The 49th staging of the Port Antonio Blue Marlin tournament, which has attracted 33 local fishing boats, was declared opened by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen yesterday.

The event has also attracted five teams from overseas for a total of 135 anglers, who will be engaged in four days of competition for the prestigious Appleton VX Trophy, plus other prizes.

"Welcome to this special tournament," said Allen. "A special and warm welcome to the teams from overseas. I, too, am sorry that this event does not coincide with Jamaica's 50th anniversary of Independence, but nevertheless, I am sure that you will have a good and fruitful fishing tournament.

"In this our 50th anniversary, I wish you success and I'm sure that you'll catch the big ones on this occasion, rather than having to tag and release," he added.

The Blue Marlin tournament, which will climax on Friday with a prize-giving ceremony and the settlement of accounts, will take a break on Wednesday to make way for the local canoe tournament.

- Gareth Davis