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Saipan Int’l Fishing Tournament on July 25-26
The Saipan Fishermen’s Association will stage the 31st Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament on July 25-26, 2015.
Boat captain Frank Roberto, second from right, son Aaron Roberto, third from left, and another crewmember pose with their winning catch, a 276-lb. Marlin, at the 2014 Saipan International Fishing Tournament. (Contributed Photo)
Last year more than 60 boats and 200 fishermen and crew from Guam, Rota, Tinian and the hosting island competed in the two-day fishing derby. Team GORU of Guam earned the championship title by catching a 276-lb marlin. GORU boat captain Frank Roberto and his 12-year-old son Aaron are expected to return to Saipan to defend their title in this year’s SFA tournament.
Game fish categories are: Bill Fish (1st -3rd), Yellow Fin (1st -3rd), Wahoo (1st -3rd), Mahi Mahi (1st -3rd), and Skipjack (1st -3rd).
“The SFA is hoping to continue making the event prizes attractive, as this year will mark the 31st year of the tournament,” said Martin Duenas, SFA PR and Ad chairman.
The registration cost is $150 per boat, inclusive of a captain and one crewmember. Each additional angler is $25.
As a requirement, the Department of Public Safety’s Boating Safety Unit will again conduct boat safety inspections. Participants needing to have their boat inspected during the week of July 20 to 24, 2015, should contact the Boating Safety office at (670) 664-9180 to arrange for an appointment.
To ensure the success of this year’s derby, the SFA will produce a souvenir tournament program booklet, to be provided to all participating captains and crewmembers. With an average crew of four, plus their families, and other supporters, tournament sponsors will receive added publicity exposure.
Tournament entry forms, rules and a schedule of events are now available at the Marianas Visitors Authority office and Fishing Tackle in Susupe. For more information about the event, contact Ed Diaz at the MVA at 664-3200 or log on to the SFA website at www.sfacnmi.com. (MVA)
