The Blue Waters Anglers Club’s recent Annual Junior Fishing Tournament proved a success with nearly 100 young people participating.

Bermuda’s oldest youth fishing tournament, with its origins stretching as far back as the early 1960s, it proceeded despite the threat of bad weather on July 1.

Rayan Hafar, 11, from Warwick, said that while the water was rough in the morning, conditions were much better by the afternoon.

“The waves were really big and it was hard to relax out there. I did have a good time, though.”

Rayan caught a 9.51lb yellowtail snapper while aboard Peanuts.

BWAC president Ray Bean said he was pleased with the turnout and grateful for the support of members, boat captains and crews and sponsors.

After the awards ceremony, participants were treated to hamburgers and hot dogs and were given a complementary knapsack filled with goodies.

Mr Bean said the club continues with the tournament because “often these kids, where they’re from and some of their circumstances, would never get to see Bermuda from North Rock or anywhere at sea like that.

“Some don’t get that opportunity to go out on a boat. We find that they can’t wait for the next year. Other clubs have tournaments, yes, but for some of these kids, this is unique for them.”

Andrew Marshall, captain of Bay Roots, taunted BWAC president Bean who is usually out with him on tournaments: “Take note of what I can do with the right crew! Seriously, we had a great day, we got lucky.”

Phoenix Bowens, from Saltus Grammar, said: “It’s always fun out fishing with Blue Waters”. Phoenix said he caught both a wahoo, a blackfin tuna and “a few mackerel”.

The prize-winners included Alario Faria, Philando Hill III and Naziah Smith, who got a special mention award for hauling in her 42.8lb amberjack, as did Jamir Heatherly, who landed an 18.5lb wahoo and Ismail Ali, who caught a 45lb wahoo.

New Roots helper Zakee Doers was given a rod and reel for winning the Character Award.

The sponsors of the BWAC Junior Tournament were Belco, Butterfield & Vallis, Barritt’s, C-Mart ad Sports R Us.