MVA invites sports fishermen to Mahi Derby

The Saipan Fishermen’s Association is pleased to announce that the 5th Annual Miller Lite Mahi Fishing Derby will be taking to the high seas in the Northern Mariana Islands on April 4 at Smiling Cove Marina from 6am to 5pm.

The pre-registration and orientation for the trolling event will be on April 3 at the marina from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. SFA officials will provide a briefing on the derby Rules and Regulations.

The one-day event is open to all interested individuals. The derby will consist of five categories—first, second, third, fourth, and fifth places. The entry fee is $100 for three anglers, with an additional $25 per angler.

Spectators are invited to see the day’s catch as fishermen begin returning to Smiling Cove Marina at approximately 4pm on derby day. The awards banquet will take place after the derby at the marina weigh station from 6pm to 9pm.

Registration forms are available at the Marianas Visitors Authority office in San Jose near Microl Corp., Fishing Tackle in Susupe, or Best Fishing in Garapan.

For more information about the event or an electronic registration form, contact Frank Tudela at MVA at 664-3200, or via e-mail at ftudela@mymarianas.com.

Last year, Capt. Rolly Trajeco and two crewmen of Sea Craft Four won the 4th Annual Mahi-Mahi Fishing Derby after reeling in a 24.3-lb. mahi-mahi caught in Tinian waters.

Trajeco said he, Annie Legaspi, and Liody Bukid grappled with the monster mahi for about 15 minutes before heading back to Smiling Cove Marina a mere four hours after setting sail, confident that the 24-pounder they caught was the day’s prize catch.

Trajeco said he was so confident with the weight of their mahi-mahi that they immediately pulled anchor and headed back to Saipan. They had their catch registered and weighed in a couple of hours before lunchtime.

The Sea Craft pilot’s prediction turned out right, as Trajeco and company came away with the $1,500 first place purse after barely beating out runner-up boat Tweety Bird which reeled in a mahi-mahi that tipped the scales at 24.25 lbs.

Captain Eric David and his Tweety Bird crewmen, composed of Gonzalo Pangelinan and Tak Nakazoto, pocketed $1,000 for their effort.

Tony Maestro and Manding Legaspi wound up third this time after DJ Fish Mobile caught a 22.35-lb. mahi-mahi. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]