Big Game Tuna Drifting 2025

XXII CITTÀ DI RIMINI TROPHY – Catch & Release

With Nicola Del Governatore taking first place ahead of 2024 winner Giordano Pecci, and Enrico Sbarbati rounding off the podium, the 22nd Città di Rimini Trophy came to a close last night. The event, one of the most renowned offshore sport fishing competitions in the central Adriatic, was organized by the Rimini Nautical Club (CNR) once again this year in collaboration with Pescare Show, Big Game Italia, and IGFA, with the patronage of the Municipality of Rimini and CONI Emilia Romagna.

A total of 16 crews participated, bringing together around 80 sea fishing enthusiasts, encouraged by the excellent marine weather forecast: yesterday offered perfect conditions for fishing, with sunshine, almost calm seas, and a gentle breeze, enabling the skilled field to record 20 strikes with subsequent releases.

As scheduled, the competition took place off the coast of Rimini, following the “catch and release” method, which requires fish to be returned to the sea under strict procedures to ensure their health and safety. Fishing techniques were limited by regulation to drifting at drift speed and anchoring with fixed, electronic, or floating anchors.

“We are very pleased with how the event turned out,” said CNR President Gianfranco Santolini. “Offshore fishing is a sport that demands commitment, dedication, and great concentration, but it provides unique experiences because it challenges not only the sea but also our own skills. The onshore events were also a great success — we had fun while honoring fair play and the playful spirit that has always characterized this event. I thank all our supporters and participants, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the next edition.”

The competition also paid tribute to Roberto Sancisi, late president of the Bellaria Igea Marina Club, a passionate fisherman and respected sport fishing judge who passed away a few months ago, by awarding a memorial prize in his honor to the winners.

The special awards were plentiful:

• The largest fish prize, offered by technical sponsor Strike, went to Alessandro Giani.

• The Passion Award, dedicated to Giorgio Savorani, was presented to Pietro Putrone.

• The Women’s Prize, reserved for the best female crew, went to Antonio Martelli’s boat.

• Emidio Pascucci from Abruzzo won the award for the crew traveling from the furthest distance.

• The funniest and most lighthearted prize, for the competitor “least suited to fishing,” was awarded to the crew of the boat Strike One.

In addition to Strike’s technical partnership, the Città di Rimini Trophy – Roberto Sancisi Memorial was supported by Energia 2020, Eco Demolizioni, Adriatica Acque, Romagna Acque, and three Rimini culinary excellences who provided the opening aperitif on Friday evening at the CNR “bricole”: La Piada di Amerigo, Lella Piada, and La Casina del Bosco.

Ph. Davide Piras