Started by the late avid Virgin Islands’ angler, Chuck Senf back in 1972 – and nicknamed The Boy Scout Tournament since a portion of the proceeds have always benefited the VI Council of the Boy Scouts of America, one of Senf’s favorite charities – the USVI Open /ABMT has evolved into one of the most competitive saltwater sports fishing events in the world. It’s one of events making up Bisbee’s World Billfish Series and is a qualifier for the Rolex-IGFA Invitational “Tournament of Champions”.

All along, it has been Loveland, who has been the mover-shaker tournament director, building both quality and prestige into the event. “To construct a tournament that the Florida, as well as local fishermen, would be sufficiently enticed to enter, necessitated a precise set of rules,” Loveland explains. “In addition to the basic, IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) rules, we had to write a special set of regulations which would tighten and expand on those proffered by the IGFA.” These special rules included an Observer Program and Board of Captains, as well as the first for 400-pound minimum catch and release.

This year, the 35th anniversary of the tournament, will mark the 20th year since a blue marlin as been boated or killed. Anglers earn points for releasing a fish, and it is the number of fish released and who releases that number first that wins the tournament. “We attribute this ‘release success’ to the trust established in our observer program (most observers are professional sports fishermen) and the desire of the anglers to let the fish go,” Loveland says.

An enduring testament to the tournament’s success is its contribution to charity. In past years, over $140,000 was raised for the Virgin Islands Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

More than simply fun for fisherman, the USVI Open/ABMT is a community event with a myriad of festivities.

The Kick-Off Party takes place from 6:30 till 10:30 on Friday August 24, at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa.

Fishing gets underway the next day with a Boy Scout Color Guard Flag Raising Ceremony and Blessing of the Fleet designed to bring good luck and lots of bites. Lines go in the water from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Then at 7:30 p.m., it’s “Outback Night” under the tents at the American Yacht Harbor. Sports fisherman and the public are invited to come out and buy delicious plates of fresh cut strip steaks, chops and ribs on the grill with all the trimmings.

Come Sunday August 26th, while the big boys are out marlin hunting, the Innovative Wireless Handline Tournament will take place with over 200 kids, clad in free event T-shirts with handlines and slippery squid in hand, fishing along the docks at American Yacht Harbor. Sign-up is at 9:30 a.m. with awards early in the afternoon.

“This event is special to us. We’re always happy to help the young anglers of St. Thomas,” said Innovative representative, Janette Millin Young.

At night, the Dock Party will rock with finger foods and well-stocked bars.

Hard driving fishermen can relax at the Caribbean Night festivities from 7:30 to 11 p.m. on Monday August 27th. “Don’t miss this party,” says Loveland, who adds that this year’s venue will be the newly opened Yacht Haven Grande.

Anglers, captains and crews take a Lay-Day from fishing on Tuesday August 28th. This is the full moon day, and according to experienced sports fishermen, fishing is best right before and after the full moon.

Fishing concludes Wednesday August 29th at 4:30 p.m. when the fleet makes a mad dash for shore during the Jim Smith ‘Race From The Edge’. There’s a lot of machismo in winning this event, also 500 gallons of free fuel, compliments of Texaco. “Spectators can sip cocktails and witness the race to the finish line at the Sapphire Beach Resort’s pool bar,” Loveland says. Winners are named at the evening Awards Banquet to be held at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa.

For more information, contact Loveland at: 340-775-9500 or 1-888- 234-7484; Email: loveto@islands.vi; Web: www.abmt.vi