Kelvin Fahie spent 12 hours fishing on Friday in less-than-ideal weather conditions, but don’t expect to hear him complaining.
“It was a fun day,” he said, explaining that he always likes being out at sea. “I was looking forward to this.”
Mr. Fahie, who primarily fished off the coast of western Anegada, said he caught hardnose, grouper and yellowtail, and was pleased with his haul.
“I got lucky,” he added.
Still, he didn’t get lucky enough to beat Smith Robin, who typically wins the reef fishing category at the annual event: Mr. Robin caught 196 pounds of fish to Mr. Fahie’s 165, taking first place.
Other activities
In addition to the fishing competition, the event, which was held at Long Bay Beach on Beef Island, also offered music, drinks, and a variety of deep fried foods.
Although the weather wasn’t perfect, acting Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer Kelvin Penn said it was an improvement from last year, when rough seas caused all but two boats to pull out of the competition.
Seven registered vessels competed in this year’s tournament, which is organised each year by the Conservation and Fisheries Department, according to Mr. Penn.
“We try to support sustainable fisheries,” he remarked.
Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering, the natural resources and labour minister, spoke at the event, and said he would like to see fishing become a “pillar of the economy.”
Dr. Pickering explained that the government is “working diligently” to accomplish this goal, having recently spent a significant amount of money to expand and improve the fishing complex in Port Purcell.
“It was to encourage the fishermen,” he said.
Although some fishers may hope to turn fishing into a career, others are simply passionate about the sport.
“It’s a hobby for me,” Mr. Fahie said, explaining that his father and grandfather also loved fishing. “It’s something I inherited from my family.”
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