RARE BLACK MARLIN CATCH SETS NEW MILESTONE AT LISC 2025 FLAGSHIP EVENT

LABUAN, April 27 (Bernama) -- The Labuan International Deep Sea Fishing Challenge, a flagship event of the Labuan International Sea Challenge (LISC) 2025, has made history with a record-breaking catch — a Black Marlin weighing 230 kg, the largest ever recorded since the event’s inception in 1997.

The remarkable achievement left both participants and organisers in awe, setting a new milestone for the prestigious deep-sea fishing competition.

Labuan Corporation chief executive officer Mohd Sukuran Taib described the catch as “overwhelming” and a significant boost to Labuan’s standing as a premier destination for sport fishing.

“This historic catch of a rare Black Marlin certainly enhances LISC’s prestige.  It reflects the rich marine resources of our waters and will surely attract even more international anglers in the future,” he told Bernama after the auction of catches at the Labuan International Sea Sport Complex here today.

This year’s challenge drew a strong turnout, with 212 participants from Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

On April 22, anglers set sail from Labuan towards the rich fishing grounds off Layangan Island and the Spratly Islands.

The Hong Kong team emerged as overall champions, recording the highest cumulative catch weight of 101.70 kg, taking home a cash prize of RM45,000.

Malaysia’s 360 Anglers 1 team finished second with a total catch of 67.12 kg, earning RM15,000, and the CK Team secured third place with 75.98 kg, receiving RM10,000.

The angler who caught the extraordinary Black Marlin was awarded a cash prize of RM3,000 under a special category. 

Held from April 22 to 27 and organised by Labuan Corporation, the LISC 2025 offered a total of RM350,000 in cash prizes across 12 events. 

Mohd Sukuran said the deep-sea fishing challenge remains one of the four main highlights of the challenge, alongside the Labuan Round Island Kayak Challenge, Regatta Race 2.0 and Mini Marathon Kayak Challenge.

“The historic feat is expected to further cement Labuan’s status as an international hub for marine sports and boost tourism,” he added. 

--BERNAMA