Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
Men clean the catch from the first day of the Port Antonio Marlin Tournament on Monday. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE 42ND Port Antonio International Blue Marlin Tournament was declared officially opened by Governor-General, Sir Howard Cooke, in Portland, on Monday.
Twenty-six boats including 'Prestige' from Haiti along with 'Shooter' from The Bahamas are competing in the annual Anglin Competition for the prestigious Sir Henry Morgan Trophy. The competition got underway on October 10.
Chairman of the tournament, Dr. Don Duquesnay, said that sport fishing in rivers, harbours, from coastal regions or far out on the ocean can have a pronounced
economic impact on Jamaica's well-being.
"Unfortunately as it is, the economic value of sport fishing is at present virtually untapped on this island," said the chairman.
Last year, 23 boats, including one overseas entry, took part in the Anglin Competition which saw 'Safe Passage' emerging victorious with the highest landed weight of 390 pounds.
FIVE DAYS OF COMPETITION
The field is currently being led by defending champ, 'Safe Passage'. The competition will be contested over five days with today being declared a rest day for the anglers. The rest day, however, will signal the start of the 4th Magnum Tonic Wine Canoe Tournament for local boats.
The regulations governing this year's event clearly state that the minimum length for landed marlins must be 99 inches from the tip of the lower jaw to the fork of its tail, or weighing no less than 200 pounds. Any marlin caught below the required length and weight must be tagged and released.
