ANTHONY East and Devontae Brown landed a 162lb marlin on the canoe Crystal from Annotto Bay to capture the 41st Port Antonio Canoe Marlin Tournament at the Ole Marina, Port Antonio, recently.

They received a Yamaha boat engine from Yamaha Company.

Second was Marvin Brown on King Fish with a 108lb marlin, and third was Rabbit of the Sea with a 103 lb marlin.

Devontae Brown was elated.

“It was an exciting catch, a wonderful catch, and good for us. It was challenging when we hooked up but it was expected,” he said.

East, who said the marlin put up a fight, is pleased adverse weather conditions did not result in the competition being called off.

“We think the tournament would have been called off when we heard of the weather conditions but it was alright. And on our way up [from Annotto Bay] we got a bite so we were sure we were going to win something today. We are grateful for the tournament outcome,” he said”

Max Rochester, director for the Sir Henry Morgan Angling Association (SHMAA) which is responsible for the running of the tournament, along with the Portland Chamber of Commerce, is happy.

“At the beginning of the day I was very worried,” he said to the participants. “Only one marlin came in, not that big, then but by the end of the day you had four marlin. Over the years, the canoe tournament has been a success story and I am proud of you, and you have done well.”

Andrew Alexander of Yamaha, who provided the Yamaha engine, said, “We are proud of you guys and grateful to you fishermen for your support over the years as you are their [Yamaha’s] main customers. They really appreciate you and decided this year again they are going to sponsor an engine.”

Daney-Ann Thomas, president of the Portland Chamber of Commerce, commended the fishermen.

“We are happy for your support over the years, especially those from Pagee Beach in St Mary, and this year we have participants from as far as Trelawny,” she said. “Thanks to our sponsors and SHMAA for keeping this tournament for 41 years — the longest canoe tournament.

“I am appealing to you to be disciplined at the start as we want to maintain the formation to see the number of boats going out.”

— Everard Owen

From left: Gregory Lou-Tenn presents a gift to Alecia Shaw and Alvin Shaw for landing a 25.6lb wahoo fish, as Portland Chamber of Commerce President Daney-Ann Thomas (background) shares in the moment. (Photo: Everard Owen)

From left: Sir Henry Morgan Angling Association (SMHAA) Tournament Director Max Rochester; SHMAA official Gregory Lou-Tenn; fisherman Devontae Brown; Yamaha official Andrew Alexander; and fisherman Anthony East pose with a Yamaha engine awarded for winning the Port Antonio Canoe Marlin Tournament recently. (Photo: Everard Owen)