Team Galati took top honors at the 26th Annual Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament, Abaco, Bahamas with two blue marlin releases by thirteen year old Chris Galati, Jr., Anna Maria, FL. Held June 7-12 at Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina, the tournament offered world-class billfish competition as well as fabulous social events for the anglers and their families. 

Releasing two blue marlin the first day of the tournament, Team Galati held their first place position for the duration of the tournament with 600 points. Galati, Jr. was awarded trophies for Top Angler, Top Release Angler and Top Junior Angler. "It doesn't get much better than this," said the thirteen year old champion, "to come to a place I really like (Treasure Cay), fish this fun tournament for the first time and be lucky enough to walk away with the top prize!"

Second place overall went to Hooker, Bradenton, FL with 300 points. Midnight Blue, Miami, FL won third and So Fine, Jacksonville, FL earned fourth place. The top three teams also received the guaranteed payout, offered by the tournament for the first time.

Kelly Cummins of Hooker, Bradenton, FL won the Top Lady Angler award with 300 points. So Fine took the Top Wahoo trophy with an impressive 96.6 lb. fish caught by Brad Miller, Jacksonville, FL. William Piniero on Domarlo, West Palm Beach, FLearned first place dolphin with a 36.5 lb. fish. 

Lay day activities included a golf tournament, Hell's Kitchen Dock Party Cookoff and a junkanoo parade performed by the children of the Treasure Cay school.

An event sanctioned by the World Billfish Series and a qualifier for the International Tournament of Champions, this modified release tournament offered four days of fishing, parties, dinners and fun competitions. Anglers were generous with their donations to the Treasure Cay Primary School.

Information and photos from the 2009 event are available at www.treasurecayfishing.com. Sponsors included Awlgrip North America, Continental Connection/Gulfstream International Airlines (official airline of the tournament) G&G Shipping, Abaco Estate Services and Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina. 

Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina offers 78 harbour side hotel rooms, including one, two or three bedroom suites, a 150-slip marina, 3½ mile powdery white sand beach, 18-hole golf course, four tennis courts, swimming pool, Spinnaker Restaurant, Tipsy Seagull Bar, reception center and a beach gazebo available for sea-side weddings and other functions. The Treasure Houses on the beach, formerly only for long-term rentals, are offered for stays as short as three days.

For information and reservations, contact US representative, Treasure Cay Services Inc., 2301 S. Federal Hwy., Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33316-3949, phone 1-800-327-1584 or 954-525-7711, email: info@treasurecay.com or visit www.treasurecay.com.