James to continue fishing in ‘lucky spot’

Emmanuel boat captain Mike James vowed to return and defend their title next year where he and his crew would again search for the winning catch at the same spot that earned for them two victories in the 2015 Saipan International Fishing Tournament.

Mike James enjoys a light moment after he and his crew arrived last week before the start of the 31st Annual Saipan International Fishing Derby. (Contributed Photo)

The James-captained Emmanuel, along with anglers George Arriola and Saipan’s Christian Camacho, became the big winners of the 31st edition of the annual fishing derby with their 234.5-lb billfish claiming the grand prize.

James and Arriola, who are both from Guam, were part of the same crew that caught the record-breaking 942-lb Pacific Blue Marlin in 2012. Camacho is the newest member of their team.

James said that they caught their tournament-winning billfish in the same spot where they reeled in that monster marlin three years ago.

“We just decided to went up north near Marpi on both days. That’s the same spot where we caught that 900-lb plus a wahoo,” said James in an interview with Saipan Tribune during last Monday night’s awards banquet.

James added that he and his crew waited for almost three hours before catching that 234.5-lb grand prize-winning billfish.

Despite failing to break their record and at the same time catch a mahi, James said they remain thankful for their win.

“Patience, luck, and of course with a little help from God. That’s why, we thank the Lord for keeping us safe and helping us win,” said James. “You also need to be patient in catching a Mahi. Sometimes you can easily get one right away.”

“We were really hoping to catch a bigger billfish. That was our plan for this year but the conditions were different. It was hot and the fast water made it difficult,” he added.

“The movement of the water changes quickly so does the fish. Definitely, we’ll be back for next year and fish in the same spot. I consider that my lucky spot.”

The Emmanuel also placed third in the billfish (129 lbs) and wahoo (26.75 lbs) categories aside from claiming the grand prize and total weight (297 lbs).

Overall, the Emmanuel collected $8,900 in cash prizes as they also won the side bet made by 24 boat captains, who staked $100 each to pool together $2,400.

The 942-lb marlin caught by the Emmanuel in 2012 shattered the 938 lbs caught by Ampas Boys in 2000. Before the Ampas Boys, captain Danny Agulto’s Love Boat held the previous record of 624.34 lbs in 1997.

The St. Patrick, captained by Rimie Entiendez with Danilo Salinas as the angler, topped the mahi category with a 13.5-lb catch, while The Marianas—composed of captain Jesus C. Muna and anglers Joseph “J.J.” Muna, Joseph “J-Boy” Muna, and Antonio Santos—came in second with 12.2 lbs.

John Yarofalir’s CM 3828 PU finished third with an 11.0-lb catch. Chesman Faqoliige, Gino Lipuw, and Tony Yarobwemal were the anglers.

Dave Kapileo’s Islander had the heaviest skipjack that weighed 18.2 lbs to beat Blu By U’s 18.05-lb catch. Jess Hapdei, Mark Hapdei, Kiku Hapdei, Maximo Kapileo, Lucian George, and Davelyn Kapileo were part of the Islander’s crew.

Bao-Thanh Nguyen, Johnny Cruz, Joe Malicsi, and Kerry Cutting joined Dr. Hoa Nguyen on the Blu By U, which also placed second in the billfish category with a 132.5-lb catch.

My Lady Gora of captain Jesse B. Aldan completed the Top 3 finishers in the skipjack category with a 17.8-lb catch. Jason B. Aldan, Ray Roberto, Bernard Religio, and Henry Hofschneider were his anglers.