Emmanuel, other winning boats recognized

  A 942-lb. blue marlin caught on July 14, 2012 has set a new record for the Saipan International Fishing Tournament, winning the tournament grand prize and besting the 1997 record of 624.34 lbs. pacific blue marlin.

The mighty marlin was brought in by captain Mike James and anglers Frank James, John Hattig, and George Arriola of the vessel Emmanuel of Guam. The fish was too large to haul aboard the vessel and had to be towed to the weigh station at Smiling Cove Marina. The boat earned $10,000 cash for the record-breaking fish.

The 28th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament was held on July 14 and 15, and attracted 50 boats from the region.

In the total weight category, Luka & Ben weighed in at first place with 217.60 lbs. The vessel was captained by Rick George with anglers Ben Fitipol, Steve Igisair, Melvin Aldan, Phillip Aldan, and Mike George aboard.

Placing in the bill fish category were vessels Magnificat (335.50 lbs.), Carmelita (243.50 lbs.), and Fish Hunter (211.65 lbs.).

Top winners in the yellowfin category were Saint James (43.30 lbs.), CM-0086-PU (34.25 lbs.), and San Juan II (33.35 lbs.).

Wahoo category winners were Keilani Ko (32.15 lbs.), Padre de Familia (30.75 lbs.), and Rose Marie (30.60 lbs.).

The Top 3 place in the mahi category went to Saint Andrew (26.65 lbs.), Debbie I (8.55 lbs.), and Mizuwari (8.15 lbs.).

In the skipjack category, CM-0886-PU placed first again (18.95 lbs.) and Victoria came in second (18.80 lbs.). Third place went to Lady Gora, who tied with Padre de Familia at 18.60 lbs. but checked in first on Day 1.

The Saipan International Fishing Tournament is organized annually by the Saipan Fishermen’s Association. This year’s co-sponsors and supporters included the Marianas Visitors Authority, MARPAC, Chong’s Corporation, National Parks Service, Saipan Sabalu Farmer’s Market Inc., Saipan Industrial Gas Inc., Pacific Marine Resources Institute, JWS Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Mobil Oil Micronesia, Inc., Joe’s Bar/PBIC, Joeten Motors Company, Delta Air Lines, Pacific Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, J.E.T. Holding Company Inc., McDonald’s, Micronesian Woodcrafts, NTT Docomo Pacific, Microl Corporation, Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods:

Car Quest, Pacifica Insurance, Triple B Forwarders, NMC-Cooperative Research & Education Service (CREES), NMC-Community Development Institute (CDI), Micronesian Marine, Marianas Resort, Shenanigans, Hyatt Regency Saipan Fiesta Resort & Spa, Saipan Sea Ventures, American Red Cross, Pacific Islands Club, Seafix, Congressman Joseph Guerrero, DLNR Secretary Arnold Palacios, Div. of Fish and Wildlife, Smiling Cove Marina, Rep. Ramon Tebuteb, Senator Pete Reyes, Joeten Super Store, Department of Public Safety (Boating/Traffic Division), Coastal Resoureces Management (CRM), and the Emergency Management Office (MVA).