Help celebrate 20 years at the 20^th Anniversary Event of the Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament! This fishing tournament, which raises money for marine conservation, will increase its cash awards, prizes, amenities and all around festivities during their 20^th year celebration. The tournament will be held over the weekend of April 4 through 7, 2002 out of the beautiful Miami Beach Marina on South Beach in Florida.

The weekend festivities will start off with a Kick-Off Party with final registration and a captain’s meeting on Thursday, April 4^th.  Three days of fishing follow on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 5-7. Each day, the general public of all ages is invited to participate in the free daily dock parties with food and drink specials, live music, exhibitors, raffles and the entertaining weigh-station action, which always provides for great weekend activity. Added attractions this year include Hooter’s Day on Friday, with free wings served by the Hooters’ Girls to all tournament participants. The Release Marine “Pull-Off” provides incredibly entertaining action as people go head to head in a “Reel” tug of war with cash prizes. On Sunday, a huge Silent Auction is held, offering incredible prices on merchandise like artwork, tackle, electronics and fishing trips – all in an effort to raise money for conservation. The Live Auction this year features amazing trips to Treasure Cay, Abacos Bahamas, Guatemala, Panama and Venezuela! Afterwards, the awards ceremony is held in the air-conditioned tournament tent and ends with a raffle drawing for a 25’ Contender Boat.

Last year’s event boasted record release numbers with 104 Sailfish and 4 White Marlin. Cash awards of over $120,000 were paid out, plus another $60,000 in prizes and trophies. Participation was thick with 430 anglers and 107 boats, another 200 with captains and crew, plus about 4,000 spectators last year. Our 20^th Anniversary event should bring in even more crowds!

This year a new precedent was set with the YCMBT taking on a Circle-Hook-Only format, taking the next step in setting conservation goals. Serious competitors, join ranks with the fun-hearted as this tournament also focuses on Family Fishing Fun, awarding trophies in special divisions for juniors, ladies and families fishing together. 

To get in on the competition, the basic entry fee starts at $200 per person, then there are several different added value categories one can take advantage of to earn more cash. Anglers compete for billfish (all release) as well as for dolphin, tuna, wahoo or kingfish. A special challenge, sponsored by Spiderline and Mitchell Reels gives anglers the potential to earn an additional $1,000 in the funfish division! Out of town anglers can take advantage of dockage and hotel discounts by contacting the tournament office or visiting their website at www.miamibillfish.com.

Many international anglers are expected this year, as the YCMBT is a qualifying event of two growing international tournament series. The Rolex IGFA Invitational Tournament of Champions and The World Billfish Series.

The Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament was first founded with its goals to raise money for marine conservation and promote conservation awareness. Over the last 9 years, over quarter million dollars has been donated to organizations such as The Billfish Foundation, The Coastal Conservation Association and the Florida Keys Marine Laboratory. The event is supported by sponsors and product donors nationwide interested in giving back to the marine industry. Main sponsors this year include Yamaha, Contender Boats, Lowrance Electronics and Hot Rods Tackle.

Media coverage for the 2002 tournament will be provided by WTVJ-NBC6, Sunshine Network, Fox Sports Net South, Outdoor Life Cable Network, ZETA-4, WIOD, WAXY and family and friends can get live daily event coverage over the web with InTheBite.com or at www.fishwbs.com.