If you and your family are planning an escape to Florida from the frigid north for spring break, you’re probably already salivating over the prospects of sipping a cool drink on a warm beach, splashing …
2011 Billfish Invitational Underway at the Bimini Big Game Club
19 May 20113:02 PM
During this week’s Billfish Invitational tournament, Fred Garth, Editor-In-Chief of Guy Harvey Magazine, will be filing a series of dispatches from tournament headquarters at the Bimini Big Game Club.
Fishing began today at the Billfish Invitational Tournament with clear skies and light winds. Local fishermen have reported good activity in recent days leading up to today’s kick off so there’s plenty of optimism in the air. Twelve boats headed out early rigged and ready for action.
Anglers and dignitaries enjoyed a full evening of festivities Wednesday evening at the newly renovated Bimini Big Game Club, which has been rebranded and rebuilt as a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort & Marina. Numerous world records have been caught in the waters here and, of course, Bimini was a favorite haunt of legendary fisherman and author Ernest Hemingway.
VIP guests in attendance at the opening party and captain’s meeting included Guy Harvey, Mike Myatt, COO of the IGFA, Bill Shedd of Guy Harvey apparel licensee AFTCO Bluewater, Frank Johnson of Mold Craft, and Sculptor Kent Ullberg, who created the Billfish Invitational’s “Hemingway-Lerner” trophy.
This is the first billfish tournament since the resort was rebuilt with the help and co-ordination of Guy Harvey. The tournament has not only attracted top fishermen but also an eclectic collection of artists and top marine photographers such as Pat Ford, Scott Kerrigan, and Bill Boyce, who is shooting a documentary with Guy and his crew.
The Big Game is On, so much more to follow…
Garth Out!
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![](mailto:?subject=2011 Billfish Invitational Underway at the Bimini Big Game Club&body=During this week's Billfish Invitational tournament, Fred Garth, Editor-In-Chief of <a title="GHM web site" href="http://www.guyharveymagazine.com">Guy Harvey Magazine</a>, will be filing a series of dispatches from tournament headquarters at the Bimini Big Game Club.
Fishing began today at the <a title="Billfish Invitational web site" href="http://www.billfishinvitational.com" target="_blank">Billfish Invitational Tournament</a> with clear skies and light winds. Local fishermen have reported good activity in recent days leading up to today’s kick off so there’s plenty of optimism in the air. Twelve boats headed out early rigged and ready for action.
Anglers and dignitaries enjoyed a full evening of festivities Wednesday evening at the newly renovated <a title="BBGC web site" href="http://www.biggameclubbimini.com" target="_blank">Bimini Big Game Club</a>, which has been rebranded and rebuilt as a <a title="About Guy Harvey Outpost" href="http://www.biggameclubbimini.com/aboutus.htm" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Outpost Resort & Marina</a>. Numerous world records have been caught in the waters here and, of course, Bimini was a favorite haunt of legendary fisherman and author Ernest Hemingway.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/nedcaptmeeting11.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-717" title="Capt. Ned Stone, tournament director, addresses the teams during Wednesday's Captains Meeting" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/nedcaptmeeting11.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="400" /></a>
VIP guests in attendance at the opening party and captain’s meeting included <a title="Guy Harvey Inc. web site" href="http://www.guyharvey.com" target="_blank">Guy Harvey</a>, Mike Myatt, COO of the <a title="IGFA web site" href="http://www.igfa.org/Default.aspx" target="_blank">IGFA</a>, Bill Shedd of Guy Harvey apparel licensee <a title="AFTCO Bluewater web site" href="http://www.aftcobluewater.com/" target="_blank">AFTCO Bluewater</a>, Frank Johnson of <a title="Mold Craft web site" href="http://www.moldcraftproducts.com/" target="_blank">Mold Craft</a>, and Sculptor <a title="Kent Ullberg's web site" href="http://www.kentullberg.net/" target="_blank">Kent Ullberg</a>, who created the Billfish Invitational’s <a title="About the Hemingway-Lerner Triphy" href="http://guyharveyoutpostnews.com/2011/04/29/hemingway-lerner-trophy-unveiled-for-guy-harveys-upcoming-billfish-invitational-in-bimini/" target="_blank">“Hemingway-Lerner” trophy</a>.
This is the first billfish tournament since the resort was rebuilt with the help and co-ordination of Guy Harvey. The tournament has not only attracted top fishermen but also an eclectic collection of artists and top marine photographers such as <a title="Pat Ford Photography web site" href="http://www.patfordphotos.com/" target="_blank">Pat Ford</a>, <a title="Scott Kerrigan's web site" href="http://www.scottkerrigan.com/" target="_blank">Scott Kerrigan</a>, and <a title="Bill Boyce's web site" href="http://www.boyceimage.com/" target="_blank">Bill Boyce</a>, who is shooting a documentary with Guy and his crew.
The Big Game is On, so much more to follow...
Garth Out! https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/billfish-invitational-underway/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=No End to Spring Break Family Fun at Guy Harvey Outpost&body=If you and your family are planning an escape to Florida from the frigid north for spring break, you're probably already salivating over the prospects of sipping a cool drink on a warm beach, splashing in the waves, or catching a fish dinner for the restaurant at one of our Guy Harvey Outpost resorts. But there are plenty of other attractions and activities for vacationers of all ages to keep busy and have fun when you decide to take a break from the beach. Here are some suggestions:
ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA KEYS
Check out our <a href="http://guyharveyoutpost.com/islamoradapackages/">Spring Family Fun Packages in Islamorada</a>, or inquire with the Guy Harvey Outpost Travel Desk at <a href="mailto:sales@guyharveyoutpost.com">sales@guyharveyoutpost.com</a> for special savings at Theater of the Sea when you book a stay at the Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost. Must book at the web site or with the GHO Travel Desk for these deals.
<a href="http://www.FloridaStateParks.org">State Parks Boat Tour</a>: 305-664-9814
Visit two of Florida's state parks in a three-hour guided boat tour out of Robbie's Marina offered Fridays through Sundays through April. Your first stop is Indian Key Historic State Park where you will walk the perimeter of the 10-acre island that served as the 19th century county seat of Miami-Dade. You'll see the ruins of a once-thriving town populated mostly by 'wreckers'-- people who made their living salvaging merchant ships that got stuck on the nearby coral reefs-- and check out the tropical plants originally grown by a physician/botanist who lived there in the 1830s.
Your second and final stop is nearby Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park located only a short boat ride away where you will join a park ranger for a guided tour of the Matheson House and the surrounding tropical hardwood hammock. The house, built in 1919, looks much as it did at the turn of the 20th century, with polished wooden floors, cisterns and the remains of a windmill tower now occupied by an osprey nest.
In a walk through the woods, you'll spot the eponymous lignumvitae tree which doesn't look like much, but whose wood is so dense and hard that it was used extensively in shipbuilding. You'll also get a look at trees with weird names such as poisonwood, strangler fig, and gumbo-limbo.
<a href="http://www.captainslate.com">Underwater Easter Egg Hunt</a>: 305-451-3020
Join Captain Spencer Slate on a shallow-water dive/snorkel/glass-bottom boat trip April 16 as he dresses up as the Easter Bunny and leads the tenth annual underwater Easter egg hunt. Prizes will be awarded to everyone who attends, but there's a special surprise for whoever is lucky enough to find the golden egg.
For lodging packages at the Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost in Islamorada, <a href="http://guyharveyoutpost.com/islamoradapackages/">GO HERE</a>.
ST. PETE BEACH
<a href="http://www.swimwithourfish.com">Get Tanked!</a>
You just can't help gazing at the mesmerizing peacefulness of the 33,500-gallon aquarium at the RumFish Grill at Guy Harvey Outpost, a Tradewinds Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach. Filled with numerous species of colorful, native tropical fish, it was designed and built by the crew on Animal Planet's popular television show, TANKED. Lately it has added some new inhabitants, including two stingrays, Atlantic blue tangs, doctorfish, ocean surgeonfish, and a large French angelfish--enhancing its hypnotic appeal.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/14352097_1101744903237377_6817329903301162398_o.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4628" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/14352097_1101744903237377_6817329903301162398_o.png" alt="14352097_1101744903237377_6817329903301162398_o" width="1179" height="579" /></a>
But you don't have to be content to just admire the aquarium's residents from the restaurant. Visitors aged 8 and up are invited to plunge right in with these friendly sea creatures on guided snorkeling tours. It's safe, fun, and a lot more exciting than watching "Finding Dory" on TV.
<a href="http://www.tampabayboatshows.com">Tampa Bay Boat Show</a>
Check out a variety of watercraft from kayaks to cabin cruisers at St. Petersburg's expansive Tropicana Field March 10-12. Boats new and used will be on display indoors and outdoors. You may end up towing your new purchase back home after spring break. Admission is free; parking costs $6.
Art Shows - <a href="http://www.tarponspringschamber.com">Tarpon Springs Fine Arts Festival</a> and <a href="http://www.mainsailart.org">Mainsail Arts Festival in St. Pete</a>
Make plans to attend the 43rd annual Fine Arts Festival on the Bayou in Tarpon Springs April 8-9. Held at Craig Park on the scenic Spring Bayou, it will feature as many as 250 exhibitors of a wide range of juried art. The event also includes food and live entertainment. Admission is $5, with free parking and shuttle service.
Then on April 22-23, St. Petersburg will host the 42nd annual Mainsail Art Festival at waterfront Vinoy Park. Peruse paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries and many other media while listening to live music and munching on local treats. Kids will be able to create their own artworks in a special tent; adult professional artists will vie for a share of a $60,000 prize purse. Admission is free.
To arrange your stay at Guy Harvey Outpost, a Tradewinds Beach Resort, <a href="http://guyharveyoutpost.com/destinations/florida/st-pete-beach/">GO HERE</a>.
ST. AUGUSTINE
<a href="http://www.floridasbirdingandphotofest.com">Florida's Birding & Photo Fest</a>
Attend workshops and lectures on birding and photography; take walking, boating and kayaking tours of scenic woods and waters; and add to your life list in this April 26-30 outdoors extravaganza.
The event will be based at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Estuarine Research Reserve, located just off A-1-A about halfway between St. Augustine and Jacksonville. Outdoors and photography gear will be on display and food trucks will be standing by to serve hungry hikers. Some of the outdoor tours already are sold out, so make a reservation now. There's a $25 registration fee. Cash and prizes will be awarded in a photo contest.
<a href="http://www.alligatorfarm.com">Alligator Farm Zoological Park</a>
This is the only place in the world where you can see all 24 of the world's alligator and crocodile species in one place-- including Maximo, a 15 1 2-foot-long, 45 year-old Australian croc. Other reptiles such as the Komodo dragon are housed here as well. An ancient, spreading oak in the middle of the park serves as a scenic rookery for many colorful local birds and provides limitless photo ops. You can tour the park on foot or take a zip line tour.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/16711474_10154845538210803_6926099617369395332_n.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4629" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/16711474_10154845538210803_6926099617369395332_n.jpg" alt="16711474_10154845538210803_6926099617369395332_n" width="583" height="418" /></a>
<a href="http://www.saaquarium.com">St. Augustine Aquarium</a>
This just-opened, 80,000-gallon aquarium holds more than 200 marine fish, and also features a shark and stingray cove. There are hands-on displays and opportunities to snorkel with the tank's inhabitants. An odd-looking guitarfish and a friendly nurse shark are among the highlights. Future plans call for a zip line and educational facilities.
More information on Guy Harvey Outpost, St. Augustine coming soon! https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/no-end-to-spring-break-family-fun-at-guy-harvey-outpost/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Billfish Invitational $300 Fuel Credit From Bahama Out Island Promotion Board&body=Register now for the <a title="TBF web site" href="http://www.billfishinvitational.com" target="_blank">Billfish Invitational</a> fishing tournament at the <a title="BBGC web site" href="http://www.biminibiggameclub.com" target="_blank">Bimini Big Game Club</a> and you'll receive a $300 fuel credit from the Bahamas Out Island Promotions Board! The offer is available to any registered boat participating in the Billfish Invitational, and the $300 fuel credit will be applied to the folio of the registered boat at the time of the tournament. The fuel credit offer is limited to one fuel credit ($300) per registered boat. For more information, call 800.867.4764.
<a href="http://www.billfishinvitational.com/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1234" title="Register Now for the Billfish Invitational!" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/reels.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="412" /></a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/billfish-invitational-300-fuel-credit-from-bahama-out-island-promotion-board/){kind=link}
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/billfish-invitational-auction-spotlight-its-good-to-be-a-bahamian-pirate-luxury-bahamian-vacation-package/&media=https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/pirate-luxury-bahamian-vacation-package.jpg&description=Billfish Invitational Auction Spotlight – “It’s Good to be a Bahamian Pirate" Luxury Bahamas Vacation Package){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Billfish Invitational Auction Spotlight – “It’s Good to be a Bahamian Pirate" Luxury Bahamas Vacation Package&body=<a title="Billfish Invitational web site" href="http://www.billfishinvitational.com" target="_blank">BILLFISH INVITATIONAL</a> AUCTION ITEM: "It's Good to be a Bahamian Pirate" Luxury Bahamas Vacation Package
Enjoy a romantic two night stay at the world renowned <a title="Graycliff Hotel web site" href="http://www.graycliff.com" target="_blank">Graycliff</a>, an elegant British Colonial mansion high atop Nassau next to the stately Government House of the Bahamas.
Originally built in 1740 by the notorious priate <a title="History of the Graycliff Hotel" href="http://www.graycliff.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=178&Itemid=152" target="_blank">Captain Graysmith</a>, who plunderd treasure throughout the Spanish Main from the deck of his feared Graywolf, this beautiful home offers an enticing world of colonial elegance tucked away from Nassau’s casino glitter. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens in a resplendent poolside setting, Graycliff is many things - but most of all it is a symbol of tradition, history, excellence and a commitment to providing the ultimate in quality and service. Your deluxe room offers all the amenities and comfort you would expect on an estate that has the only five-star restaurant in the entire Caribbean.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/gc_staying311.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-667" title="Graycliff Hotel - Nassau, Bahamas" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/gc_staying311.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="283" /></a>
Pick your night to enjoy a complimentary four-course "Chef’s Tasting" dinner for two at the award winning Graycliff Restaurant, paired with wine from the award winning wine cellar.
To finish your dinner, select a cigar from your new polished mahogany humidor (6 inches deep), which is highlighted with elegant <a title="Guy Harvey Inc. web site" href="http://www.guyharvey.com" target="_blank">Guy Harvey</a> artwork. This unique treasure will be signed at the tournament by Guy himself, and delivered fully stocked with a selection of 75 fine cigars.
And, what’s it mean to be a pirate if there isn’t any booty? We’ve done some treasure hunting of our own around the 700 Bahamian islands, and unearthed a stunning <a title="Guy Harvey Jewelry web site" href="http://www.guyharveyjewelry.com/" target="_blank">Guy Harvey medallion</a> ( 1 1/4” in diameter) forged in sterling silver with a hard fired enamel Blue Marlin image, complete with sterling silver chain and a set of matching pendant earrings.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/bm1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-669" title="Guy Harvey Marlin on Hard Fired Enamel Medallion" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/bm1.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="396" /></a>*Image is a representation of the medallion only - chain used in the auction may vary from the product shown.
To quote Johnny Depp....”Life's pretty good, and why wouldn't it be? I'm a pirate, after all.” And now, so are you! Donated by Graycliff, Unique Furnishings, JW Cigars and Guy Harvey Fine Jewelry.
AUCTION INFORMATION:
Tickets to nightly events of the inaugural 2011 Billfish Invitational are available for $150/pp. Price includes cocktails, dinner and participation in the auction and award presentations.
On-site auction is Thursday, May 19th at the Bimini Big Game Club. Online bids accepted through Midnight, Wednesday, May 18.
Please contact Capt. Ned Stone (<a href="mailto:nstone@guyharveyoutpost.com">nstone@guyharveyoutpost.com</a>) for details.
https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/billfish-invitational-auction-spotlight-its-good-to-be-a-bahamian-pirate-luxury-bahamian-vacation-package/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Guy Harvey Magazine Wins Addy Awards&body=<a href="http://guyharveymagazine.com/"><img title="Guy Harvey Magazine Wins Two Addys" src="http://guyharvey.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/addys.png" alt="" width="450" height="213" /></a>
For the second year in its two-year history, <a title="GHM web site" href="http://guyharveymagazine.com/" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Magazine</a> has won some prestigious <a title="About the Addys" href="http://www.aaf.org/default.asp?id=27" target="_blank">Addy Awards</a>, presented by the <a title="AAF web site" href="http://www.aaf.org" target="_blank">American Advertising Federation</a> for magazine layout and design. This year, Guy Harvey Magazine took home coveted Gold and Silver awards. The Gold was for the 2011 series of four covers featuring various renditions of Guy Harvey art from a bull dolphin to a blue marlin. The Silver Award was given for the overall design of the Fall 2011 issue, which included a 10-page article entitled, The Art of the T-Shirt. While Guy Harvey is well known for his ubiquitous t-shirts, it should be noted that he is also, Dr. Guy Harvey, noted marine biologist, philanthropist and conservationist.
The Addy Awards are held each year honoring the best and brightest design work in each chapter. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/guy-harvey-magazine-wins-addy-awards/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Bimini Big Game Club’s New Year’s Three Peat Package Includes Free Room and Free Airfare&body=Get your New Year's Game On at the legendary <a title="BBGC web site" href="http://www.biggameclubbimini.com" target="_blank">Bimini Big Game Club</a>. Get yourself and your friends to our "New Years party at the end of the world" in the original party town, Alice Town.
Got plans? Change them!! Bring the party with you! Have we got an offer for you! We call it the New Years Three Peat Package, because we love those Miami Heat...
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/drink.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-380" title="New Year's Party, Bimini Style!" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/drink.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="366" /></a>
Book three rooms for a minimum of four nights, checking in anytime between Christmas and New Year Eve, and we'll give you one of the rooms free! And, there's more! There's also 2-for-1 airfare...now, getting to Bimini is as cheap as a drive to Key West!
Take charge. Get your friends off the couch. Get your Game On...at the Big Game Club. Guaranteed more fun and less money than staying at home stateside, and no risk of a late night run in with the law!
Join us New Year's Eve for the <a title="New Year’s Boat Parade & Pool Party, Bimini Style!" href="http://guyharveyoutpostnews.com/2010/12/09/new-years-boat-parade-pool-party-bimini-style/" target="_blank">1st Annual Bimini Boat Parade and Pool Party</a>. Cruise the harbor with the Scuba Radio Mermaids on our 60' twin deck party machione, <a title="The Big Game Club’s Name That Dive Boat Competition is Over! It’s…Bimini Blue!" href="http://guyharveyoutpostnews.com/2010/10/15/the-big-game-club%e2%80%99s-name-that-dive-boat-competition-is-over-it%e2%80%99s-bimini-blue/" target="_blank">M/V Bimini Blue</a>. Then, join us poolside for live music by Mango Man, and drink specials till midnight when we ring in the New Year.
On New Years Day, its Rum Bloody Marys and football - all the games, all day long.
For all the details and to book your group's Ultimate New Year's Three Peat Package, call the Big Game Club today at 800-867-4764. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/bimini-big-game-clubs-new-years-three-peat-package-includes-free-room-and-free-airfare/){kind=link}
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