Despite the inclement weather the weekend of the 14th-16th of November, the 2025 Brian Manning Memorial Billfish Tournament was full steam ahead, with all landings brought to the Shallow Draught.
10 boats took to the waters in hopes of landing the biggest billfish; these species being marlins, swordfish, and sailfish. For such a fish to be brought to the scale, it would have to weigh no less than 350lbs, otherwise, it would be caught and released.
While no billfish were brought to the scale, a number of sailfish and blue marlins were caught and released, and other game fish such as dolphinfish and kingfish were landed.
While all boats ffished valiantly, these were the three which came out on top: coming in third place was the boat Carib Girl, Legacy took second place, and Wicked Tuna took the lionshare of the winnings after they earned first place.
The crew of Wicked Tuna (left picture), Legacy (middle picture), and Carib Girl (right picture) during the prize giving ceremony at Shallow Draught. (Photo Credit: Khyle Pooler)
Simultaneously, the Division hosted an educational tour for students from Toronto, Canada, where they learned about the inner workings of the fishing industry, what species are normally caught in Barbados, and even had a chance to sample dishes. They were also able to witness and partake in the data collection during the tournament, rounding out what was a full experience!
The students from Toronto during their tour of the Shallow Draught facility.