The final day of the Bermuda Big Game Fishing Classic saw David Soares land a 533-lb marlin ? and a whopping $102,000 prize.

His catch on day three aboard brought the total marlin caught or released to 51 in the event, which attracted a record 43 teams gunning for $375,00 in cash and prizes.

Although two giant marlin were caught on day two, neither of their anglers had paid the jackpot premium, meaning a bonanza $78,000 was available on the final day, plus the $24,000 final day?s prize.

Soares, whose team also bagged $13,650 for third place overall with 1533 points, and his all-Bermuda crew of Jeffrey Soares, Lloyd Hopkins and Gareth Davies were the biggest money winners of the three-day Classic with $115,650. Dean Jones? finished second on points and cash with $82,125 and 1,694 points.

Although not scooping the most money, the overall team winners were aboard Eddie Herbert?s , whose four releases and 2,000 points saw them take top honours ? they also picked up $56,775 for their trouble.

?It has been an exciting event,? said tournament director Dan Jacobs, who founded the event back in 2001 which now attracts fisherman from as far afield as Hong Kong, Thailand, England, Canada and the United States on both charters and in their own boats.

?Bermuda has some pretty impressive fish in her waters and there was plenty going on out there in the three days of competition.

?We have seen some pretty big fish caught and we know of some big ones that got away. 51 marlin caught is a good haul for the competitors.?