Atlantic Circle Hook Rule Postponed
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced the final rule suspending the mandatory circle hook requirements for participants fishing in Atlantic billfish tournaments effective May 11, 2007 through December 31, 2007. 

THE CIRCLE HOOK REQUIREMENTS WILL BE REINSTATED, UNCHANGED ON JANUARY 1, 2008.  These regulations require anglers fishing from HMS permitted vessels and participating in Atlantic billfish tournaments to use only non-offset circle hooks when deploying natural baits or natural bait/artificial lure combinations.  (The use of J-hooks is allowed with artificial lures.)  TBF encourages all anglers to practice using circle hooks in preparation for the reinstatement of the rule.

Please note:  If your state regulations are more restrictive than federal regulations, you must abide by the more restrictive regulations.  At this time, TBF is only aware of such regulations being in place in North Carolina.

The final rule can be viewed by visiting http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/fishery_rules/2007/5-08-07%20BLF%20C-Hook%20FR%20Notice%20microcomp.pdf.

Join TBF or renew your membership today!  Don't forget you can shop online for your tagging equipment and TBF apparel!  Please visit our website at www.billfish.org.

NEW Board Members Elected!

Hola!

Wanted to catch you up on the latest in the Bermuda Triangle Series (BTS) news. Sufix USA is offering One Million Dollars to the first angler who catches the “All Tackle” Atlantic Blue Marlin while using Sufix “Key Lime” during the BTS. Anglers fishing the Harbour Island Open and the Bermuda Open will be supplied the line of their choice (50,80,130). Note that we are not mandating that the Bahamas or Bermuda anglers fish on Sufix (because you may be using other line in close by events). The St. Thomas leg, the “Boy Scout” will continue to fish on the supplied Sufix 50lb. (standard for 25 years) and maybe the big one will jump into the boat! IGFA Observers are provided to verify any catch. Many of you know that our long-term sponsors are Sufix and Shimano – we are proud to be aligned with the best.

Also new is the development of special $$$ pot for the “teams” fishing the multiple legs of the Bermuda Triangle Series. Their focus is on winning the “Best Team Overall” awards that are based on accumulated angler points. Each BTS leg will have its own Calcutta, daily and prizes; but I’m describing a totally separate pot for those who will be fishing the circuit. These are experienced warriors and because of that – we feel they should be the ones deciding how much ”travel money” they wish to contribute to the pot. So, in Harbour Island we will provide them the finest in cigars and cognac – and in a privately held meeting - they will declare the limits of their own game! The youth programs will get a percentage (15%) and the Boy Scouts (on their honor) will hold on to the money until the finish of the St. Thomas leg. There is no requirement saying that a team must enter the series pot in order to win the “series” prizes and be named on the perpetual award. Each leg has it’s own entry fee. There is no additional entry fee to fish the circuit.

The first leg of the Bermuda Triangle Series is the Harbour Island Open, fishing May 26, 27, and 28 (slips are on reserve). The second leg is the Bermuda Open, fishing July 7,8,9. The third and final is the Virgin Islands Open, ABMT “Boy Scout” tournament, August. 15-20. Join us to compete in one event or all three! The BTS is a benefit for the VI Council of Boy Scouts and we are profit sharing with youth organizations on the islands we visit. Information can be found at www.abmt.vi or telephone 1-888-234-7484. Email is loveto@islands.vi Sponsorships are invited!

Regards from the Virgin Islands! Jimmy Loveland

JULY OPEN TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS ADJUST OFFSHORE AWARDS
-- Opening Day Wahoo Moves Ramon into Second