Porto Rotondo Big Game - 2010

The_Gaffer · June 18, 2010, 10:50:31 CET

The Porto Rotondo Big Game Fishing tournament is probably the biggest and most important fishing tournament organised in the Mediterranean Sea. Porto Rotondo is located in the nothern part of Sardegna next to the Costa Smeralda. The tournament is spread over 2 days, with one day dedicated to trolling, and one day to drifting.

This year, the tournament is to be held on the 28 and 29 August 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l9uQMRw70E

Why am I writing this. Well guys, most probably, The Gaffer will this year take part in the tournament

This involves massive planning and organisation, together with the finances to make this dream possible. 3 Members of this forum, probably 4, including myself, will be participating. The intention is to ship The Gaffer all the way to Porto Rotondo, take part, and ship it back again. We are on the lookout for potential sponsors for this event, and suggestions as to the best way to ship The Gaffer. My current thinking is to ship the boat on its own road trailer. Simply haul the boat onto a ship bound to Naples, and then via roro to Sardegna. Any of you guys have suggestions on potential shippers, like Grimaldi lines or Seaways passages, are more then welcome.

robby017 · June 18, 2010, 11:49:07 CET

Grimaldi is safe and comfortable...... used it last november when i came down from the UK with my new car...... we boarded at Catania.

Recomended

fishfinder · June 18, 2010, 12:42:11 CET

Sullivan Marine. ask for Jesmond

The_Gaffer · June 18, 2010, 13:33:32 CET

Guys , we'll discuss this next Tuesday at the Briefing

twoutes · June 18, 2010, 13:49:00 CET

Wow.Thats awesome.Good luck with your quest. Have you considered leasing a boat at Porto Rotondo? I'm sure that would reduce your overheads. In saying that....nothing beats fishing out of your very own boat. Good luck!

The_Gaffer · June 18, 2010, 13:56:20 CET

Hi Twoutes - Thats an option...there is IBS boats present in Porto Rotondo, and leasing a boat for 2 days would be an Option. I am of course inclined to fish out of my own boat. I used to the wake, pressure waves, and all instrumentation, making it easier for me to concentrate on the fishing. If you saw the youtube clip, there are some big assed fishing machines there, like the famous aussie built Riviera sports fisher.

twoutes · June 18, 2010, 14:08:24 CET

Fishing out of your own boat definitely give you lots of advantages, and like you say you can concentrate on the fishing. Yes l saw the clip and very envious of you. Don't let those big flash game boats intimidate you either...l've fished many tournaments where the smaller trailor boats have outclassed the bigger boats....its a fishing tournament remember?

The_Gaffer · June 18, 2010, 14:22:41 CET

Thats right. The Gaffer's a 28foot, 32 year old Trojan Flybridge, but she's very sea worthy and an excellent fishraiser. The point about the boat size and flash is spot on...the guy who won last years Forum tourney for albacore was on a RIB!!. But taking part in this tournament has always been my dream...the only problem is getting my boat there. She stands 18feet from the ground up because of the flybridge and it will be a challenge to get her onto one of these ferries with their low headroom inside the cargo bay. Anyways, I'll do some checking, work out the expenses, and take it from there. But to be taking part in a tournament with some of the best fishermen in the Mediterranean, and that includes some world class Italian champions, is an experience in itself. These guys know the area by heart, have fished tourneys for many years in the same area, and will definitely be amongst the winners. I have no expectations whatsover, its just the thrill of being part of such a grand tournament.

twoutes · June 18, 2010, 14:32:42 CET

Good on you! Live your dream, and remember that 'we are here for a good time not a long time'

clutch_kick · June 18, 2010, 16:42:44 CET

Gaffer. I fished in Sardegna this year, all I can tell you is go for it, the italians are amazing people and always willing to let you in on a lot of secrets (after the competition ofcourse). We went for a Jigging Competition in April.

In my opinion it will be a LOT cheaper to charter a boat and skipper for the Competition. I can ask some of my Sardinian friends if you would like.

Moonwalker · June 18, 2010, 22:42:37 CET

Why not doing the trip with the Gaffer? Its a long distance but the Gaffer should do it I guess.

busumark · June 19, 2010, 07:45:26 CET

if you go in a straight line there is about 400 nm to the north of sardegnia. if you have 2 weeks off from work it might be a good idea. you take 6 days to go stopping at night 2 days competition and 6 days to come back.

if you have a month of from work it would be better. you can take longer to come back stopping fishing along the way back

Moonwalker · June 19, 2010, 08:28:29 CET

Why 6 days busu? 400nm at 20knots makes 20hrs. And you can stop half way in sicily at some port in the north.

The_Gaffer · June 19, 2010, 08:59:04 CET

Its a long journey guys. I know I could hop to Sicily, make for the nearest port like for example Gela, then hop over to Trapani, then make the dash to Caligari Sardegna, then hop up the coast from there. But its a very long journey. Next week my objective is to get some quotes on shipping the boat over and back, and will look at the alternative of leasing a boat from there. The Team will have to work fast and efficiently. There is a lot to do.
Clutch-Kick - We could use all the help we can get. Contacts in Porto Rotondo, fishing grounds, winds, currents, anything which might help us. We're starting this journey with a clean sheet. We know nothing, but willing to learn fast.

clutch_kick · June 19, 2010, 12:45:33 CET

I'll see who i can hook you up with.