From the open sea to State House, Hook the Challenge winner, Kamal Jean-Baptiste, meets President Dr Patrick Herminie on Tuesday, after shattering a world fishing record.
Mr. Jean-Baptiste, aged 23, was among nine other crew members aboard Top Secret, Saturday, 18 April. Among the many species they caught on their way to winning the title was an Amberjack weighing 24.0 kg.
Mr Jean-Baptiste landed a Rust Jobfish weighing 12.16 kg during the competition, setting the new world record. The previous record was established in 2019, by Micheal de Min, who landed an 10.5kg Rusty Jobfish caught in Milne Bay, Papua New Gunea.
The President congratulated Mr. Jean-Baptiste on his achievement, noting that they share the same passion for fishing. Mr. Jean-Baptiste explained how he managed to catch such heavy fish, highlighting that these species typically swim at great depths. He further noted that teamwork and the favourable weather conditions contributed to their success.
As winners of the competition, Top Secret received a cash prize of SR 50,000.
Hook the Challenge is one of the activities organised to mark the 50th Anniversary of Seychelles’ Independence.
Mr. Jean-Baptiste currently works with his mother in their family business, and counts fishing amongst the activities he is most passionate about.