In its 83rd edition, the Dominican Republic is hosting the world fishing tournament of the International Light Tackle (ILITTA). This event, held in Cabeza de Toro, Punta Cana, La Altagracia, has attracted 22 boats from 10 different countries to capture and release the Blue Marlin species.
This esteemed event, now being held in Quisqueya for the fifth time, sees competitors from the United States, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic.
Eduardo Read, the tournament’s director, shared that this event will cement the Dominican Republic’s status as a sport fishing haven. He also highlighted that the country’s 3 teams, comprising of highly seasoned fishermen, will be defending their title won last year in Panama.
Attendees of the opening ceremony, held this Sunday, were greeted with performances by the Ministry of Tourism‘s folkloric ballet. They danced to Merengue, accompanied by Elizabeth Nuñez from the Department of Tourism’s Nautical and Fishing of MITUR. The One Love Reggae Band also performed later.
Being held from the 12th to the 19th at the Cabeza de Toro Nautical Club, the high stake competition will kick off in the early morning of the 14th as the competitors strive to bag the victory medal.
From 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM on the 15th, 17th, and 18th, the competition will continue as boat crews engage in the race representing their respective yacht clubs. Each team will comprise three anglers, totalling 66 fishermen navigating the “Big Belt”.
The tournament started with a meeting of the boat directors on Sunday, where ILTTA president, Dean Schroeder, awarded a plaque to Eduardo Read in his role as the tournament’s director. Read was the keynote speaker, providing insightful details about the competition. A general assembly and fishermen meeting was also held.
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