plenty of catch and releases.

Finishing in the top five were:

5th: Wicked Tuna with 1250 points

4th: Mamzelle with 1250 points

3rd: Never Enough with 1500 points

2nd: Lionheart with 1500 points

1st: Eclipse with 2250 points

The crew of Eclipse accepting their first place prize from the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Santia Bradshaw.

Special mentions are made to the Champion Overall Anglers. The top angler was Jonathan Webster on Eclipse, earning 1250 points. Following was Kathryn Mitchell on Lionheart, who was additionally the Champion Female Angler, scoring 1000 points. Special mentions are also made to the other female anglers Diane Crouthamel on Dos Hermanos in second and Shelly Parkin on Cracklin Rose in third. In third overall was Louki Lanza of Eclipse, who was also the Champion Junior Angler.

Additionally, the heaviest fish was landed by Bradley Howell on Carib Girl; a dolphinfish weighing 43.3lbs. This was followed by Mamzelle's David Hamel-Smith's 25 lbs dolphinfish.

Bradley Howell in front of the tournament backdrop, while David Hamel-Smith walks towards the weigh station in the last photo.

Of course, the Fisheries Division was on site to collect biological information on the various species which were landed; being their lengths and weights. This data helps us to understand more about the fish caught in our waters, and informs sustainable management plans to ensure the longevity of commercial fishing and sportsfishing tournaments alike!

This international tournament promises to grow much larger with the introduction of the Ladies Day Tournament to take place as a part of its activities from next year. Stay tuned for how things will be shaken up and reinvigorated. Hope to see you next year!