60-70 boats expected for international fishing derby

Saipan Fishermen’s Association president Tony Scragg, right, said 60-70 boats are expected for this weekend’s 37th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament. He is seen here posing with some of the winners of the 17th Annual Mahi Mahi Fishing Derby last April. (Mark Rabago)

Saipan Fishermen’s Association is looking at a bumper crop of participants for the 37th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament set this weekend in the waters off the CNMI.

“We are expecting about 60 to 70 entries this year. There is a lot of enthusiasm among the fishermen both locally, Tinian, Rota, and especially Guam. With the guidance from the COVID-19 Task Force we are expecting 10-15 boats from Guam. There has been a tremendous amount of interest from off-island participants,” said SFA president Tony Scragg.

Along with the return of off-island participants, Scragg also expects a large crowd to greet them at the Smiling Cove Marina weighing station when they do come back from their pelagic foray.

“We also anticipate a good crowd at the marina. If our past mahi derby is any indication we will have a good crowd in attendance. I hope there is excitement within the community who enjoy this annual event,” he said.

The two-day fishing tournament will start bright and early at 6am on July 10 and will conclude the next day, July 11, at 6pm. The awards banquet will be held on Monday, July 12, at Aqua Resort Club beginning 6pm.

Sponsors of the 37th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament include Marpac Budweiser, Mobil Oil Marianas, TSL Foundation/TanHoldings, Triple J Enterprises, Pacifica Insurance Underwriter, Inc., CIC Insurance, Docomo Pacific, Roil Soil, Pacific Rim Land Development, Paradise Dental Spa, Coca-Cola Beverage Co. (Micronesia), Inc., Atkins Kroll Saipan, Matson Inc., D&Q International Distributors, Naked Fish, Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council, Muzik Production, WSTCO, MINA, Micronesian Marine, Marianas Coffee, Johnny’s Bar & Grill, Herman’s Modern Bakery, Century Hotel, Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods, Joeten Motors, Inas’ Kitchen, and Bank of Saipan.

“On behalf of all the hardworking members of the SFA, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of our sponsors and even bigger thank you to all the potential participants. We do this for all the fishermen/women of the Marianas to put on the best fishing tournament for all to enjoy,” said Scragg.

For more information, call Martin Dueñas at MVA at 664-3200. Application forms can still be picked up Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods in Susupe and the MVA office in Oleai.