March is very nearly a thing of the past and the weather is showing signs of turning from winter, if not into summer, certainly spring.

Coming with this is, finally, some improved offshore action. Effort is still way off but with the lobster season ending later this week, the focus will again be on the finfish and early indications are encouraging.

A well-known charter operator had a great day earlier this week when an expedition to Argus resulted in something like 19 wahoo ranging from 20lbs to 70lbs.

A further positive indication that something was happening came from the number of multiple strikes that led to the haul.

Mixed in with the wahoo were a couple of school-sized yellowfin tuna; another good sign. It is definitely time to stop procrastinating and to get with the programme.

Some things are worth noting in advance of the onset of the season. This includes the fact that representatives of Sandys Boat Club have not confirmed the dates for their tournament, which is pencilled in for May 22.

In view of this there may be some question as to whether or not it will actually be held, so as the date approaches, it may be worth checking in with the organisers.

Major milestones are being marked by the Bermuda Anglers Club International Light Tackle Tournament and The Royal Gazette Wahoo Tournament. Each event is the 50th such one and that is indeed a landmark.

The ILTT grew out of a competition that was sponsored by the Trade and Development Board, a forerunner of the Department of Tourism, back in the day.

It first took the form of a competition between the Bermuda Anglers Club and a Bahamas Anglers Club. It then expanded to attract participation from teams that hailed from various places in the United States, Caribbean and elsewhere.

Some of the more famed winning teams included the Miami Rod and Reel Club which enjoyed a great international reputation from its founding in 1929 until, sadly, its closure in 2009.

Like anything else, the ILTT has had its up and downs but, to be sure, it has had some remarkable anglers and was very much a major contribution to putting Bermuda on the map as an angling destination.

Perhaps reflective as a sign of the times, this 50th ILTT will also be the final one, bringing to a close an illustrious period in Bermuda angling annals.

Having enjoyed a former existence under a given title, The Royal Gazette Wahoo Tournament also turns 50 this year with no sign of stopping. Generally seen as the finale event each season, this has always been popular with the public both in terms of participation and spectators.

Distinguishing it from all the other events is the fact that it is the only tournament with just a single species eligible, making it stiff competition to find a winner.

The island has got used to the July billfish events with the Bermuda Big Game Classic taking most of the limelight, even though it is only in its sixteenth year. The oldest one of these particular events is the Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament which is holding its 43rd such event this summer.

Something which should pop out of the schedule, even to the most casual reader, is the number of tournaments that are put on by angling clubs for their members.

This makes it a real advantage for those who want to get more involved in fishing by competing and learning from those more experienced.

Most clubs also offer fishing opportunities for those who lack suitable boats for offshore action. As has been the case elsewhere, most of these organisations could do with some new blood, particularly if it is younger.

The clubs want to attract youngsters and anyone else who is interested. If this seems attractive, they have Facebook pages, e-mail addresses and regular meetings. Most dues are modest and involvement in one of these clubs could lead to a lot of Tight Lines!

A full schedule for the season can be found by clicking on the PDF link under ‘Related Media’