Nassau, Bahamas - The fifteenth annual Harbourside Marine Rotary Tuna Classic Fishing Tournament is set to take place on Friday June 3rd and Saturday June 4th. The event is a qualifier for the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) World Championships.

The tournament is put on jointly between Harbourside Marine and the Rotary Club of East Nassau. All proceeds from the event are used for community service projects. Locally such programs include food donations to needy residents of Fox Hill, the National Junior Sailing School, and the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled (BAPD). The funds also help support Rotary's worldwide effort to eradicate Polio, provide scholarships, and support of other international programs.

The 2015 event was very successful, raising over $30,000 for the Rotary Club of East Nassau's many programs. Funds are raised through tournament entry fees, corporate and private sponsorships, and a silent auction and raffle.

“We look forward to having a fantastic event this year, and have added multiple weigh-in stations so persons throughout the Bahamas can participate” said committee chairman and RCEN member Craig Pinder. The weigh in stations include Boat Harbour Marina and Little Harbour in Abaco, Green Parrot East Bay in Nassau, Spanish Wells Marina, and two more in Freeport and Clarence Town, Long Island.

As this is an IGFA qualifier, their angling rules will apply throughout the tournament. Eligible fish include all species of tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and grouper/snapper and minimum weights apply. Release of billfish, undersize fish, and ineligible fish is encouraged.

Prizes will be awarded for the top three fish by weight in the tuna, wahoo, and dolphin category. The Grand Tournament Prize will go to the heaviest tuna. There is also a heaviest grouper/snapper award as well as a Ladies and Junior Angler prize.

Awards prizes include a variety of Shimano fishing rods, stand up paddle-boards and up to five Yamaha Scooters, all donated by Harbourside Marine.

Raffle and silent auction prizes include trips on Bahamas Ferries to Harbour Island, Exuma excursions on Harbour Safaris, a 2-night stay at the Cottages of Little Bay in Harbour Island, a watch from John Bull, a 2-night stay at the Hope Town Harbour lodge and 2-nights at the Out Island Club in Schooner Bay.

Registration and the Captain/Anglers' meeting will take place on Thursday June 2nd at 12:30pm at Green Parrot East Bay. 'Lines in' is at 6am on both days, and all fish must be weighed in the same day at one of the eligible weigh-in stations.

The official awards ceremony will take place on Friday June 10th at 6:30pm and all are invited to attend. There will be a live band, food, raffle, silent auction, awards, and more family fun.

Please see attached rules & regulations, and entry form below:

Click to download the attached file(s):
• rules_regulations.pdf
• entry_form.pdf

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