PHILIPSBURG – Fishing vessel “Lorna Mae” from St. Maarten captained by Clayton Joseph emerged overall winner of the 3rd Annual Island Water World Mahi-Mahi Tournament held Saturday at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg to take the coveted US$2,000 first prize and assorted gifts.
The crew were named Mahi-Mahi Kings of 2016 after hauling in four Mahi Mahi’s, one of which was the heaviest of the day at 23.4lbs.
“Lorna Mae” managed to whip last year’s winner “Yellow Whip” from French St. Martin captained by Laurent Petit whose crew nevertheless reeled in the second largest Mahi Mahi of 23.2lbs.
“Yellow Whip” however was not outdone as they won the Billfish Challenge, releasing one Blue Marlin to win the US$1,000 entry fee prize to the St. Martin Billfish Tournament on June 15-18.
The third largest Mahi Mahi of the day was caught by fishing team “Tahla’O”, weighing in at 23.0 lbs. The largest Yellowfin Tuna caught was 15.3 lbs by fishing vessel “One Luv’’.
Fishing team “Tsunami” from St. Barths caused quite a stir when they reeled in a 67.4 lb Wahoo, the largest fish caught during the competition.
The Best Female angler prize went to a very proud young lady by the name of Typhaine Bosseur, aboard ‘’One Luv’’ after catching a 16.6 lb Mahi Mahi, narrowly out-dueling several other participating female anglers.
The Best Junior angler prize went to Jamaal Klaber aboard fishing boat " Blue Crush" from Saba, after landing a 22.1 lb Mahi Mahi.
In total 896.60 lbs of fish was caught on Saturday during the competition. The St. Maarten Sport Fishing Foundation made a generous monetary donation to the SXM Sea Rescue foundation
Organisers were very pleased with the turn out, and even more so of the support shown by their sponsors and are looking forward to next year’s 4th annual event.
The event was hosted by the St. Maarten Sport Fishing Foundation and saw a record total of 21 fishing boats from St. Maarten, French St. Martin, Saba and St. Barth’s participate in the tournament.
Source: Daily Herald
St. Maarten’s “Lorna Mae”’ crew crowned 2016 Mahi Mahi Kings
