The Bermuda Big Game Classic, which was concluded on Saturday, was heralded by tournament director Dan Jacobs as an "outstanding success."

The final day of fishing also witnessed the capture of a 757lb Blue Marlin, a record for the competition, by the crew of local charter boat Sea Wolfe, skippered by Russell Young.

"With a record participation and a large number of visiting boats, it could not have gone better" Jacobs said.

Asked whether the popularity of the Classic would improve given the success of this years event, Jacobs was upbeat.

"We are already hearing of other boats that want to come next year while this years crews had nothing but great things to say and will be telling their friends."

Although he admitted that Bermuda was "slightly handicapped" by its isolated location, he still predicted that the event's international reputation would continue to grow apace.

"Eddie Herbert, who captains the boat Real Tight and who fishes at tournaments all over the world, pulled me aside the other day and told me that the Classic is the finest fishing event he has ever been to. This makes us really excited," he said.

"Also, the way their building these modern sports fishing vessels means that the ocean crossing is well within the capability of most boats and makes the long crossing less of a problem. We do therefore anticipate significant growth."