The annual Big Yard Bonefish Classic Tournament was held at Swain's Cay Lodge on Andros, Bahamas, on February 19-22, 2025. This is the third year for this signature event in the YDCCF Tournament Series, which is focused on fundraising efforts for specific projects in destination angling communities around the world.
Since 2019, YDCCF has been supporting the community of Little Harbour on Mangrove Cay and the Mangrove Cay Recreational Community Park Association in their efforts to build a park facility for the residents of Andros. YDCCF has donated over $150,000 to this effort through individual donations and proceeds of the Big Yard Tournament.
The park has completed the first phase of development, which includes a basketball court, bleachers, lighting, bathroom/changing room facilities, and a new children’s playground. The Bahamas Government has donated an additional 5-acre tract adjacent to the main park site, which has been cleared for Phase 2: the track and field training facility.
This year's Big Yard featured 10 teams, and angling was spread out over four days. While weather was not optimal, the amazing guides at Swain's Cay Lodge put every team on fish daily, with top honors going to Mason Reay and Todd Ware, and runners up to Miree Lee and Mendy Spradlin. Top Guides were Marvin Miller and Patterson Bowleg.
The final night of the tournament was celebrated with the community at the park site and featured an awards presentation and live auction, followed by cultural presentations from the community, games and face painting for the kids, local food, a basketball game and live music from the Spice Band with a very special guest: musician and keyboardist for Widespread Panic, John "Jojo" Hermann.
The Big Yard Classic is deeply grateful for the support of all our sponsors, especially Swain's Cay Lodge and The Ministry of Tourism of the Bahamas. Industry supporters include: Thomas and Thomas, Winston Rods, Bauer Reels, Umpqua, YETI, Simms, Skwala, Hatch, Orvis, Patagonia, Grundens, Scientific Anglers, Abel, MFC, Cling, Scott Fly Rods and High Camp Flasks.
