Second chance for Fisherman of the Year

Andrew Gould, captain of the fishing vessel “Chance 2,” made good use of his second chance to become the Fisherman of the Year.

The Belmont resident hooked the top prize on Monday, as activities to mark the 2014 Fisheries Month came to a close at the Calliaqua Playing Field.{{more}}

Gould, a fisherman for just over five years, previously won the coveted title in 2009. He said he felt proud of his achievement, and intends to repeat the feat as many times as possible during what he hopes is a long career.

The father of four snagged the title by not only hauling in the second largest number of fish on the day of competition (236 heads), but also the heaviest catch of the day (998 pounds) in the Class 1 category.

For snagging the top award, Gould is now the owner of a brand new 75 horsepower two-stroke outboard engine, a trophy from former Minister of Culture René Baptiste, one anchor, three life jackets, two cases of outboard engine oil, one pack of hooks and $150.

Leslie Hazlewood, captain of the boat “Bird Watcher” won himself a 25 horsepower two stroke outboard engine for the heaviest catch in Class Two (242) and the heaviest single catch in that category (28 pounds).

Other outstanding fishermen on the day include Allan Brooker (largest number of fish Class Two: 437 heads, third heaviest catch: 133), Joseph Medford (largest number of fish Class One: 320 heads), Ashley Cordice; heaviest single fish: 65 pounds), Orla Matthews (heaviest catch, women: 36 pounds), Glenroy Grant (heaviest catch; beach seine: 3,018 pounds), Hamlet George (single heaviest fish, Class Three: 11.5 pounds), Keroy Thomas (heaviest catch, Class Three: 256 pounds), and Lewis Nanton (heaviest catch, Class Four: 33.5 pounds).

A total of 7,259 pounds of fish were caught this year, as compared to 6,989.5 in 2013.

One hundred and thirty fisher folk on 44 boats entered this year’s competition.(JJ)