Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
Crew members of the 'Reggae Boat' recieve assistance from other fishermen to haul their 8' 8", 350-lb blue marlin on to the deck of the Old Port Antonio Marina at the 22nd Annual Port Antonio Canoe Tournament yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
THE 'REGGAE Boat' coasted away with top honours and left eyes bulging and mouths gaping wide as it came back to shore with a 350-pound, eight-foot, eight-inch blue marlin wrestled from the sea at the 22nd Port Antonio Canoe Tournament yesterday.
The catch, the only marlin brought in for the day, easily outweighed the combined total of last year's heaviest marlin caught by the defending champions 'Sea Lion', who failed to make this year's trip from Montego Bay, and second heaviest marlin caught by fellow Montegonians 'My Toy', who though making the trip did not have as much luck this year, by 94 pounds.
Struggling with a 350-pound fish, as most of us would imagine, took some effort.
"This is my first really big catch. I've never caught a fish this big. I've caught 180 pounds, but this one is my biggest," said the fisherman responsible for the marlin's capture after an hour and a half fight, Peter Davis.
Difficult task
"It was very difficult, it took a lot of time and a lot pressure and a whole heap of pain," Davis added, with blistered hands and swollen fingers - badges of honour proudly on display.
The monster fish, which was captured at about 3:00 p.m. and had envious yachtsmen staring on in disbelief, was caught almost two miles from shore at a place the fishermen call North Point, which is between Manchioneal and Long Bay.
Captain of the vessel, a local fisherman from Swift River, Courtney Keating, who saw his team capture the Tonic Wine Portland Chamber of Commerce Trophy and a cash reward for the heaviest marlin caught, was quite pleased with the day's work.
It's a great feeling," Keating said. "Last year we entered and didn't even catch a single fish - not a bite, so I am very happy," he said.
Other awards went to 'Bobo' and captain Herman Watson who claimed the Heaviest Dolphin award, while 'Mr A.J.' received the RJR Trophy for the Most Weight non-bill fish.
