Sport fishing returns to the Yacht Club de Ilhabela (YCI) this Saturday in Ilhabela, São Paulo, with the 3rd Bottom Fishing Tournament of the 2026 Season. Eight boats are confirmed for the competition organised by the club's Fishing Committee, which will accept 20 species for weigh-in according to the Species Guide drawn up for the event.
Species listed in the document include red porgy, sandperch, red snapper, cobia, bigeye, weakfish, flounder, pink cusk-eel and amberjack. The guide tells competitors which fish count for points and sets out procedures for responsible capture. Protected species must be recorded, measured and returned to the sea.
The tournament continues a tradition that has followed the Yacht Club de Ilhabela since it was created. Founded on 25 January 1956 by a group of anglers who practised spearfishing and coastal fishing, the club keeps the discipline among its sporting activities.
"To understand what fishing means to the YCI, it helps to remember that the club was founded by a group of fishermen. Fishing has always been in the DNA of the Yacht Club de Ilhabela. You can see it in the club's emblem, which is a billfish, a sailfish to be precise," says Renato Donati.
The Fishing Committee currently organises bottom, coastal, offshore and junior fishing competitions. The calendar is part of a wider effort that also involves improvements to facilities, encouraging children and young people to take part, and environmental conservation work.
"The mission I was given by Commodore Paulo Palermo is to develop the sport, improve the facilities, encourage new generations and raise our tournaments to the level of the best national and international events. The club has spared no effort in supporting this work and we are building a very special season for our members," says Renato Donati.
Saturday's event was originally scheduled for 15 August but was moved after forecasts indicated heavy seas and winds above 20 knots. The rules allow for changes due to weather conditions.
"Our priority will always be safety. The forecast indicated heavy seas and strong winds, and we felt the responsible thing was to postpone the competition. That way we protect the wellbeing of the competitors and make sure everyone can have the best possible experience, in conditions suited to sport fishing," says Renato Donati, fishing director at the Yacht Club de Ilhabela.
After the bottom fishing event, the season continues with the coastal fishing competition set for 12 September, plus offshore fishing and a tournament for children.
The 3rd Bottom Fishing Tournament of the 2026 Season is sponsored by Wellcraft, Coleman and Loja Lobo do Mar, partner companies of the Yacht Club de Ilhabela in the sport fishing season.
About the YCI
The Yacht Club de Ilhabela is one of Brazil's leading yacht clubs. Founded in 1956, it runs activities linked to sailing, sport fishing and other boating disciplines in Ilhabela, São Paulo.
The YCI also hosts events on the sporting calendar, among them the Ilhabela International Sailing Week and the Mitsubishi Cup Offshore Sailing Circuit, held over four legs each year.
By: Redação Mundo Mar
Photo: YCI Acervo
