Super Stars of Port Antonio Marlin Tourney starts today

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

The inaugural West Indies Petroleum-sponsored 'Super Stars of Port Antonio' International Marlin Tournament will begin this morning at the Errol Flynn Marina in Portland.

The tournament, which was launched yesterday, will see 18 boats and more than 60 anglers participating in a three-day tournament for varied prizes.

Director of Game Fish Events and organiser Robert 'Bobby' Stewart pointed out that the competition came about as a result of numerous requests from a lot of friends, who basically asked about staging a tournament in Port Antonio similar to the one done in Montego Bay.

"I have yielded to the many requests," commented Stewart.

He continued: "The idea is to get the local people more involved and to create an event that is more entertaining. Conditions are ideal for fishing and the tournament will run under the same format like the one done in Montego Bay. Fishing starts today (Wednesday) right up until Friday, where we will have prize giving and a special concert with a surprise reggae artiste."

Among the anglers participating in the inaugural tournament are two Caymanians, who will be fishing with a Jamaican team, and a team of Haitians, who will be fishing on a chartered boat. Additionally anglers from Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are also taking part in the tournament.

Chief judge and weigh master, Reginald McLean from Trinidad and Tobago, also reminded the anglers to observe the rule of tagging and releasing marlins that measure less than 99 inches, which is approximately 300 lbs.

"This is a modified release tournament," said McLean.

He added "The rules have to be observed, and anyone found in breach will be deducted 400 points. We never had an incident wherein there has been an intentional breach on the part of anglers, and therefore, I expect that all will comply."

A beach party at the Errol Flynn marina will bring the curtains down on the tournament on Saturday.