Ibaraki Prefecture announced that it will hold an international marlin fishing tournament in Oarai Town in August, for the first time in Japan, inviting participants from overseas.
This tournament is called "Oarai International Fishing Festival" and will be held for two days on August 27th and 28th by an executive committee consisting of Ibaraki Prefecture and Oarai Town.
Off the coast of Oarai has become a popular spot among marlin fishing enthusiasts, and since 2006, a domestic tournament has been held by a method called "trolling" in which a lure is thrown from a boat to catch marlin.
Until now, due to legal restrictions, foreigners could not trol, but last month the Fisheries Agency's council announced a policy to relax the restrictions, and in the future, foreigners will also be able to trol in a limited place and period. It means that it will be.
About 50 teams are expected to participate in the tournament, and based on Oarai Marina, we will fish marlin off the coast of Ibaraki and decide the ranking according to the number and weight.
In addition, in order to revitalize tourism in the area, we will hold fishing-related events and set up eating and drinking booths during the period so that non-participants can enjoy it.
Governor Oikawa said, "We expect the participation of wealthy people from overseas in the marlin fishing competition, which will be a great help to enhance the brand power of the Hitachinaka and Oarai areas."