Tue | Nov 19, 2024

Freedom reigns at the PWD Annual All Species Fishing Tournament

Published:Sunday | March 3, 2024 | 12:15 AMLennox Aldred - Gleaner Writer
Captain of the vessel ‘Freedom’ Wayne Chai Chong (centre) poses with Richard Foreman (left) and Jeremiah Healy at the prize-giving ceremony for the two-day PWD All-Species Fishing Tournament recently.
Lennox Aldred Photo
Captain of the vessel ‘Freedom’ Wayne Chai Chong (centre) poses with Richard Foreman (left) and Jeremiah Healy at the prize-giving ceremony for the two-day PWD All-Species Fishing Tournament recently.

FREEDOM, CAPTAINED by Wayne Chai Chong, secured top honours following fierce competition at the two-day All Species Fishing Tournament held at PWD Hunting and Sporting Club in Clarendon recently.

Freedom beat 12 other sports fishing boats, ranging from 24 feet to 74 feet, at the tournament which forms part of the Jamaican Anglers’ Association series.

The overall champions emerged as Freedom tallied an impressive 319.1 total points, with the runner-up boat, Reel Music, captained by Gregory Mair, amassing 263.5 points.

A total of 780lb of pelagic fish was caught on the opening day with Reel Music taking the day one prize with 183 points following the total weight of qualifying fish.

Day two had equally favourable conditions, which set the stage for an epic grand finale which saw the vessel Champions making waves by successfully executing a tag-and-release on a marlin, earning 150 points.

Meanwhile, Captain Andrew Alexander, on board Wassy, set a new Jamaican tournament record, reeling in a colossal 138.4lb yellowfin tuna.

Day two honours eventually went to the vessel Readie, captained by Chris Read, who strategically pursued the elusive mutton snappers and amassed 181 points on the day.

PLEASED WITH RESULTS

Victorious captain Chai Chong was pleased that his team was able to come away with the win in what was a fiercely contested spectacle.

“We had a rough first day, losing many fish to broken lines, but on the second day, we found a sweet spot and landed four impressive wahoos before 7 a.m. The highlight was a gruelling 45-minute fight with a 200-pound marlin, culminating in a successful release. It was an incredible tournament with amazing weather and some substantial catches. Very proud of team Freedom’s performance,” said Chai Chong.

The win for Freedom sees them earning valuable points towards the prestigious Tony Myers angling trophy.

The PWD annual fishing tournament not only showcases remarkable sportsmanship, but also plays a vital role in funding the club’s outreach programmes in Portland Cottage, Clarendon, and the surrounding areas, contributing to the community’s short-term economic growth.