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SFA postpones 18th Mahi-Mahi Derby this weekend
Captain Alvin Iglecias and his crew of five aboard the boat Trophy are awarded their $2,000 cash prize for winning last year’s 17th Annual Mahi Mahi Fishing Derby at the weighing station of Smiling Cove Marina. (MARK RABAGO)
The Saipan Fishermen’s Association has postponed the 18th Annual Mahi-Mahi Fishing Derby that was supposed to be held this Saturday, April 9, from 6am to 5pm in the waters around the Northern Marianas.
SFA president Tony Scragg said they had no choice but to put off the fishing tournament due to inclement weather this coming weekend.
“The postponement is due to the bad marine conditions forecasted for this weekend. There has been a small craft advisory issued that extends throughout the weekend,” he said.
Scragg said SFA will be meeting to discuss an alternative date and will make an announcement shortly when the 18th Annual Mahi Mahi Fishing Derby will be rescheduled.
“As much as we would like the show to go on we need to consider the safety of all participants. It can be very dangerous to be out on the water during these conditions and that is why small craft advisories are issued and why we must do our part and follow them,” he added.
SFA was expecting around 40 boats to take part in this year’s derby, which is down from 58 boats that were registered last year.
The 18th Annual Mahi-Mahi Fishing Derby’s prizes include $2,000 cash for first place, $1,500 for second place, $1,000 for third place, and consolation prizes for fourth and fifth places. The registration fee is $100 per boat, including one captain and one angler, and $25 for each additional angler.
Last year, captain Alvin Iglecias and his crew of five aboard the boat Trophy won the 17th Annual Mahi-Mahi Fishing Derby after reeling in an 18.9-lb mahi. Iglecias’ team included Ivan Ilmov, Keith Torres, Brandon Echalico, John Jimeno, and Phil Babauta
CAT-SIKA of captain Jesse Sablan landed an 18.2-lb mahi to win second place, while rounding out the Top 3 was Kingfisher 2 of captain Jun Azarcon with their 17.9-lb catch.
The 18th Annual Mahi-Mahi Fishing Derby’s main sponsor is Budweiser.
