Daddy's Dream top marlin tourney

Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

The 48th staging of the Port Antonio International Blue Marlin Tournament climaxed recently after five days of gruelling angling competition, which saw the boat Daddy's Dream emerge as the winner of the tournament.

Held at the Port Antonio Old Marina, the International Blue Marlin Tournament attracted 41 boats, which all vied for the prestigious Appleton VX Trophy and a host of other prizes during the five days of fishing.

At the end of the competition, Daddy's Dream, which accounted for the first two marlins that were tagged and released during the second day of the competition, won the coveted trophy.

2012 fishing world cup

By virtue of that victory, the crew of Daddy's Dream, along with the second-place finisher, Motivation, will go on to represent Jamaica in the 2012 World Cup of Fishing to be held in Costa Rica.

Chairman of the Blue Marlin Tournament, Dr Ronald DueQues-nay, said that despite the absence of the marlins, anglers caught other species, including dolphins, wahoo, king fish, tuna and barracuda, and that they thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful tournament, along with the nightly entertainment package.

The canoe tournament, which was held on October 12 and attracted 36 local fishermen, saw Lloyd Franklin, aboard the boat Skip Jack, winning first prize for the largest catch. He received a cash prize, along with the Portland Chamber of Commerce Trophy. Second place went to Everton Ennis aboard the boat Speed, while third went to Raymond Campbell with the boat Sea Me.

Throughout the entire five days of fishing, no marlin within the legal weight limit was landed. But anglers were able to tag and release 18 marlins, which were below the prescribed landing weight of 300 pounds.