Maldives Game Fishing Challenge 2011

Posted by yasiph on Nov 6, 2011 in Fishing, Hobbies | Comments Off

The Maldives is renowned as a premier destination for tranquil, naturally breathtaking, picture perfect vacations. However with 99.9% of the country as water, the Maldives is an exceptional water sports location with diving, surfing & sailing already widely practiced and played.

What is less promoted is game fishing; and with the atolls and Indian Ocean surrounding the country teeming with excellent game fish including Marlin, Wahoo, Tuna and Sailfish; we welcome you to be a part of this inaugural event and reveal the secret of game fishing in the Maldives to the world.

The Maldives Game Fishing Association(MGFA) will host the Maldives Game Fishing Challenge, in association with Dhiraagu , from 9 to 12 November 2011

With sundrenched days at sea testing your angling skills, you may feel like a holiday to wind down after the competition. Bring your family and friends and relax on one of the Maldives resorts nestled amongst the 1200 stunning equatorial islands. A magnificent tropical holiday combined with excellent game fishing will long be remembered.

Entries are now open for teams and individuals. Register now to take part in this exciting new international event!

The Maldives Game Fishing Challenge in association with Dhiraagu will be primarily a tag-and-release bill fish tournament open to anglers from around the world. With amazing game and deep sea fishing just minutes from shore, including Wahoo, Marlin, Mahi, Sailfish and Tuna, this is an event sure to pique the interests of a wide range of participants.

Three day fishing entrance cost US$650, which includes:

Challenge Cap & Shirt

Tournament bag

12 months Membership to MGFA

One ticket to Welcome drinks & canapés at Bandos Island Resort

One ticket to Presentation dinner at Bandos Island Resort

The inaugural event will be hosted at Bandos Island Resort & Spa Located only 15 minutes from Male’ International Airport.

The fishing area extends from Gaafaru atoll in the north down to Vataru Atoll in the south, encompassing North & South male Atolls as well as Felidu Atoll.

There are a number of routes, depending on your starting destination. Male, which is the capital of Maldives is the main point of entry to the Maldives. Bandos Island will be hosting the event, is only 20 minutes by speed boat from the airport.

European Flights Emirates-travels via Dubai from Heathrow, Gatwick, Colombo, Rome, Istanbul, Frankfurt and Zurich.

Sri Lankan Airlines- travels via Colombo from Heathrow, Frankfurt, Zurich, Paris, Rome, Milan, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Munich, Delhi, Trivandrum, Dubai and Taipei.

Asian Flights Malaysian Airlines-travels via Kuala Lumpur from New York, Zurich, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Osaka,Munich,Singapore, Sydney, Delhi, Dubai, Taipei and Mumbai.

Singapore Airlines-runs from Tokyo, Osaka, Sydney, Delhi, Dubai, Melbourne, Perth, Taipei, Djakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Chennai, Heathrow, Zurich, Frankfurt and Milano

See http://www.mgfa.org.mv/en/boats_for_charter.php on available boats to charter in the Maldives. Once you have selected the boat which meets your needs, follow the link to either the boat website for more information or contact the boat charter company directly.

Please be aware that boats that are linked to a resort will only fish with guests staying at the resort. Therefore accommodation will need to be arranged with the resort linked to the boat of your preference.

If you choose a boat that isnt based on a resort, then you can choose to stay at Bandos Island Resort (where the event is hosted) or in Male at one of the following hotels:

Traders Hotel Marble Hotel Relax Inn Nasandhurapalace Hulhule Island Hotel

There will be prizes for individual anglers & for teams. Each boat consists of anglers, which constitutes a Boat Team. The number of anglers per team is dependent on the number of anglers the boat allows on-board; to be arranged & agreed at time of charter arrangement. The minimum team size is one angler.

Most boats have a reasonable array of equipment, but it pays to confirm what equipment they are using & the line classes. You are welcome to bring your own equipment & lures should you choose to do so. During the tournament, all equipment that catches fish (weighed or tag & relea- sed) will be checked to ensure its within the tournament & IGFA rules.

Failure to meet the requirements will result in fish disqualification.

Welcome pack including tournament polo shirt, team bag (includes Tags) and promotional items.

Invite to the Briefing Social held after the Tournament briefing on Wednesday 9th November.

Ticket to Saturdays Presentation Dinner, on 12th November. Limited beers & wines and non alcoholic drinks included.

Membership to Maldives Game Fishing Association.

Cash & Currency The currency of the Maldives is the rufiya however virtually all hotels and businesses will accept US dollars. There are a few ATMs on Male and most allow cash drawn from international accounts. Credit Cards are widely accepted. Resorts will accept travelers cheques in all major currencies, though virtually all transactions will be completed by credit cards; or US dollars.

Visas The Maldives welcomes visitors from all countries, issuing a 30 day visa stay upon arrival. You will be asked to list the name of your hotel on the Immigration arrival cards and you may be asked by customs to show a return air ticket.

Maldivians The Maldives is a Muslim country and dressing conservatively is preferred especially on Male or local islands. For women, ensure shoulders and thighs are covered. For men, shorts are acceptable. Though on resorts, beachwear is the norm. Dont bring duty free alcohol into the Maldives as it will be confiscated & held at customs until your departure date. Do get to know the locals! Maldivians are friendly, hospitable and a smile will always be returned.

The four-day event commences with an anglers & captains briefing, held at Bandos Resort & Spa on the evening of Wednesday 9th November. A casual welcome social, with drinks & snacks will be held after the briefing.

For more information and to register; Visit the Maldives Game Fishing Association website http://www.mgfa.org.mv