The Maldives Game Fishing Association (MGFA) has officially opened entries today for the inaugural Maldives Game Fishing Challenge via its website, www.mgfa.org.mv. The tournament, set to take place in and around North and South Male’, and Vaavu atolls from 10 to 12 November this year, will be the first of its kind to be held in this pristine, ultimate and virtually untouched open water fishing destination.
The newly established MGFA has appointed an organizing committee comprised of IGFA representatives from the Maldives and Australia, prominent Maldivians and business and sports consultants from the region.
Up to 80 anglers from the Maldives and around the world are anticipated to compete in this international tournament that has received endorsement from the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) as an IGFA Offshore World Championship Qualifying Event. The tournament will utilize boats from resorts and tour operators in the area and anglers are able to select their preferred boats online as part of the entry process.
Fishing will be in accordance with IGFA rules. The tournament’s targeted species are Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin, Big Eye and Dog Tooth Tuna and Wahoo using 20, 30, 50 and 80 pound line classes with minimum weights on all line classes. The MGFA organizing committee is keen to ensure that the event maintains an emphasis on ‘Tag & Release’ (where fish are captured, then revived and released back into the sea with an identifying tag attached) for scientific and conservation purposes.
The entry fee includes membership to the MGFA, competition entry for three full days of fishing (10-12 November), a ticket to the welcome briefing and cocktail reception, a ticket to the presentation awards and dinner at the end of the tournament, a competition shirt, cap and tournament bag with various fishing giveaways and other sponsor goodies. Additional tickets to on-land events can also be purchased to allow partners or other family members to attend and celebrate.
There will never be a better time for anglers and their families to visit the Maldives – do not miss the opportunity to be part of the first ever Maldives Game Fishing Challenge. Enter now at www.mgfa.org.mv.
