Rota Cliff Fishing Derby on July 28-30

Fishermen throughout the Marianas are gearing up for the 2017 Rota Cliff Fishing Derby on July 28-30, 2017. Organizers say competitors from Saipan, Tinian, and Guam are expected to join fishermen from Rota for the annual event.

The designated derby fishing sites are As Matmos, Pona Point, and Mt. Taipingo. Registration is $25. Derby orientation will be at 5pm on July 28 at the Guata Beach Park, followed by the start of the derby. The derby will end at 10am on July 30, followed by the awards banquet at 1pm at Small Island.

“We’re pleased to again be preparing with the Rota Mayor’s Office to welcome fishermen for our cliff fishing derby later this month,” said Sandra Atalig, Rota field operations supervisor at the Marianas Visitors Authority office on Rota.

Prizes will be given for the most variety, biggest fish, and for total weight.

Cash prizes will be awarded for the Top 3 finishers in the categories of biggest fish and total weight. First prize is $400, second prize is $200, and third prize is $100.

The Top 4 finishers in the most variety category will receive in-kind donations from Ambros Inc. The first prize is a rod and reel, second prize is a cooler, third prize is a Bud Light beach chair, and fourth prize is a gift pack.

In the total weight category, the prizes are $300 for first prize, $200 for second prize, and $100 for third prize.

The weekend event is organized by the Rota Mayor’s Office with support from Rota Municipal Council, Rota Legislative Delegation, Department of Public Safety, Department of Fire & Emergency Services, Ambros Inc., and the MVA.

For complete rules or to register, contact special assistant for Programs and Grants Aubry Hocog of the Rota Mayor’s Office at 532-9451 or aubryhocog@gmail.com or Sandra Atalig of the MVA at 532-0327 or satalig@mymarianas.com.

Meanwhile, the Rota Mayor’s Office will be hosting a youth fishing derby at the Teteto Beach on Sunday, July 23, from 9am to 4pm.

Interested participants must fill out application forms that are available at the Rota Mayor’s Office. Participants must be ages 5 to 8 and 9 to 12.

There will be an orientation at the Teteto Pavilion on Sunday, July 23, at 8:30am.

Cash prizes will be given to the participant who collects the most number of fish. Prizes are $75 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place. (MVA, Va’ina Lizama)