Atlantic Division Update: Lights Out New England Scouting Bahamas Prior to Walker's Cay Open

SFC Insider recently caught up with Captain Tyler Dufresne and Rob Carmichael from Lights Out New England Angling Club, who recently made their way to The Bahamas. The Pocasset, Massachusetts-based club are competing in several tournaments in the leadup to SFC’s Walker’s Cay Open May 28-31.

The full interview will be coming next week during SFC’s live coverage of The Hurricane Hole Louisiana Open.

“Fishing the tournament the week before in Walker's will definitely allow us to kind of see where the fish are spread out and give us a better idea of where we want to be for the Open,” Carmichael said.

Lights out New England and their 62’ Viking arrived at Marsh Harbour in the Abacos on Wednesday, April 30. A run of mahi-mahi greeted them, with some billfish activity also marked for the upcoming tournaments on their calendar. 

“We'll take all the practice we can get and take as much local experience we can get,” Carmichael said. “Fish in different territories just trying to get the lay of the land.

At the northernmost point of the Abacos, Walker’s Cay is so close to the action offshore that anglers can hook large billfish in deep water and also land bonefish inshore within a couple of hours time. 

“It’s hard to beat Walker’s [Cay] you know, it's got that old Bahamas feel still,” Dufresne said. 

It doesn’t get much more “old Bahamas” than Walker’s Cay. An outpost by the British Empire to combat piracy in the 1700s, the mecca of sportfishing prior to absolute destruction by Hurricanes Jeanne and Frances in 2004. 21 years later, Walker’s is rightfully taking its place back among the most prestigious venues in offshore fishing. 

The Walker’s Cay Open also marks the first SFC tournament for the Atlantic Division where prized Blue Marlin will be the main target. The season-opening Fort Lauderdale Billfish Open required a different strategy that is very specific to South Florida: Kite fishing. Highly technical, targeting sailfish with kites uses lighter tackle, live bait, and stationary positioning for boats, which all run contrary to what is needed to chase species of marlin.

“It's nice to be going back to trolling. I'll say that,” Dufresne joked. 

As will the rest of the Atlantic Division come a few weeks from now.