It was a tight finish as team Papasan took first place by catching two pounds more fish than team College Fund in the 12th Anniversary of the Trinidad and Tobago Game Fishing Association (TTGFA) Junior Angler Fishing Tournament. The event was sponsored by Micon Marketing Ltd, Daynco Ltd, AS Bryden and Son's (Trinidad) Ltd and was held on Saturday, July 3 out of the Trinidad and Tobago Yacht Club in Bayshore.
The top two teams caught a total of 93.6 lbs and 91.5 lbs respectively. The day's total catch was 497.74 pounds caught by 82 junior anglers who took part in the keenly contested tournament (18 girls and 64 boys fishing out of 25 boats). More than 450 pounds of fish were donated to charities: Rainbow Rescue, Sophia House, St. Jude's, Christ-Child Convalescent Home and The Battered Women's Home.
Prizes consisted of 30 rods and reels, numerous trophies, hampers and other items presented to the many victorious anglers. The overall Top Female Angler was Marie-Elena Navarro fishing on College Fund and the overall Top Male Angler was Joshua Aboud fishing on Outcast. The Heaviest fish in each of the species were: Kingfish – Matthew Vilain, Carite – Graeme Boyack, Bachine – Luke DeGannes, Cavali – Brandon O'Brian and Bonito – Matthew Vilain. The heaviest fish of the tournament was won by Matthew Vilain (Kingfish at 26.12 lbs) on board Anger Management.
Other sponsors and donors include National Canners Ltd., D. Mankee and Company Ltd, Agostin's Ltd., Skippers Restaurant, Clamens and Associates 2000 Ltd, Valdez and Torry International Ltd, Trinidad Yacht Club, Trinicat Boat Works Ltd, Associated Brands Industries Ltd. and Neptune Fishing Supplies-Shimano America Corporation.
Special thanks to the Fisheries Division, the parents and children, the many helpers and well wishers and also the T and T Game Fishing Association Committee Members.
Event report and photo submitted by Steven Valdez
