Anglers from China, Japan, Korea, and elsewhere are competing for their share of a 226,000 yuan ($33,680) prize pot in the 2019 Wanshan Islands International Fishing Open, which commenced on March 22. The pot includes 50,000 yuan ($7,450) for the winning team in a field of 53, it was announced at the opening ceremony.

The 159 competitors are in one of the best places for fishing in Guangdong Province. The Wanshan Archipelago comprises 104 islands in the South China Sea, just beyond the Pearl River estuary and Hong Kong. The archipelago is rich in marine resources as countless fish inhabit and reproduce there year-round, particularly during the winter.

Though it hosts various domestic fishing competitions, this is the first time for the Wanshan Marine Development Experimental Zone to hold an international-level championship. 

Gyotaku fish printing [Photo by Cheng Lin / Zhuhai Daily]

Tetsuya Takahashi, a prominent Japanese fisher and winner of the country's nationwide rock-fishing competition, was among the guests who discussed offshore angling techniques and fishing gear. Other veteran fishers and researchers shared their views on the development trajectory of Wanshan and prospects of the fishing industry.

Master Jingshui from Shandong Province also made his mark on the opening ceremony. He demonstrated the ancient art of Gyotaku fish-printing by creating the image of a fish on specially designed Chinese Xuan paper (rice paper). This form of art began as a way for fisherman to record the species and size of each catch. It gradually grew into a sophisticated art form as it was combined with poetry, calligraphy, and painting. It was especially popular during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).