Dominican Republic to host 83rd edition of the World Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament

CABEZA DE TORO, Punta Cana, La Altagracia. October 14, 2024.- With the participation of 22 vessels from 10 countries, the Dominican Republic is hosting the International Light Tackle (ILITTA) world fishing tournament, in the capture and subsequent release of the Blue Marlin species, in its 83rd edition.

Competitors from the United States, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic are taking part in this new version of high competition, which is being held for the fifth time in Quisqueya.

Dr. Eduardo Read, director of the tournament, said that this event will reaffirm the Dominican Republic’s projection as one of the paradises of sport fishing. He also indicated that the country is competing with 3 teams with the most experienced fishermen to maintain the crown obtained last year in Panama.

At the opening ceremony of the conclave held this Sunday, the participants in this sporting event, both local and international, were welcomed by the folkloric ballet of the Ministry of Tourism, which made the attendees dance to the rhythm of merengue. Elizabeth Nuñez from the MITUR Nautical and Fishing Department was present, and One Love Reggae Band performed later.

The sporting event takes place from the 12th to the 19th of this month at the Cabeza de Toro Nautical Club and from the early hours of this Monday the 14th the competitors will give their best to obtain the medal at the end of the competition.

The tournament will continue on the 15th, 17th and 18th, where the boats will set out to sea to carry out the fishing race from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon, where each competitor will be representing their nautical club, the teams will be made up of three fishermen per boat, in which 66 fishermen will start for the “Big Belt”.

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The program began with a meeting of boat directors held on Sunday, during which ILTTA President Dean Schroeder presented a plaque of recognition to Eduardo Read, who is in charge of directing the competition. Read was the main speaker at the meeting, offering details of the tournament. In addition, a general assembly and fishermen’s meeting were held.