The Turks & Caicos Islands, a burgeoning Caribbean destination, is set to host its Annual Caicos Classic Release Fishing Tournament, June 10 – 15, 2008.  Located in the British West Indies, the collection of islands is encircled by a world class reef, offering ideal conditions and making it an angler's dream for sport fishing, bottom fishing, fly fishing and deep sea fishing.  

The 2008 Caicos Classic will feature huge fish and big prize money, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Department of Environmental & Coastal Resources (DECR).  The tournament, which launches from Turtle Cove Marina in Providenciales, will hold daily contests for enormous Blue and White Marlin and Sailfish.  Fishing days are June 11, 12, 14 and 15, with a lay day on the 13th.  The Caicos Classic Awards Banquet will be held on June 15th.

"The Caicos Classic is a catch and release tournament, and we are glad to see it return to our beautiful waters," said Ralph Higgs, director of tourism, marketing, for the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board.  "We take pride in the natural beauty of our islands and want to protect them for future guests, so we are pleased that this year's tournament will turn some of its proceeds over to the Department of Environmental & Coastal Resources.  We commend tournament organizers for their commitment to preserving these waters and minimizing any negative impact on the reefs and surrounding ecosystems."

The extensive reef and coral ecosystem is what attracts the big sport fish that Caicos Classic anglers are after, and those organizing and participating in the tournament are aware of their potential affect.  To combat any disruption, organizers have put strict guidelines into place including International Game Fishing Association rules.  In addition, they will dedicate 5 percent of the prize money to the DECR, the government agency in charge of conservation, protection, and management of natural resources in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The Caicos Classic has grown each year in popularity due in large part to the sheer abundance of quality fish that populate the waters of the Turks & Caicos Islands.  But, the event will not be all fundraiser and strict guidelines.  There is plenty of fun to be had from wrestling a several hundred pound Sailfish, soaking up some stray sun rays at Turtle Cove Marina, or at the event's awards banquet with food and drink for captains, mates, and anglers alike. 

Entry for the 2008 Caicos Classic is $2,500 per boat; registration can be completed by mail or at the event on June 10, 2008.  For more information on the Caicos Classic, please visit www.caicosclassic.com