After four days of gruelling competition, 26 marlins were tagged and released by anglers as the 46th annual Port Antonio Blue Marlin Tournament climaxed on Friday with a prize-giving ceremony.

No marlin was landed in a tournament, which attracted 24 boats and approximately 80 local anglers.

Toast

The toast of the tournament was the boat Real Teaser, which topped the competition having tagged and released four marlins while receiving the Appleton V/X trophy. Its angler, Peter Thomas, was voted male angler of the competition and was awarded the Phillip Matalon trophy.

On the final day of competition, six marlins were tagged and released.

During the competition, which started on September 28, three marlins were landed by local fishermen, who participated in the annual canoe competition, weighing 133lb, 128lb, and 112lb, respectively.

All accounts were settled yesterday and a farewell party was held at the bar side at the old Port Antonio Marina.

Organisers of the tournament said they are hoping to attract more boats for next year's competition, which was affected by a withdrawal of anglers due to the global economic crisis.