The History of the Tobago International Game Fishing Tournament

The Tobago International Game Fishing Tournament (TIGFT) was founded in 1995 by a group of anglers from Trinidad and Tobago.  During the first event 5 teams fished out of Pigeon Point, Tobago from 8 am to 4 pm over the Easter weekend that year.  Each team wagered 1 case of Carib Beer and agreed that the winner would take all.  There were no entrance fees.  After the second and final day of fishing a small prize giving was held on the Pigeon Point Jetty and the winnings were consumed at the dock by all anglers.  It was there and then that the participants agreed to make this a bigger and better annual event.  This was the birth of the Tobago International Game Fishing Tournament.

In 2002, the TIGFT Committee decided to relocate the tournament to Charlotteville. The main reason was to bring the Tournament closer to the fishing grounds.  The decision to relocate to Charlotteville paid off the very first year with angler Nick Telfer, aboard the charter boat “Hard Play” landing the then Trinidad and Tobago Blue Marlin Record weighing 649 lbs.  This record stood until 2008.  A second Monster Marlin was caught during the same event that year by angler Roger Aleong, aboard the 31’ Bertram "Barracuda".  That fish weighed in at 631 lbs. Roger coincidentally had another Marlin that weighed exactly the same 631 lbs. also caught in Tobago within 1 mile of each other.

The TIGFT continues to grow and now boasts a participation of over 55 boats in the two divisions (Local & International).  This event is sponsored by well known world brands such as Mercedes Benz, Penn International, Mo Moi's, Black Bart, Angostura, Carib, Gatorade, Digicel, Yeti, Bodo Muche, Sekard Technologies, BHP Billiton and Matouk’s.  Local sponsors include Tobago House of Assembly, Tourism Development Company, National Petroleum, Tobago Water, Lewis Appliances, Bar Code and Hard Play Fishing Charters. The TIGFT is also supported by a long list of Trinidad and Tobago based businesses.

The Committee of the TIGFT is committed to Conservation of all marine life and would continue to promote catch and release to all participants.  In 2008, the TIGFT introduced bonus release points for anglers releasing fish using Circle Hooks.  The use of Circle Hooks is proven to increase the survival chances of Billfish when released.  Also introduced was an incremental bonus point system for each additional release achieved by each team.  This rule further encourages teams to release fish that may have exceeded the minimum weight accepted at the scales rather than land it.  Members of the TIGFT committee include 2 IGFA Representatives and 7 IGFA Certified Observers.  We are committed to educating new anglers on the rules and ethics of the sport and also ensuring fair play to all participants.

For anglers and spectators, the TIGFT is a cultural melting pot where you can find persons of many nationalities and from all walks of life enjoying what is considered a true fun fishing festival.  The people of Charlotteville warmly welcome everyone that visits this beautiful bay and their hospitality is unmatched.  Though every participant may not walk away with a special prize or trophy, everyone is a winner at the TIGFT.  The Fishing, Camaraderie, Food, Festivities, fishing and the sheer beauty of Charlotteville leaves a lasting impact on all participants and visitors to this special event.

Ramona Pazos, TGFT Committee