First Annual Santos Guardiola Fishing Tournament
The East End of Roatan came alive from October 25th to 27th, 2024, as the 1st Santos Guardiola Fishing Tournament took place. This tournament brought together local fishermen, tourists, and the vibrant communities of Roatan's East End for a weekend filled with competition, camaraderie, and celebration.
The tournament was a thrilling and culturally rich experience, highlighting not just the sport of fishing but also the unique charm of the communities in Santos Guardiola, the easternmost municipality of Roatan. Boats with motors ranging from 15 to 40 HP participated, with registrations managed through the provided contact numbers. This inaugural event became a memorable occasion for both locals and visitors alike, showcasing the deep ties between Santos Guardiola's communities and the sea.
A New Tradition Began
It all began on October 25th at 2:00 p.m., with participants casting their lines in the rich waters surrounding the eastern end of Roatan. The Santos Guardiola Fishing Tournament was designed to unite seasoned anglers and newcomers alike. Participants entered with boats powered by engines between 15 and 40 HP, making the tournament accessible to a wide range of fishermen, from professionals to local hobbyists.
Support from sponsors ensured that the tournament was a memorable one. These sponsors joined together to celebrate the beauty of Roatan’s coastal life, offering valuable services to participants, from boat charters to local accommodations and fuel.
Fishing tournaments have long been a staple of coastal communities around the world, and the Santos Guardiola Fishing Tournament was set to become one of the key annual events in the Bay Islands. This tournament represented much more than a simple contest; it was a celebration of the community's traditions, culture, and way of life. Fishing has always been an integral part of life in Roatan’s East End, especially in the municipality of Santos Guardiola. Events like this tournament help preserve these time-honored traditions while also fostering camaraderie among the people who depend on the sea for their livelihood.
This tournament was hosted at Jonesville Point, one of the most picturesque locations in the municipality, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea's pristine blue waters. This site provided the perfect setting for this community-centered competition, where fishing skills, patience, and respect for the sea are at the forefront.
Rules and Regulations
The tournament kicked off on October 25 and ran until October 27, bringing together fishing enthusiasts from all over Roatan and beyond. The competition rules that participants followed helped ensure that the tournament upheld its integrity, maintained safety, and offered equal opportunity to all competitors. The entry fee for the tournament was 1500 lempiras (about $ 60 USD) allowing only two participants per team with motors from 15 hp to 40 hp.
Each fish had to weigh a minimum of 20 pounds to qualify
Participants received 1 point per pound (the number of pounds the fish weighed equaled the number of points awarded, with total pounds including ounces)
The hooked fish needed to be recorded as it was brought into the boat
The flag and flag number had to be clearly visible in the video
The first angler who grabbed the rod to fight the fish was required to finish it
If there was any suspicion regarding the fish at the weigh-in, judges had the right to investigate (the fish's belly could be cut open for inspection)
Only manual fishing rods were permitted (no electric reels, lines tied to buoys, or lines tied to the boat)
All boats had to depart from the designated meeting point on the first day of fishing
Every hooked fish had to be recorded on video; otherwise, the fish would be disqualified
Only registered participants of the tournament could fight or record the fish
Any boat that hooked a fish before the designated return time was required to report it to the base/person in charge to receive a 30-minute extension (this extension was only valid on the first day)
Any boat with a fish to weigh that arrived after the designated return time would have its fish disqualified
Any minor attending the tournament had to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Note: Fishing hours: First day, 05:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.; Second day, 05:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m.
Tournament Prizes and Awards
The Santos Guardiola Fishing Tournament offered an exciting array of rewards for its participants. Competitors had the chance to win prizes in several categories, including first, second, and third place overall, ensuring that the top-performing teams were duly recognized. Additionally, there were special awards for the first fish caught during the tournament and the largest fish of the event, celebrating both quick reflexes and impressive catches.
Winners had the opportunity to receive cash prizes as well as trophies, adding a tangible reward to their achievements. While the exact amounts of the cash prizes remained a surprise, they were announced during the official awards ceremony at the end of the tournament. These prizes not only offered financial incentives but also gave competitors the chance to claim bragging rights as the best anglers in the tournament.
Fishing and Fuel: Practicalities for Participants
One of the highlights of the tournament was the easy access to refueling options, thanks to Bay Island Petroleum Roatan (BIP), which opened its Jonesville location on Saturday specifically for anglers. With this convenience, participants were able to focused on their fishing, knowing they had all the resources they needed to compete at their best.
Vendors: Food, Drinks, and Fun
In addition to the excitement of the fishing competition, there was an opportunity for food and drink vendors to take part in the festivities. The tournament drew a crowd of attendees, offering vendors the perfect chance to showcase their delicious food and refreshing beverages. It wasn´t just about the fishing, it was a full community celebration where everyone could join in the fun. Vendors interested in setting up a stall had the option to contact the organizers for more details.
The Rich Culture and Communities of Santos Guardiola
The municipality of Santos Guardiola was not just the backdrop for this tournament; it was a vital part of Roatan’s cultural and economic fabric. Located on the easternmost side of Roatan, Santos Guardiola includes small communities, each with its unique charm, and offers visitors a more authentic and laid-back experience of island life, away from the bustling tourist hubs. Each with its own history, culture, and charm. Some of the most well-known communities in this part of the island include St. Helene, Port Royal, Camp Bay, Diamond Rock, Oak Ridge, Calabash Bight, Jonesville, Jonesville Point, and Punta Gorda.
Each village offers something unique to visitors, there are countless activities and places to explore in this beautiful region of the island. For example, Punta Gorda is the oldest settlement on the island and home to the Garifuna people, a community with a rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Garifuna way of life, enjoying traditional dances, music, and food that reflect the deep-rooted traditions of this Afro-Caribbean community.
Another community worth exploring is Oak Ridge, often called the “Venice of Roatan.” This charming fishing village is famous for its colorful houses perched on stilts over the water, with canals serving as the primary mode of transportation. Oak Ridge offers a glimpse into a unique way of life where fishing, boating, and community take center stage.
Communities in Santos Guardiola
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Jonesville
The Santos Guardiola Fishing Tournament took place at Jonesville Point, a quiet fishing village known for its mangrove channels and scenic beauty. Jonesville has long been a hub of fishing activity on the island, with its residents deeply connected to the sea. The village offers an authentic Roatan experience for visitors, combining the tranquility of the natural landscape with the vibrant energy of a close-knit community.
The choice of Jonesville Point as the tournament venue was fitting, given the village’s rich fishing tradition. Here, participants enjoyed not just the competition, but the entire atmosphere of the area, which reflects a deep respect for the sea and a passion for fishing.
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Punta Gorda
One of the most culturally significant villages in Santos Guardiola is Punta Gorda, the oldest settlement on Roatan. This Garifuna village is steeped in history and tradition, offering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant Garifuna culture. You can interact with locals, learn about their customs, and even take part in cultural events that showcase traditional Garifuna music and dance.
Punta Gorda’s cultural richness is a testament to the diversity of Santos Guardiola, where Native, Garifuna, and expatriate communities coexist, each contributing to the region's unique identity. The Santos Guardiola Fishing Tournament provided a perfect excuse to visit Punta Gorda and dive deeper into the island’s rich history.
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Oak Ridge
Another must-see community in Santos Guardiola is Oak Ridge, often referred to as the “Venice of Roatan.” This small fishing village is unlike any other on the island, with colorful houses perched on stilts above the water and transportation by boat as the primary way to get around. Visitors can explore the village by water taxi, getting a true sense of life in this vibrant, sea-bound community.
Oak Ridge is also one of the best places on the island for snorkeling. The clear waters and abundant marine life make it a prime spot for underwater exploration, perfect for those who want to enjoy Roatan’s natural beauty beyond fishing. Whether you're taking a snorkeling tour or simply enjoying a tuk-tuk ride through the village, Oak Ridge offers a unique perspective on island life.
Other Communities of Santos Guardiola
In addition to Punta Gorda and Oak Ridge, the Santos Guardiola municipality is home to several other small communities, each with its attractions and charm. Some of the most notable include:
A remote village known for its pristine natural beauty and mangrove channels.
Camp Bay
Featuring one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, perfect for those looking to relax in paradise.
Calabash Bight
A serene bay with calm waters, ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Port Royal
A historically significant site, once home to English pirates, now a peaceful and scenic area for exploration.
Diamond Rock
Known for its striking natural formations and great fishing spots.
Why Santos Guardiola?
Santos Guardiola, the easternmost municipality of Roatan, offers a more peaceful and natural environment than the more developed areas of the island. Santos Guardiola is often referred to as the eco-area of Roatan, thanks to its abundant natural beauty and focus on sustainable tourism. The municipality covers an area of 64.6 square kilometers, with a population density of 198 people per square kilometer, based on 2015 data.
This region is characterized by its stunning natural landscapes, from lush mangrove forests to the vibrant coral reefs of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the largest reef system in the Caribbean.
Oak Ridge serves as the capital of the municipality, which is home to a diverse population consisting of natives, Garifuna, and expatriates. While tourism is the most important industry, fishing remains a vital part of the local economy. This dual focus on tourism and fishing made Santos Guardiola an ideal location for the fishing tournament, as it perfectly captures the essence of life on Roatan’s East End, where nature, tradition, and modern opportunities intersect.
Fast Facts about Santos Guardiola
Island Length: 59 km
Island Width: 8 km
Population (2015): 11,578
Population Density: 198/km²
Ethnic Groups: Native, Garifuna, Expatriates
Currency: US Dollar, Lempira
Languages: English, Spanish
Climate: Average temperature is 26°C (79°F), making it a tropical paradise year-round
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
One of the key attractions in Santos Guardiola is its proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the Caribbean. This reef is a haven for marine life and offers some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in the world. Anglers participating in the fishing tournament had the chance to fish in these waters, where they found a wide variety of species.
Things to Do in the East End of Roatan
After the fishing tournament, visitors to Santos Guardiola can also take advantage of a variety of other activities that showcase the beauty and culture of Roatan’s East End. Some of the most popular attractions include:
Punta Gorda Garifuna Village
The oldest settlement on the island, Punta Gorda offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Garifuna culture. Watch traditional dances, enjoy Garifuna cuisine, and learn about the history of this unique Afro-Caribbean community.
Snorkeling in Oak Ridge
Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Oak Ridge is one of the best snorkeling spots in Roatan’s southeast region. Discover the beauty of the coral reefs and underwater ecosystems that surround the area.
Oak Ridge Tuk Tuk Tour
Take a tuk-tuk tour through the colorful streets of Oak Ridge, one of Roatan’s most distinctive fishing villages. The tuk-tuk, a small motorized vehicle, is a fun and convenient way to explore the area.
Mangrove Channel Tours
Explore the serene mangrove channels in Jonesville and St. Helene, where you can glide through calm waterways and observe the unique ecosystems that thrive in these lush environments.
The Santos Guardiola Fishing Tournament was shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Whether anglers, tourists, or local residents, the tournament offered everyone a chance to engage with the community, explore the natural beauty of Roatan’s East End, and experience the deep connection between the people of Santos Guardiola and the sea.
With numerous activities, from fishing and snorkeling to cultural explorations and boat tours, this tournament served as a gateway to discovering the hidden gems of Roatan. Whether people came for the competition or the adventure, Santos Guardiola had and has something for everyone.
