Left to right: Joel Moxey, event co-host and Consultant, BMOTIA; David Tate, winning guide; Omeko Glinton, winning angler; Wendell Saunders, Executive, BMOTIA-Grand Bahama; Malachi Rolle, winning angler; and Earnestine Moxyz, event co-host and Senior Manager and Lead for Fishing Industry, BMOTIA. (Photo courtesy of BMOTIA)
July 23, 2025
By Fly Fisherman Staff
Veteran angler and guide Omeko Glinton (Grand Bahama) and newcomer Malachi Rolle (Exuma), guided by David Tate (Grand Bahama) took top honors at the inaugural leg of the Bahamas Bonefishing Tournament Series on July 8–13 at the Grand Lucayan resort. The event brought together 18 of the nation’s top anglers and guides for a competitive event governed by International Game Fishing Association rules.
Participants hailed from Acklins, Crooked Islands, Andros, Abaco, Exuma, and Grand Bahama, with a combined guiding and angling experience exceeding 600 years. Over three days of fishing, scores were tallied based on the number and size of bonefish caught.
The winning team scored 118 points, while second place went to David Pinder (Grand Bahama) and Paul Pinder (Abaco), guided by Howard Thomas, with 97.5 points. Third place, with 89.5 points, was awarded to Shawn Riley and Greg Roberts (Andros), guided by Joseph Thomas (Grand Bahama).
“With approximately 700 islands and cays worth of wonders to explore, this event allows our visitors to tap directly into the natural beauty as well as the unique appeal of our destination,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (BMOTIA), the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, said. “Only a month following their announcement, this tournament, as the first part of a continuing series, has provided a positive impact on the local community, creating genuine opportunities for Bahamians to build careers within the tourism industry. Across the length and breadth of our archipelago are scores of experiences that go beyond the day-to-day, experiences which are being made increasingly accessible. Through these events, we show how sustainable sportfishing is an enjoyable experience for our guests as well as a major support for the economic growth and strength of our islands.”
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The tournament is part of a four-island series that includes upcoming stops in Andros (October 7–12) and Eleuthera (October 14–19), culminating in a championship round set for October 21–26 in Black Point, Exuma. The top two teams from the Grand Bahama event qualified for the final.
Additional distinctions included the largest bonefish caught–a 24-inch specimen landed by Prescott Smith (Andros)–and the highest number of fish caught, credited to Glinton with 73 points.
Pictured are government officials and event hosts with top two winning teams. From left to right are: Howard Thomas, 2nd place, guide finisher; Malachi Rolle, winning angler; Paul Pinder, 2nd place angler finisher; Earnestine Moxyz, event co-host and Senior Manager and Fishing Industry Lead, BMOTIA; David Tate, winning guide; Omeko Glinton, winning angler; David Pinder, 2nd place angler finisher; Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; Steven Johnson, Director, Tourism Development Corporation; Nuvolari Chotoosingh, General Manager, BMOTIA-Grand Bahama; Nathenial Middleton, Sponsor and Brand Manager, Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits and Joel Moxey, event co-host and Consultant, BMOTIA. (Photo courtesy of BMOTIA) Cooper emphasized the role of sportfishing in local economic development and sustainable tourism, stating that the tournament supports career opportunities for Bahamians and enhances the global appeal of the country’s natural resources.
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“The Bahamas Government and the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation are committed to the flats and fly-fishing industry in the Bahamas and to growing our family island communities through this sport," said Cooper.
Sponsors supporting the event include Bonefish & Tarpon Trust , Scientific Anglers , Bajio , and more.
The next tournament will be held at Andros Island Bonefishing Club in Behring Point. U.S. anglers are encouraged to register; Registration and details are available at bahamas.com/bahamas-bonefishing-tournament-series .
