The abundance of billfish defines a start to the competition with maximum excitement and equality in the VI Gran Canaria International Deep Sea Fishing Open, with 11 boats having completed one catch and release of blue marlin and with chances of victory for the final day on Saturday
The Gran Canaria International Deep-Sea Fishing Open has kicked off its sixth edition, since gaining international recognition, confirming the high expectations of both athletes and organizers. The remarkable abundance of fish in the waters off the south of the island has been the star of a highly competitive start to the competition, where speed and precision in maneuvering promise to determine the winners.
Brian González's 'El Pirata', winner of the 2023 edition, leads the standings tied on points (400) with Gabriel Megías' 'Millenium Uno', based in Puerto Rico, and Alfredo Vals' 'May Nieves', from Puerto Calero (Lanzarote). The order is determined by the times, as they were the first to complete the catch and release process without harming the fish and in full compliance with IGFA regulations.
Jorge Luis Ramos's 'Shockwave' finished the first day in high spirits, entering the Pasito Blanco dock hoping for two catches. It could even have been three. However, luck wasn't on their side, and the judges detected an irregularity, forcing them to cancel one of their fishing maneuvers.
So far, a total of eleven boats have reported successfully catching and releasing one blue marlin each. The standings are currently being determined by the first three boats in chronological order of notification. The remaining boats have one catch each. Thus, the competition is between: El Pirata , Millenium Uno , and May Nieves . Also included are: Sinun Roden Específico, Shockwave , Cata Gran Canaria , El Monty , Leire , Garvi Uno , Marsana , Cavalier Uno , and Dulcemar . All have completed a catch and release process. The organizers noted that last year's competition ended with fewer than five catches, confirming a historic day in the search for the coveted blue marlin, known locally as "picudo." A thrilling final day is expected, with the competition fiercely contested.
Furthermore, the Tanoa 's strategy for the day has been dictated by its return to port for the weighing of a tuna specimen. This strategic maneuver aims to accumulate the maximum number of points allowed by the regulations in an attempt to seize first place in the provisional standings, creating a climate of uncertainty and excitement until the final jury tally, since, in the event of a tie on the last day, these points could prove decisive.
Conservationist philosophy and maximum rivalry
True to its commitment to the marine environment, the tournament requires video and photographic documentation of each marlin to earn 400 points in the catch and release (non-lethal) category. The rules also include weight-based scoring for tuna (one point per kilogram starting at 25 kg, with a limit of one fish per boat), adding a valuable tactical element to the competition.
With a large number of skippers in contention and the validation of brands underway, the fleet faces the final day this Saturday with everything to be decided, in a festive atmosphere and with the certainty of experiencing one of the busiest editions at sea in the recent history of the tournament.
Children's Fishing Competition
The fishing day at Pasito Blanco also featured the youngest participants, with 44 boys and girls taking part in the rod and reel competition. This year, a new addition to the event was a workshop on sustainable fishing and environmental awareness. In this way, the Canary Islands' future fishing community is being nurtured with valuable lessons while competing in categories such as fastest catch, heaviest catch, and largest number of fish caught. The event concluded with the distribution of numerous prizes and gifts from the sponsors of the International Open.
