Fishing tourney winners feted

Debbie 1 captain Roque Chaco, third right, and his anglers and family members pose with the perpetual and championship trophies they won in the 33rd Saipan International Fishing Tournament during the awards banquet last Monday at the Pacific Islands Club Saipan. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Debbie 1 had its name placed on the perpetual trophy of the Saipan International Fishing Tournament as the Roque Chaco-captained boat was officially declared the grand prizewinner of the 33rd edition of the competition.

Roque and his anglers Randal, Ronaldo, Ray, and Tony Chaco, and Romy Magan also received $3,000 cash, a championship trophy, $500 worth of gift certificates from Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods, and one-night stay at Hyatt Regency Saipan for landing the heaviest single catch in last weekend’s tournament—a 384.50-lb marlin.

“We will come back next year to get the win again,” Roque said after the awards banquet of the event at the Magellan’s of the Pacific Islands Club Saipan.

Other winners in the two-day tournament also got their prizes in last Monday’s awards ceremony.

In the total weight category, the San Juan won and pocketed $1,000 for its 231.05-lb marlins. In the billfish, the Aquaholics of captain Tony Flores was handed the $2,000 first place purse and a trophy after reeling in a 344.50-lb marlin. The Vincent Castro Blas-skippered Brett II, on the other hand, brought home the second place award and $1,500 cash with its 201.75-lb marlin, while the DGBY of captain Jess Taitano got the third place trophy and $1,000 prize.

In the yellowfin tuna division, the Rosemary’s 22.30-lb catch gave captain Tom Aguon the first place honors and $1,000, while the AJ of captain Bob Hudkins settled for second place and $750 for its 21.10-lb catch.

The Dela Paz of captain Peter Mendiola, with its 12.40-lb yellowfin, rounded out the Top 3 and received $500.

In the wahoo category, the Jesse Taitano-skippered Jesus Maria finished ahead of the field and was awarded $1,000 after hauling a 30.15-pounder. Ray Sablan’s boat placed second and took home $750 for reeling in a 28.40lb catch, while Trophy Bayliner of Joaquin Namaoleg was ranked third and got $500 for its 28.05-lb wahoo.

In the skipjack division, My Lady Gora of captain Jesse Aldan and anglers Bernard Reoligio, and Jason and Ignacia Aldan led the Top 3 finishers and earned $750 after landing a 21.45-pounder. Captain Nito Nieto and his Maya caught a 19.95-lb skipjack to take second place and $500, while the Antonio Maestro-skippered St. James finished third and received $250 with its 19-lb catch.

There were no winners in the mahi category of the tournament organized by Saipan Fishermen’s Association last Saturday and Sunday off the waters of the CNMI.