Miller Lite Mahi Fishing Derby tomorrow

The Saipan Fishermen’s Association and Marianas Visitors Authority said all systems are a go for the 5th Annual Miller Lite Mahi Fishing Derby tomorrow, April 4, at Smiling Cove Marina from 6am to 5pm.

About 40 boats are already expected to join the one-day event, which is still accepting registration from all interested individuals wanting to vie for a cash prize or just enjoy a day of trolling. The pre-registration and orientation for the trolling event is set for today at the marina from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, where SFA officials will also provide a briefing on the derby rules and regulations.

The last opportunity to register will be Saturday morning at 5:30am at the marina.

The derby will consist of five categories. Cash and in-kind prizes will be awarded for all Top 5 finishers, including $1,500 first prize for first place. 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.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Pepsi, Monster Drink, Gatorade, Shell Marianas, Docomo Pacific, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Safety 1st Systems, and Pacific Rainbow Paints.

Registration forms are available at the MVA 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 Marianas Visitors Authority at 1 (670) 664-3200, or via e-mail at ftudela@mymarianas.com.

SFA also noted that all participating boats must observe safe boating rules and regulations, as failure to do so may result in the disqualification of the boat from the derby. A registered boater will not qualify for reimbursement if disqualification is due to negligence in furnishing the required safety equipments and current boating registration.

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]