Eleven teams are expected to cast off on Friday morning (December 2) at the Royal Yacht Club for the 20th staging of the Innovative Systems Royal Jamaica Yacht Club (RJYC) Fishing Tournament.

This will signal the start of two full days of activities. It is open to all anglers with fishing starting at 5:30 am Friday morning and ending on Saturday at 4:00 pm, with the weigh-in station set to close at 6:00 pm on Saturday.

The top prize for the boat landing the most eligible fish by weight will be J$350,000, with many other sectional prizes on offering. Among them are: ‘Boat under 30’ Most Points, Heaviest Wahoo, Heaviest Kingfish, Junior Angler Award and many others. Eligible pelagic fish are Marlin, Wahoo, Tuna, Kingfish/Mackerel and Dolphin and the minimum weight of eligible pelagic fish will be 10 pounds. 

Garth Walker, executive chairman of Innovative Systems, said the company was pleased to throw its support behind sport fishing.

“Sport fishing is a growing sport locally and has garnered quite a bit of support and traction over the past 10 years. Innovative Systems believes in anything that will allow sportsmen and women to hone and perfect their skills. Generally, all sport contributes to nation building and it is wonderful to be a part of this years’ staging. Our hope is to see this event grow and attract more sport fishers,” Walker said.

Innovative Systems has committed $500,000 to the event

Brandon Samms, commodore at the RJYC, saids the main purpose of the club is to encourage RJYC members and guests to practice sustainable fishing while also indulging our shared love of the sea and all of the surrounding communities involved.

“We are targeting 30 vessels that will provide us with an average of 150 anglers and a similar number of family members and friends coming out to support participating vessels that will range anywhere from 20ft. to 80ft. Sponsorship continues to be a key component of the success of our last tournament that saw roughly 100 members come out in support for our limited event in 2021. This year we look to build upon our successful relationship that will engage even more of our members and their guests. We also hope to build upon the foundation last year offering even more entertainment and coverage at the prize giving due to less restrictions for gathering,” explained Samms.