Since last May 20 through the 25 the 63rd Tournament Marlin Fishing “Ernest Hemingway”, one of the oldest in the world, only preceded by the Tuna World Cup in New Scotland and Tarpon tournament in Mexico, is taking place in Havana.
Its first edition was in 1950, when 36 of the best sports yacht clubs of Havana sailed the Morro Castle channel, located at the entrance of Havana Bay in search of the Gulf Stream. One of them was the “Pilar”, owned by Ernest Hemingway, who participated as a representative of the Havana International Nautical Club.
That year, a group of fishermen suggested to the famous writer to name the tournament with his name. Hemingway not only accepted, but donated the cup for the first three tournaments. With its foundation in 1992, the Hemingway International Yacht Club of Cuba, (CNIH of Cuba), Hemingway tournaments have a new life. The promotion is done on the basis of friendly relations with fishing clubs, publications and fishermen, which is achieved by encouraging the participation of those who love and defend healthy sport fishing as way to pass the time while protecting the environment and species.
This year, several fishermen from different countries participate(in teams of up to four members) who accumulate points for the Fishing Rolex-IGFA (International Game Fish Association) World Championship.
The method used by the Havana meeting is the Tag & Release, with corresponding digital photos that prove the procedure. In this edition they began using biodegradable-circle hooks which are less harmful to the marlins, thanks to the collaboration of the IFGA with the Tournament Organizing Committee and the Cuban Federation of Fishing (Agency that supports the tournament with its “International Open” category and regulates competitions that use the Trolling system).
According to Hector Asensio, commercial director of Marina Hemingway Residential, “the tournament is an experience that goes beyond competition itself: it is an adventure at sea, with all the hospitality and attractiveness of the doings of Hemingway in these waters.”
In addition to the top three prizes, that include medals and trophies for fishermen’s teams, prizes will be awarded to the first and biggest Dorado caught during the event.
