Previous Story
Over 60 boats expected in SFA tournament
|
Posted on Jul 19 2011
Over 60 boats are expected to battle for the whopping $10,000 special cash prize in Saipan Fishermen’s Association-organized 27th International Fishing Tournament this weekend.
The $10,000 will be awarded to the boat that will break the record of Danny Agulto, who caught a 624.34-lb mahi in 1997.
Early registration and briefing is set for this Friday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Smiling Cove Marina Delta Weigh Station. Officials will explain the rules and regulations of the tournament at the briefing. Registration fee is $150 for a captain and one angler and $25 for each additional crewmember
Launching points will be at the Smiling Cove Marina and the Garapan Fishing Base Complex. Early birds can set sail at either of these locations from 6am to 8am. Late launches must tie off from Smiling Cove.
After the Saturday and Sunday tournament, prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 finishers in the billfish, yellow fin, wahoo, mahi-mahi and skipjack categories.
“The Saipan Fishermen’s Association is looking forward to this weekend’s turnout. With Typhoon Ma-On out of the area, we are expecting blue skies for the event.” SFA president Gene Weaver said.
“We’re excited about the $10,000 cash prize for the boat that can break the long standing billfish record…Hopefully it will attract more boaters to the event,” said community projects manager Martin Duenas of event co-sponsor Marianas Visitor Authority.
Shamrock Warrior under skipper John Guerrero with Tony Scragg and angler Mark Staffer wheeled in a 248-lb blue marlin for last year’s heaviest catch. Sixty-six boats entered the tournament in 2010.
All participating boats must undergo a Boat Safety Inspection. Appointments can be made with the Division of Boating Safety at 1-(670)-664-9180/1/2. All boats must observe safe boating rules and regulations.
The awards banquet will be held on Monday. Additional guest tickets for the banquet will be sold during Friday’s pre-registration.
Mar-Pac, Delta Airlines, Pacifica Insurance, and Mobil serve as the major sponsors of the event.
For more information, contact MVA’s Frank Tudela at ftudela@mymarianas.com or Ed Diaz at 1-(670)-664-3200/01 or email ediaz@mymarianas.com.
