Saipan international fishing tourney next month

The Saipan Fishermen’s Association will hold the 32nd Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament on July 9 and 10.

Game fish categories are: Bill Fish (1st -3rd), Yellow Fin (1st-3rd), Wahoo (1st -3rd), Mahi Mahi (1st-3rd), and Skipjack (1st-3rd). Prizes will also be awarded for total weight and grand prize, while SFA will award a special $10,000 prize to the first participant to land a marlin weighing over the record 9421bs.

“The Saipan International Fishing Tournament is a weekend of camaraderie, as well as competition, and we look forward to welcoming all returning and new fishermen next month,” said SFA PR and ad chairman Martin Duenas.

This year, a Marianas Trench food festival is also being proposed and will be hosted by another organization in tandem with the tournament. The festival would highlight fresh seafood sampling on-site at Smiling Cove Mariana.

Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Christopher A. Concepcion expressed support for the new festival.

“As a form of sports fishing promotion, MVA has supported the Saipan International Fishing Tournament through the years with financial contributions, as well as manpower and PR support,” said Concepcion. “We’re also excited about the new idea of a seafood festival for visitors and residents, and MVA will join the list of sponsors this year to see if it’s an event that can have longevity and popularity with our visitors.”

The tournament registration cost is $150 per boat, inclusive of a captain and one crew member. Each additional angler is $25. Last year, more than 70 boats and 200 fishermen and crew competed in the two-day fishing derby.

As a requirement, the Department of Public Safety’s Boating Safety Unit will again conduct boat safety inspections. Participants needing to have their boat inspected from July 4 to 8 should contact the Boating Safety office at 664-9180 to arrange for an appointment.

The awards ceremony will be held on July 11. The SFA will produce a souvenir tournament program booklet, to be provided to all participating captains and crew members. Tournament entry forms, rules, and schedule of events are now available under the Events Calendar at www.mymarianas.com and at Fishing Tackle.

For more information about the event, contact MVA community projects specialist Ed Diaz at 664-3200, email ediaz@mymarianas, or log on to the SFA website at www.sfacnmi.com. (PR)