By Kimutai Ngeno
Kenya is hosting International Deep Sea Fishing tournament in Watamu’s Hemingways that has attracted over 50 anglers from across the globe.
The tournament which ends on Saturday has run for the last 17 years, boosting the country’s image as a water sport destination.
The one-week long fishing expedition is coming at a time when both Watamu and Diani beaches are basking in the glory of fame after they were named among the top beaches in Africa by the CNN travel.
Kenya’s pristine Watamu and Diani beaches in the country’s coastal region scooped the second and third places respectively as best Beach attraction in Africa. Sharm el-Sheikh beach of Egypt took the first slot.
Water sports in Kenya are not limited to fishing, swimming or diving. One can enjoy other activities ranging from boat racing to kite surfing, scuba diving, water rafting among others.
The waters off Watamu are established as a top deep-sea fishing destination and host 6 of the Billfish species offshore which is very attractive to fishermen wanting to catch a variety of Billfish.
Marine conservation effort
For the anglers who have been in Watamu as from 24th November, their game is not fishing to kill. It is an expedition to create awareness on conservation of marine life and hence the tag-and release motto.
The ‘tag-and-release’ big game fishing concept according to the Hemingways Managing Director Garry Cullen was introduced in the competition in 1995. The over 50 anglers will bring the Billfish to the Boat , estimate its weight , tag and release it back into the water. Tagging has generated a lot of scientific interest as movement of a tagged fish can be monitored and the country’s origin identified.
Anglers will use two line classes, the 50lb (22.6kg) and the 30lb (13.6kg), which apply to Marlin and Sailfish respectively. A prize will also be given be awarded for the heaviest game fish (other than billfish) landed during the competition
Kenya’s Potential
Kenya has a huge opportunity to exploit water sport activities in the coastal line which is increasingly attracting specific and targeting clientele.
According to Cullen, a number of tournaments are planned throughout the year right across all the major beaches in the coastal line including Kilifi, Malindi, and Watamu.
These Tournaments have attracted different clients from across the globe which is confirmation that fishing and other water sports activities is a market which has a lot of potential for Kenya.
International Fair
Fishing sport players have been attending the CLA Game Fair in UK, an annual event taking place in July every year to market fishing sport. “We have been able to attract a lot of customers from these fairs,” said the Director.
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