CAYMAN ANGLER - 2008 Rooster Shootout Fishing Tournament

Fishermen, readied their rods! Cayman's premiere fishing tournament, The 5th annual
Kriëger Rooster Shootout kicked off at 8am Friday, March 14th with a Bimini start
from Georgetown Harbor. The fourth year of the event created by local radio station
Rooster 101, attracted over 150 anglers from around the world. Randy Merren, of
Rooster 101, says "The organizers of this years shootout made the tournament even
more exciting than before with new cash prizes." Organizers encouraged all anglers from last year to compete again, and welcomed new competitors to join as well. Fishing dates for the Kriëger Rooster Shootout were Friday through Sunday, March 14th, 15th, and 16th. The weigh station was held at the Grand Harbour Dock, on the canal behind the Grand Harbour Shopping Centre each day of the tournament.

Experienced and Rookie anglers claimed the $4000US cash prizes for hooking The DHL Heaviest Wahoo, The Creighton Properties Tuna, or the Hew's Supply Dolphin. Second and third places in the aforementioned categories were $2000US and $1000US. Last year's yet to be awarded, Grand Whopper (Grand Slam), endows $2000US to the team which manages to pluck heaviest average of the aquatic vertebrates named above. This esteemed title was not achieved last or this year so it has been rolled over once again.

It's always good to be captain but, this time, it definitely had it's perks. The tournament's title sponsor Kriëger Watches provided a stunning Chronometres watch for skipper of the vessel with the most weight caught over the three day competition. Those choosing to participate in the Scott Marine Bimini start had an extra shot at winning $700US. New to the shootout this year was the Edgewater Construction $1000US Rookie award and the $1000 Overseas Award for the best catch by a non resident. The very popular Stuarts Attorneys 14 and under Junior Division was back too.

Overseen by 2008 chairmen Steve Scott, and judges Juan Garcia, Bob Watler, and Mackie Whittaker, each day of high seas hunting wrapped up with catered weigh ins by The Brickhouse Restaurant from 4-6pm behind Grand Harbor Shopping Centre.

Ira Kriëger the inventor & President

The Kriëger Rooster Shootout Fishing Tournament had an entry fee of CI$500 per boat, including a captain and up to 3 anglers, all of whom could fish. Additional anglers were CI$100. To encourage Junior Angler participation this year, those 14 years and younger competed for free.

Registration for the tournament took place from 6PM-8PM on Wednesday
March 12 at Harvey's Island Grill, South Church Street, George Town.

The Cash Prizes for the Kriëger Rooster Shootout are as follows:

The Angler with the heaviest weight in each category of Wahoo, Yellow Fin Tuna and Dolphin received:

1st Place US$4000

2nd Place US$2000

3rd Place US$1000

Prizes were each per category. There was also cash to be won for the heaviest qualifying fish caught Friday March 14 by any boat which participated in the 8:30AM Bimini start. All boats participated must have been in the Georgetown Harbour by no later than 8:15AM. Aerial photography shot from a helicopter documented the Bimini Start. For more information on the Kriëger Rooster Shootout call Rooster 101's business offices, at Grand Harbour on 945-1166.