The local economy could benefit by as much as $1 million from the second annual Bermuda Big Game Classic which starts tomorrow.

Whether it's the rental of lavish homes or hotel rooms, the purchase of fuel for their luxury yachts or simply enjoying what Bermuda has to offer, the game-fishing fraternity is expected to make a major contribution to the Island's economy in the coming days.

Tournament producer Dan Jacobs estimates the spin-off from this competition - a joint venture between the Bermuda Department of Tourism and World Publications (a multi-media event company) - could reach the million-dollar mark. In addition, he noted that huge television exposure awaits Bermuda since the four-day Classic will be featured later this year on Sport Fishing Magazine which airs on the Outdoor Life Network.

"This is really big for Bermuda. We expect to have between 25 and 30 teams competing, with 12 foreign boats, six local charter boats (local vessels chartered by foreign clientele) and the rest being local private boats.

"The owners and crews of these boats are very well known in big game fishing circles and they come out to win. These yachts cost anywhere from $1.5 million to $5 million and they range from 55 to 72 feet in length," said Jacobs yesterday.

While Bermudian businesses will be interested in the cash flowing from this sporting event, the anglers themselves will be concentrating on landing the biggest catches between Friday and Sunday when the actual fishing takes place, following final registration, a captains' meeting and kick-off party at the Hamilton Princess tomorrow, starting at 4 p.m.

Tournament cash awards will be at stake in various categories. This money will be made up from the mandatory $3,000-per-team entry fee as well as another $2,000 fee for the optional daily blue marlin jackpot. All totalled, this should be between $125,000 and $150,000. Tournament organisers also have $30,000 in prizes to bolster the bounty.

As if this, plus unparalleled bragging rights were not enough, there is a special incentive of $250,000 for any boat which breaks a world record for a blue or white marlin and another of $50,000 in the case of a dolphin, yellowfin tuna or wahoo.

"That could happen here. If there are five places in the world that you pick for that to happen, Bermuda would be one of them. It's a real possibility. Remember that a local captain, Allen DeSilva, caught the second-largest blue marlin ever here in 1995," noted Jacobs.

Even if no records are broken, this tournament is recording a number of firsts in the big-game fishing in Bermuda: the most foreign fishing vessels for a tournament, the most teams in a fishing tournament and the largest purse for a fishing event.

While most of the fishing is expected to take place on Challenger Bank and Argus Bank, there are no restrictions on where competitors can fish once they adhere to the "lines out" at 4 p.m. rule and make the daily weigh-ins at Barr's Park.

One international personality who will be among those vying for honours is Mark Messier, centre with the New York Rangers ice hockey team. He will be aboard the 55-foot Viking sport fishing yacht, Wani-Kanati.

Alberto Ruiz, last year's victorious team captain from Florida, USA, is back to defend his title. He caught the biggest blue marlin in last year's tournament, a 646-pounder.