SIX marlins were tagged and released for the three days of fishing in the 59th Sir Henry Morgan Angling Association International Blue Marlin Tournament at the Ole Marina, Port Antonio, recently.

Two were tagged and released last week Thursday, three Friday and one Saturday, while Integrity was declared winner later at the prize-giving.

On Thursday’s first day Stew Fish II and Integrity accounted for the two, while on Friday Sea Horse, The Great Escape and Dracarys accounted for Friday’s successes. On Saturday Integrity took sole leadership as they tagged and released the lone marlin while last year champion Still Keepin It Jiggy lost one.

Integrity sailed away with the main prize, the Sterling Asset Management Trophy, Four Guy Harvey prints, and $500,000 for their two marlins. Stew Fish II carried off the First Rock Trophy, Four Guy Harvey prints and $250,000; they also won the Tony Myers Trophy for three releases weighing 300 pounds.

The top female angler was Andrea Cowan from Integrity and Jason Lopez from Stew Fish II was top male angler.

Tournament director Max Rochester acknowledged that this was the slowest in the 59 years of the event.

“This is the slowest year in my memory [as] we had 13 boats, we released six marlins, and we had 64 anglers, including four from overseas. Three recorded wahoo; three recorded dolphins, but no tuna,” he reported.

Peter Cowan received the lifetime award for his services to the tournament over the years, and he gave a run down of his involvement over years.

“I’ve grown up in this tournament; my father used to fish here. And when I think of fishing in Port Antonio [this] is what I think of and look forward to over the years. The 59 years that we have continued and with the support that we have, I tell everybody ‘Let’s get behind it —and the sixtieth will be the best ever,’ ” he declared.

FirstRock Group Marketing Manager Sherianne Thompson Hart was pleased with the outcome, nonetheless.

“It was a pleasure sponsoring this marlin tournament and I congratulate all of you anglers, whether or not you received a trophy or a prize… the camaraderie was good and we are looking forward to many more successful seasons,” she said.

— Everard Owen