The first ever Virgin Gorda International Marlin Tournament, which will run from today, Sunday August 20, 2016, and end on Tuesday August 23, 2016. Photo: Internet Source

Three full days of catch and release fishing will see prizes for: Most fish released, Best Angler and the Best Boat of the Day over the three day period as well as the biggest Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Tuna and King Fish. Photo: Facebook

The tournament is being held by the BVI Sport Fishing Association, with the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour and SOL BVI being the gold sponsors.

Three full days of catch and release fishing will see prizes for: Most fish released, Best Angler and the Best Boat of the Day over the three day period as well as the biggest Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Tuna and King Fish.

The biggest fish has to be at a minimum weight of 20 pounds, while the Best Angler will be judged based on points accumulated from all the categories. The winner will receive five percent of the registration fees.

Amazing prizes to be reeled in!

The first, second and third place prizes for the most fish released are 20 percent, 15 percent and 10 percent of the registration fees respectively.

Among other prizes, will be $7,000 for the overall winner, a trip to Aruba, and a three-night stay at Scrub Island.

Public Relations Officer of the BVI Sport Fishing Association Krys Tino Zialda said at the moment most of the boats, which are from St Maarteen, St Croix and the Virgin Islands, are in the Anegada area fishing.

“We have eight boats in total which we consider a great show for our first marlin tournament,” Zialda said.

Tourism

The PRO of the Association remarked that the aim of the tournament is to bring people into the territory.

“We have some of the most pristine grounds for fishing and we want to capitalise on the tourism aspect of it and try to bring some of the marlin boats and their owners and families into the BVI during the slow season,” Zialda pointed out.

He said from the taxi operators to the hotels and food service among others will benefit from the event.

Representative of the host Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour (VGYH), Mr Keith Thomas remarked that the VGYH was approached about the event and “I felt good about it.”

The closing ceremony will be held on Tuesday at the Bar and Turtle Harbour from 8:00 P.M.