A bluefin tuna weighing more than 180 kilograms was proclaimed Pingtung County’s “first bluefin tuna of the season” on Wednesday, a tradition that heralds the start of the fishing season in Taiwan for the migratory fish.

The winner of the first catch is the first boat to return to port with a bluefin tuna caught live and weighing at least 180 kilograms, according to the fishermen’s association at Donggang Township, the country’s largest fishing hub.

While association officials did not disclose the weight of the winning tuna, which was brought into port by the Liuqiu-registered vessel Jung Yu Man, they said they had checked the fish and determined that it qualified as the winner.

The fish, caught by Jung Yu Man’s captain Chen Chin-ping (???), will be auctioned off on Sunday, the association said, adding that the county’s first bluefin tuna last year fetched over NT$10,000 (US$350) per kilogram.

The 37-year-old Chen, who has been fishing for 15 years, said it was his first time winning the “first bluefin tuna” honor, adding that it took some luck to take home the accolade.

Chen, who usually looks for moonfish, marlin, and tuna, said that he caught 21 tuna fish last year.

According to the fishermen’s association, Chen’s catch from waters off of Taiwan’s southwestern coast was rather rare because the fish usually migrates along the country’s east coast.

It was also the third earliest catch since the race started in 2002, the association said. Taiwan’s fishing season for tuna usually takes place between April and June.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel