Trinidad and Tobago has a new national record – in game fishing.

Angler Brendan Bernard caught a Blue Marlin weighing 1000.5 lbs, the largest Blue Marlin catch on record in a locally-based game fishing tournament. Bernard was a member of the team aboard ‘Predator’ participating in the Tobago International Game Fishing Tournament which took place from 9 – 12 May 2013.

The tournament began in 1995 at Pigeon Point, Tobago. Only a handful of boats participated but it proved to be the start of something that has endured and grown well beyond those humble beginnings. Now relocated to the north end of Tobago in the wonderfully friendly village of Charlotteville, the Tobago International Game Fishing Tournament pulls in anglers from near and far - from the Caribbean to North and South America, even Europe. The tournament draws big game fishermen who can appreciate great camaraderie, competition and fishing conditions.

This year 18 teams participated in the international division and 41 teams in the local division. Game fishing is one of the niche sports being targeted in the thrust to develop sport tourism in Trinidad and Tobago. Trends indicate that participants visit for extended periods with their families and generally always return annually based on the seasons and the dates of particular tournaments and events.



Photo Credit: Della S. De Silva, Tobago Game Fishing Tournament Control (681-2851)
1. 1000.5 lb Blue Marlin being weighed by tournament judges and officials
2. 1000.5llb Blue Marlin brought to shore
3. Angler Brendan Bernard poses with his catch