Tuna Mix Classic on Aug. 14

Tasi to Table Inc. president Gene Weaver, center, poses with winners of the previous TTT Youth Mini-Derby at the Smiling Cove weighing station. (Mark Rabago)

A total of $6,000 is at stake for Tasi to Table Inc.’s Tuna Mix Classic 2021 fishing tournament set for Aug. 14 in the waters off the CNMI.

This early TTT vice president Wayne Pangelinan said they expect to get at least 45 boats to enter the inaugural tournament.

Pangelinan said any pelagic species in contention for prizes from first to third in the heaviest catch must include a tuna species—yellow fin, skip jack, and big eye tuna.

“Be it a marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo, or sailfish, the combined weight of their selected tuna species with their largest other pelagic make the total weight for submission,” said Pangelinan.

When asked why TTT opted to introduce this newest of fishing tournaments, TTT secretary Derik Reyes said it was just time to introduce a new kind of fishing challenge.

“There are several reasons why we are holding this type of tournament. We wanted to spice it up a bit and offer a different type of challenge. Change up the tradition of regular fishing derbies and add fun as well a great learning experience for everyone,” he said.

Other TTT officers also chimed in on the idea behind the Tuna Mix Classic 2021.

“Adding another tournament to stimulate the economy. We wish all expected participants good luck!” said TTT president Gene Weaver.

“Tuna is one of the easiest fish to catch, but pairing it with other bigger pelagic species is a challenge. This is where skills come in,” said TTT treasurer Alex Castro Jr.

“May the best fisherman win!” added Reyes

Major sponsors Bank of Saipan and Pacific Trading Co. are pulling out all the stops by bankrolling the $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 cash prize for first, second, and third place for heaviest catch, respectively, with additional gift certificates from Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods.

“Coordinating a tournament with great sponsorship backing from the Bank of Saipan and Pacific Trading Co., TTT is enthusiastic with building this tournament to be yet another staple fishing event for the CNMI,” said Pangelinan.

TTT aims to build on the success of the Wahoo in the Marianas fishing tournament and it hopes to reel in not only CNMI anglers but hopefully Guam anglers will participate as well.

Registration forms will be placed at the Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods as well as 4EVER CNMI shop in San Jose. Registration fee is $200 for one captain and two anglers with additional crew $25 apiece. The awards ceremony will be held after the last weigh-in on fishing derby day.

Registration is on Aug. 13 from 4pm to 6pm at the Smiling Cove Marina. Fishing shirts and other giveaways will be provided to registrants while supplies last. This event supports the youth program run by TTT in all the CNMI public high schools of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. All proceeds generated will go toward supporting the youth program TTT spearheads.

“TTT is geared toward teaching fishing methods to the islands’ youth as well as pass on other pertinent life skills useful in today’s environment. Events such as these are a way for the organization to build on resources to continue its programs for the islands’ youth on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota,” said Pangelinan.

For more information on Tasi to Table Inc.’s Tuna Mix Classic 2021, call Weaver at 483-4363 or Pangelinan at 788-8057.