2. Honduras International Billfish Open - Club de Pesca del Caribe

Honduras International Billfish Tournament 2024 starts in…….

Honduras International Billfish Open

The Honduras International Billfish Open is a tournament organized by the Club de Pesca del Caribe which over the years has established itself as the most important sport fishing event in Honduras.

2011

The year the first HIBO was held.

40+

Over 40 vessels participate every year in the HIBO, with participants from over 15 countries.

500+

Over 500 billfish have been released in the country since the implementation of this new fishing modality.

Lps 12,000,000+

Have been invested directly and indirectly into the economy of the adjoining comunities thru all editions.

This tournament aims to encourage sustainable sport fishing among all fishermen in our region, uniting and creating ties within this community through its 3 days of events, thus promoting tourism development in the areas of Omoa and Puerto Cortés. Lastly, and perhaps the objective that will leave a significant impact throughout all its editions, is the social component that was added to the tournament since its inception. The form and mechanism with which this event was designed has allowed the Club de Pesca del Caribe to generate resources that year after year serve to support organizations and schools in great need within our country. All of the above would not be possible without the great support of all our sponsors and participants who are part of this great event every year.

Sustainable Sport Fishing

The Honduras International Billfish Open was the first 100% “Catch & Release” tournament in the country. This means that no Billfish can be sacrificed, regardless of its weight or size. From this measure, all other tournaments followed this same line of conservation and implemented this modality.

Thanks to this initiative, over the years the objective of creating awareness of the conservation of these species has been achieved, not only during tournaments, but also during other recreational fishing trips. In the last 12 years of national tournaments and recreational fishing days, it is estimated that members of the Club de Pesca del Caribe, as well as other participating fishermen from this and other areas of the country, have released more than 500 billfish, which would have been sacrificed for not having initiated this awareness of sustainable sport fishing.

Promote Development

Promote fishing as a form of tourism in our country. Managing to generate financial growth in the population living in the surrounding areas where the tournament is held. By investing in projects related to fishing such as restaurants, hotels, marinas, charters and many more.

These new projects will create new direct jobs and countless indirect jobs, which will generate wealth and population growth. Allowing them to grow in their professional aspirations and being able to better provide for their families.

Social Responsability

Help some of the most needy areas of the society in our country. For this reason, every year a big portion of the funds are destined to help different charitable organizations.

In our first edition we were able to donate L. 50,000 to a single organization. In this short time we have grown to the point that we can now donate L. 500,000 between 3 organizations in a single edition. To date we have donated more than 4 million lempiras and have helped more than 35 different organizations such as: orphanages, schools, hospitals, special needs children, cancer centers, daycare centers, helplines and many more.

Billfish Points Category

Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish and Spearfish are the only species that qualify for this tournament. The Billfish Division winner is defined by the sum of points awarded for the official release of one or more properly recorded and reported Billfish species..

First Place

The boat that reaches first the highest accumulation of billfish points will get $17,500.00 in cash, plus prizes.

Second Place

The boat that reaches the second highest accumulation of billfish points will get $10,500.00 in, cash, plus prizes.

Third Place

The boat that reaches the third highest accumulation of billfish points will get $7,000.00 in, cash, plus prizes.

Rodeo Category

Wahoo, Dolphin, Kingfish and Tuna are the only species that qualify for this tournament. Any catch must weigh at least 20 Lbs to qualify.

First Place

The boat with the highest fish weight will obtain a prize of $4000 in cash, plus prizes

Second Place

The boat with the second highest fish weight will obtain a prize of $2,400 in cash, plus prizes

Third Place

La embarcación con la tercera mayor acumulación de Billfish Points obtendrá $1,600.00 en efectivo mas premios

Grand Champion

The boat that accumulates the highest number of pounds weighted in the rodeo category will receive a specal prize.

Children’s Category

Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin & Barracuda are some of the species that qualify for this category. Any species of fish qualifies regardless of their weight. 12 years is the maximum age for a child to participate in this category.

First Place

Goes to the participant with the highest weighted fish.

Second Place

Goes to the participant with the second highest weighted fish.

Third Place

Goes to the participant with the third highest weighted fish.

OTHER CATEGORIES

Special Awards

TOP TAGGER

The vessel thatTAGsthe most billfish during the event will receive a special award.

TOP LADY ANGLER

Prize for the fisherwoman who obtains the most points by adding the points from the Billfish and Rodeo category.

REGISTRATION

Follow the registration instructions and proceed to online payment. Once the boat is registered, you will receive an email confirming the registration. Please keep in mind that this confirmation must be presented at the captains' meeting in order to receive all the material, bracelets and other royalties that are given to each participating boat. You will also receive an invitation to the HIBO-2024 WhatsApp group, where the # of each day's flag will be sent, as well as other important information related to the tournament.

$1,000.00

Inscription Fee

It is worth mentioning that it is the responsibility of the participating vessels to have their permits, licenses and registration in order with the local authorities.