The highly anticipated Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament, hosted by the Northside Sportfishing Club, is scheduled for Sunday at Hull Bay Hideaway, with fishing set to start at 5:30 a.m., followed by weigh-in and a lively beach party beginning at noon.
The Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament is an annual event that was birthed by the vision of six Virgin Islanders- Edwin Bryan, Denny Bryan, David Berry, Gary Bernes, Albert Sibilly, and Stewart Loveland- in 1988 as a means of promoting sport fishing as a family oriented event.
Since the inception of the tournament, participation has grown exponentially. According to records gathered by the Northside Sportfishing Club, 40 boats and 100 anglers were registered in the first-ever tournament in 1988. By 1999, those numbers would grow to over 100 boats and over 400 anglers, cementing the tournament’s monumental impact on the community.
“As an indication of the tournament’s success in promoting sportfishing to local and novice anglers, the Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament continues annually to break records for the Largest Participation in a Single Tournament in the Eastern Caribbean. The tournament attracts anglers from St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Puerto Rico, and St. Barthélemy. Hundreds of spectators attend the tournament weigh-in at noon, beach party, awards presentation, and post-tournament festivities,” according to statistics compiled by the Northside Sportfishing Club.
In addition to promoting sportfishing within the Virgin Islands community, the Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament also seeks to celebrate the French heritage of many within the St. Thomas Northside community. As such, the event is held annually in conjunction with French Heritage Week and the celebration of the French national holiday, Bastille Day, which is recognized on July 14.
Tournament winners can expect various cash prizes for several categories, including Top Female Angler, Top Male Angler, Top Junior Female Angler, Top Junior Male Angler, Best Boat (most eligible fish caught), Largest Bonito, Largest Mackerel, as well as a few others.
The top cash prize of $2,000 is awarded to the Largest Kingfish catch, a highly sought-after title. In addition to the cash prizes slated for various catches, all junior anglers will have a chance to win a cash prize through a raffle in the afternoon.
Immediately following the tournament at noon, a large beach party continues. Popular local bands, including DJ Jason Greaux, Oleik—The Music Man, RVP Band, and Obsession Band—joined by Freedom Band of St. Barths—perform live throughout the day and into the evening.
Hull Bay Hideaway will offer buffet-style lunch and dinner, and The Armstrong Real Tasty Ice Cream Truck will be onsite vending an assortment of ice cream flavors. The Northside Sportfishing Club has also organized children’s activities that will include face painting and slime-making stations.
A free shuttle service will be available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from the Sib’s restaurant lower parking lot to Hull Bay Beach. The last shuttle is scheduled to depart the beach at 7 p.m.
In an effort to uphold its mission of community enrichment, the Northside Sportfishing Club has identified Joseph Sibilly Elementary School, St. Thomas Rescue, St. Thomas Fishermen’s Association, and Nana Baby Children’s Home as the recipients of the proceeds generated from this year’s tournament.
Additionally, the organization awards college scholarships to students of French descent attending a trade, technical, college or university to further their education. “The scholarship portion of the tournament was initiated by the late Senator Lorraine L. Berry to assist young French people in our community and the club is proud to say we have continued this great tradition. The club, by way of the annual Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament, has donated over $230,000 to community organizations, of which $63,500 was for student scholarships,” said Catherine Bryan, one of the tournament coordinators.
The facilitation of the Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament is a community endeavor that takes many hands to bring to fruition. This year’s generous sponsors of the tournament include Offshore Marine Services Inc., TOPA/ Guardian Insurance, Budget Marine, Caribbean Gifts and Things, Scoops and Brew, Frank’s Electric, Amalie Car Rental, Cyclone Fencing, Hideaway at Hull Bay, The Shack at Hull Bay, Fish Bar, St. Thomas Cargo, King’s Plumbing, and fiscal sponsor the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. Additionally, neighborhood businesses, like Nomad’s Bar and Grille, Fish Bar and Sib’s assist by either adjusting their hours or providing use of their property.
“We are so appreciative of all the support and participation over the years. We hope the community will again come out to celebrate. It takes a community to celebrate a community,” Bryan said.
