Garry Smith and his crew brought in 521 pounds of fish in various varieties over the two days in the Reef Fishing Category. Photo: JTV/Facebook

Over 600 pounds of fish were caught during the return of the District 8 Diplomat Fishing Jamboree. Photo: JTV/Facebook

Garry Smith celebrates his win at the District 8 Diplomat Fishing Jamboree. Photo: JTV/Facebook

The fishing tournament came to an exciting conclusion with Garry Smith and Team Working Hard topping the Reef Fishing Category and Team Tango taking home first place in the Pelagic Category. 

The fishing competition returned on the weekend for two fun-filled days of fishing, concluding on Monday, July 7, 2025. 

The exciting finale coincided with celebrations for Virgin Islands Day. 

Team Garry brought in 521 pounds of fish in various varieties over the two days in the Reef Fishing Category. 

Team Tango, a team of Jost Van Dyke fishermen, brought in a total of 141 pounds of fish in the Pelagic Category. They also caught the largest kingfish that weighed in at 46 pounds. 

A return in honour of the late Diplomat

This year, the fishing jamboree was named in honour of the late Ottley Warren Durant, known as ‘Diplomat’. 

Opposition Member Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) said Diplomat was a jack of all trades in the fishing industry, and as organisers, they felt it was an important gesture to rename the competition in his honour. 

The Diplomat Fishing Jamboree was dormant for many years following the hurricanes of 2017.