Project Description

The 16th BIG OM Brings Unprecedented Buzz to the Kvarner Sea

In 2021, the 16th edition of BIG OM brought an unprecedented buzz to the Kvarner waters. A total of 34 teams with 130 participants from Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, accompanied by judge boats, spent three exciting days battling the big fish of Kvarner. Slovenian teams dominated the international big game fishing cup, taking the top three spots in the overall rankings.

First place went to Team Strike, led by Blaž Zupančič, with team members Gorazd Sklepic, Aleš Zupančič, and Istok Hočevar. They landed two tuna that earned them 810.81 points. The team also received the fair play award after catching something far more common than tuna—an office chair. The environmentally conscious anglers properly disposed of the “catch” and sent a strong message about the importance of environmental protection. Interestingly, this was the team’s first appearance at the competition.

“In previous years, I came to Omišalj as a member of Team Barracuda. Some time ago, I decided to form my own team—with my brother, my best friend, and a great guy. This win is a huge motivation for future competitions. Two tuna reflect knowledge and skill, not just beginner’s luck,” said the captain of this promising big game fishing crew, to whom we wish lots of luck and success in Costa Rica.

Second place went to last year’s champions, Team Ohana, led by Aleš Benda, with crew members Eldar Kavazović, Dušan Bajić, Dušan Petrovič, and Zoran Ivančević. By catching a 70.45 kg tuna, they scored 733.15 points and won the award for the largest fish of the tournament.

Third place was claimed by Team BGFC Mass, captained by Saša Apostolovski, who, despite harsh weather on the third day, landed a 53.77 kg tuna, earning 616.39 points.

Local team Punat 1, led by Toni Šulina, placed fourth, while Team Orce, captained by Pavo Cindrić, finished fifth.

High Interest from Competitors and the Public

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, KSRM BIG OM maintained tradition and successfully organized a major event that sparked strong interest among anglers and the public.

“Last year, BIG OM was the only big game fishing competition on the Adriatic. This year, Rogoznica joined. It’s a great responsibility to ensure all conditions—not just to meet regulations, but to protect the health of competitors and everyone involved. We missed the social events and fun, the public weigh-ins that attract many visitors. Even the weather didn’t cooperate this year—strong winds disrupted the last day,” said Tomo Sparožić, president of KSRM, with enthusiasm and hope for better times, as he announced the 17th BIG OM.

Children’s Fishing Competition

Investing in young talent remains a priority for the Omišalj club. As tradition, a children’s fishing competition was held, led by experienced angler Mare Magdić. Fourteen children from Omišalj took part.
Tan Tiška won first place, followed by Alen Grgurov in second and Mateo Janefski in third.