Wed | Sep 18, 2024

All set for September 23-28 Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament

Published:Saturday | September 14, 2024 | 12:10 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
Robert ‘Bobby’ Stewart (left) tournament director for the  Superstars of Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament collects a sponsorship cheque from Dan Theoc (centre), senior vice-president of investment banking, Mayberry Investment and Stephanie
Robert ‘Bobby’ Stewart (left) tournament director for the Superstars of Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament collects a sponsorship cheque from Dan Theoc (centre), senior vice-president of investment banking, Mayberry Investment and Stephanie Harrison vice-president of marketing, Mayberry Investment at Stewart’s Automotive Group Jaguar Land Rover Showroom in Kingston on Tuesday.

Defending champion Brac Rebel from Grand Cayman will be one of five boats from that island that will join their Jamaican counterparts at the September 23-28 annual Superstars of Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament.

This prestigious event, which is in its eighth year, is set to draw top anglers and marlin fishing enthusiasts to the scenic shores of Portland, Jamaica. The competition is expected to be action-packed, as the vessels vie for US$330,000 in cash prizes and trophies across multiple categories, including a top prize for the largest marlin caught.

The stakes are expected to be even higher, as the overall tournament winner will earn the opportunity to represent Jamaica at the Offshore World Championships in Costa Rica.

Tournament Director Robert ‘Bobby Stewart, speaking at a function held at Stewart’s Automotive Group Jaguar Land Rover Showroom in Kingston on Tuesday, said the anticipation for the tournament has reached fever pitch, and the anglers are eager to go come September 23.

“We are thrilled to once again welcome anglers from Jamaica and the Cayman Islands to the Superstars of Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament. This is an exciting opportunity to celebrate sportfishing while showcasing the unmatched beauty of our local surroundings,” Stewart said.

Jamaican Angler Peter Cowan who will be entering with his vessel Integrity, anticipates good weather, which will go well for good fishing.

“Once the fish cooperate with us, I am anticipating an excellent tournament. I believe that the vessel that lands four marlin this year will come out on top. It is a three-day tournament, and so you need to be on the board the first day and finish strong,” Cowan said.

The tournament was launched in 2017 by Stewart, with an inaugural fleet of 16 vessels. The event has quickly grown in prominence, boasting one of the highest marlin catch rates per day/boat in Jamaica.

The event is sponsored by Mayberry Investments Limited, Stewart’s Automotive Group, GWM, Monymusk Plantation, CPJ, LM Creative Agency, Tai Flora, John Swaby, Entertainment, Bell Communications, MegaMart, Wesmarine, Yamaha Jamaica, Orijin, Juices, Pure Country, Lilan Limited and The Port Authority Jamaica.