The just concluded Trinidad and Tobago Game Fishing Association (TTGFA) MARLIN MADNESS Fishing Tournament, which was held in Speyside, Tobago for the first time turned out to be the most successful fishing tournament in its 28 year history.

The 3 day tournament (April 2rd, 3rd and 5th) sponsored by the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, Carib, Blue waters Inn and the Tobago House of Assembly  (just to name a few of the many sponsors) saw a whopping 890 lb Blue Marlin caught by 15 year old Maple Leaf student, Sean Mendonca on board the winning boat (a 33ft Proline fishing boat),"Indigo" on the last day.

This year's tournament also saw the largest payout in cash ever: a total of $415,000 TT to Sean Mendonca and much more (too numerous to mention) to anglers and captains for prizes from heaviest species caught to best foreign boat. Female and Junior anglers also cashed in on very exciting prizes such as an all expenses paid holiday, top brand fishing gear and boat equipment.

The winning boat's Captain Maurice Lloyd and other crew members, Derrick Tardieu, Murray Fourneillier witnessed the junior angler fight this record breaking Blue Marlin 4 miles off Charlotteville for a little over an hour in very rough seas. The water on the Leeward side of Tobago was so bad on that day that there were rough water bulletins put out by the Trinidad and Tobago Met Office warning sea bathers and ocean craft operators not to venture into the seas as a precautionary measure.

According to the Captain of team "Indigo" they missed the entire 2nd day fishing due to the big waves that prevented them from getting to their boat which was anchored in Man O' War Bay,Charlotteville.

As Captain, Maurice's main concern after Sean landed this monster record fish was ensuring the safety of his crew, as the boat began to take in a lot of water when they had to open the transom door to slide the fish into the cockpit. "Huge waves started to come into the boat which forced us to refocus our efforts from securing the large fish to securing our lives," said the experienced Captain.

He continued, "A few quick maneuvers in the rough sea and quickly getting the boat up to a speed of 15 knots while making our way back to the "TTGFA MARLIN MADNESS" scale in Speyside Tobago helped to drain the water out of the vessel and only then did the celebrations begin."

The President of the TTGFA, Chris Mouttet said, "At first we had no idea how large this fish was but when it was hoisted up the scale and world famous IGFA weigh master, Bill Rewault screamed out the weight of 890lbs the crowd erupted into cheers. Then everyone started to discuss the possibility of the catch making it into the International Game Fishing Association's record books for the largest Blue Marlin by a junior angler. The existing record for an Atlantic Blue Marlin is 815lbs. Once this record is verified in the very near future by the IGFA it will put the TTGFA MARLIN MADNESS on the world map for Blue Marlin Fishing."

TTGFA Management Committee member, Steven Valdez said, "this record will tremendously improve the TTGFA's sponsorship drive for all future tournaments. Existing sponsors will be pleased to know that they were associated with the magnificent achievement of this young Trinidad and Tobago angler. The future of these tournaments is looking very promising indeed as sponsors are sure to get mileage for their involvement in the years to come."

Tournament Chairman, Alan Sheppard was equally pleased to see so many boats coming from all parts of the Caribbean despite the rough sea warnings that preceded the tournament. "29 boats entered but only one can win but our job is to make everyone feel like winners at the end of the day. Our hospitality is what we will be remembered for despite the inclement weather and rough seas the final day turned out to be a huge success, " said Sheppard.

"Indigo" won the 28th TTGFA MARLIN MADNESS Fishing Tournament with the record catch. Second place was captured by "Dun Digging" followed by "Hard Play II","Magic Lady","Houdini","Grand Slam II", "Afunday","Dream Catcher", "The Shooter (Barbados)", and "Hard Play" in tenth position.

"The TTGFA would like to thank all sponsors especially the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, Carib, The Tobago House of Assembly and Blue Waters Inn, for their outstanding support in helping make this tournament the best one ever!" said Sheppard in conclusion.