Previous Story
40 boats expected for mahi derby
Salty Bandits 2 captain Austin Benavente and a crew member pose with Saipan Fishermen Association members during the awards ceremony for the 18th Annual Mahi-Mahi Fishing Derby last May.(MARK RABAGO)
The Saipan Fishermen’s Association is expecting 40 boats to take part in the 19th Annual Mahi Fishing Derby set for March 25 off the waters of the Marianas.
“We are expecting 40 boats, mainly from Saipan and a few from Tinian. Huge thank you to Marpac and Budweiser and Tan Holdings, both celebrating 50 years of business and community contributions to the CNMI. They both have been great partners of the SFA in supporting our events,” said SFA president Tony Scragg.
The crew who lands the mightiest mahi takes home $2,500, while second and third place pockets $1,500 and $1,000, respectively. Fourth and fifth places get in-kind prizes,
Scragg reminded boat crews that registration is at 4pm, Friday, March 24, at the Smiling Cove Marina, where there will also be a briefing on the event and rules.
“As a reminder to the participants, we highly encourage boat owners to have up-to-date registration and safety requirements. If they are in need of having this done they can contact DPS Boating Safety located at Smiling Cove Marina,” he said.
The registration fee is $100 per boat, including one captain and one angler, and $25 for each additional angler.
Last year, Salty Bandits 2 topped the tournament after netting a monster mahi weighing 21.1 lbs. Second place went to Sweet Candy and their 19.2-lb catch, while third place was the 18.1-pounder caught by J3RM.
For more information about the 19th Annual Mahi Fishing Derby, call Scragg at (670) 483-4597.
