The competition held in the South of Gran Canaria has a first day with an abundance of specimens and with 10 boats confirmed with at least one catch, and its corresponding release, and three with two.
The 'White Marlin', the 'Blue Marlin' and 'The Rod Father' provisionally lead the classification with two tag and release processes completed to free the specimen
The Blue Marlin, the great speedster of the Canary Islands waters, with its characteristic needle and silver back, became the star of the first day of the Gran Canaria International Open Deep Sea Fishing, with 13 catch and release processes completed and another ten that won their battle against the fisherman's rod. All in all, in an edition that is already among those with the greatest abundance and fishing, the fleet was enthusiastic about it.
The provisional classification shows three boats in the lead, with two marks and releases completed. In first place is the 'White Marlin Primero' owned by Adolfo Zan Martín, as it was the first to open the race. Its release took place at 10:40 am and in the event of a tie, priority is given to the order of the mark. In second place is 'The Rod Father II', which managed to bring its first specimen of the day close to its stern at 10:46 am. This boat belongs to Adrián Arcay and has its usual base in Puerto Colón (Tenerife).
Four other boats managed to score their first points on the first day. The 'Ali Sea', formerly 'Opa Locka', did so at 10:51. The 'Blue Marlin Tres' did so at 10:59, while 'Eva Team' signed its prize at 13:01 and the 'Arrantxale Bat', owned by Alberto Iriarte, registered its Picudo at 13:46 in the afternoon. Finally, the Cavalier joined the party with a catch and release that took place at 15:31 hours. Finally, near the end of the day, at 17 hours, three boats, the 'Hedonist', the 'Naomi' and the 'Hemingway' completed the list of scores. All in all, excitement and fun, with a large number of skippers with chances of winning, is the main ingredient of the final day on Saturday. Upon reaching port, the fleet gave each other a hug after a day that everyone described as historic.
The organisation highlighted several factors that place this edition among the highest level in the competition. On the one hand, the good weather and the perfect conditions for fishing, which favoured the 12 safe catches and their corresponding releases and another ten attempts that did not complete the process of bringing the specimen to the boat and correctly registering its mark. Manuel Ramírez, member of the organising committee, explained that this number places this edition among those with the greatest abundance of fishing in its history. On the other hand, Ramírez indicated that the majority of marks were achieved in the area of Arguineguín and El Pajar, in front of the cement factory, and near the coast of Mogán. Meanwhile, another historical figure in the competition, Emilio Ley, did not hesitate to point out this day as “one of the most beautiful and exciting” that he remembers.
A fleet with 37 contenders
After a last-minute addition, 37 competitors started punctually at 9:15 in the morning, spread out between the ports of Pasito Blanco, Puerto Rico and Mogán. Two intense days of just over eight hours each lay ahead, in which the Blue Weevil, the fastest speedster in Canary waters, is the absolute reference until the fishing lines are lifted at 17:00. The competition is run under the catch-and-release philosophy. That is, without victims. At full speed, the boats headed to places where specimens of Weevil have been located in recent weeks, some headed to the area of the El Pajar cement factory, others, the majority, to the area of Tasartico, opposite Playa del Descojonado.
All participants highlighted the notable presence of Blue Marlin specimens in recent weeks, with days in which up to 30 were located and where a single boat recorded a dozen of them. Each capture and release, correctly accredited with video and photo, adds 400 points, while a White Marlin specimen adds 50 points. In case of having to break the tie, it will be done according to the earliest capture. In addition, in case there are no billfish, the capture of a tuna will be scored, one point per kilo, as long as it is above 25, and only a maximum of one tuna is allowed per boat, following the conservationist philosophy of the event organization. Among the prizes, a check for 20.000 euros stands out for whoever manages to accredit the capture and release of three different Blue Marlin specimens. In addition, the winner will receive a free trip, with registration to participate in a prestigious tournament in Miami.
The first marks were not long in appearing on a day with plenty of marlins. In this sense, the predictions of the experts in the area who had announced a good number of Blue Billfish locations in recent weeks and specific dates on which the charter boats in the area, those offered for rent to tourist clients, managed to locate up to four specimens per day and up to 30 in the sum of several boats, were fulfilled.
Finally, it is worth highlighting the success of the children's tournament, which was attended by more than fifty participating children. All of them received prizes at a meeting that had the support of commercial houses.
