HILLSBOROUGH, NC- Due to the success of seven years of fishing tournaments in Central America, Music Maker Relief Foundation is returning to Guatemala on Feb. 15-20 for the 8th Annual Fishin' Blues Tournament. In addition to world-class angling, great company and the world's best Blues, the tournament raises awareness and funds for Music Maker's programs that support elderly Southern musicians who are enduring the most desperate of times.
"There is nothing we love more than to bring sportsmen and musicians together for a celebration like this," Tim Duffy, MMRF founder and president, said. "Music Maker is thrilled to be able to bring tournament excitement and the world's best Blues back to Central America."
The six-day tournament, located at the Casa Vieja Lodge on the Pacific coast in Puerto San José, includes three days of sailfish and marlin angling competition, with anglers' choice of an additional day of fishing or a tour of Antigua on the fourth day. Participants can also soak up the Blues every night with performances by slide-guitarist Mudcat; Atlanta's Soul of the Blues, Albert White; and the world's happiest Bluesman, Big Ron Hunter.
Past Fishin' Blues musicians include Taj Mahal, Dickey Betts, Derek Trucks and Jimmy Herring.
Although the week will be relaxing, anglers should come prepared to use their fishing skills and compete; prizes are awarded for sportsmanship, for the most sailfish caught and for the largest fish caught.
"I've fished in Marlin Tournaments up and down the East coast, and throughout the Caribbean and Central America; I can honestly say that I've never had as much fun as I did fishing the Fishin' Blues Tournament," Charlie Levine, Marlin Magazine Senior Editor said.
Music Maker Relief Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern music gain recognition and meet their day-to-day needs. For more information visit musicmaker.org. For more information on the tournament visit fishinblues.com
