SFA bags mahi mahi tournament this weekend

The Saipan Fisherman’s Association has been looking to build upon the success of last year’s 21st Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament, and this time around they will be in search of only one of the water’s plentiful fish in this weekend’s 2nd Annual Mahi Mahi Tournament.

Fisherman from all over the region have been invited to hunt for the monster mahi once again this Saturday, March 11, at 6am when anglers have 11 hours to reel in as many of the fish as they can.

A slew of cash and prizes is up for grabs as the SFA has teamed up with Pacifica Insurance, Marianas Visitors Authority, and the Division of Fish and Wildlife to offer participants a chance to bring home a piece of the $5,000 available along with a number prizes from the local business community.

The cash prizes will include $1,500 for the Biggest Fish $1,500, with $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third. The boat that yields the heaviest total weight stands to net $1,000, while the boat that reels in the greatest number of mahi mahi will sail away with $1,000.

Last year Ignacio A. Guerrero and Roland Banaga were up to their gills in Mahi Mahi as the duo combined to win all three of the categories in the inaugural event.

Guerrero and Banaga made their way to the courtesy dock at Smiling Cove Marina with a monster Mahi Mahi that tipped the scales at 23.0 lbs to edge skipper Benny Iriarte and anglers then Lt. Gov. Diego Benavente, Gene Weaver, Ronald Benavente, Jeff Warfield, Joe Taijeron of Team Victoria and their 22.5 lbs catch, but they weren’t the only ones with big fish stories.

Lino Tenorio Jr. and Bernard Rogeyo of the Madda Flyer were just ounces away from landing the big catch, but their 22.1-pounder was good enough for third place.

The trolling team beat out a total of 44 entrants as Guerrero and Banaga also reeled in the top prize for Total Weight with 186.5 lbs of Mahi, as well as in Total Pieces with 12.

To participate, each three person boat must submit an entry fee of $100, with a cost of $25 per additional angler, and registration will be on Friday, March 10, between the hours of 4:30-6:30pm at Smiling Cove Marina. Those who missed the early registration can still sign up bright and early at 5:30am on derby day at the Smiling Cove Marina. If you are interested in further information about the Saipan Fisherman’s Association or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Frank Tudela at 664-3210.