Scragg: SFA faced with a big dilemma

Saipan Fishermen’s Association president Tony Scragg speaks during the 39th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament awards banquet last Monday at the Kensington Hotel Saipan. (MARK RBAGO)

Saipan Fishermen’s Association president Tony Scragg admitted that the group has a big problem during last Monday’s awards banquet for last weekend’s 39th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament.

“I don’t know if you can see the trophy over here, but this trophy is full of all the winners from the past 39 years. This trophy is now completely full. There’s no more room. So we have a dilemma—make this the last year or have a new trophy made for the next 40 years,” he said.

Scragg then asked the over 300 in attendance during the awards banquet at Kensington Hotel Saipan about what they think—make 2023 the last year SFA hosts the Saipan International Fishing Tournament or order a new trophy? The overwhelming response was the latter.

He also thanked the longtime sporting event’s main sponsors Mobil Oil Marianas and Marianas Pacific Distributors Inc.

“They’ve been a part of this from the very beginning, they’re big contributors, and a big reason why we’ve succeeded the past 39 years,” he said.

Scragg also extended his heartfelt gratitude to their fellow boaters and fishermen from Guam, who despite the recent devastation brought about by Typhoon Mawar, still were able to send a delegation of hardcore peskadots to Saipan.

As for the winners, as expected the crew of Botin Saba took home the grand prize with their 11th-hour 140.2-lb billfish.

The father-and-son pair of captain Paul and James Roberto and deckhand Antonio Muna were $8,900 richer for winning it all—$3,000 for the grand prize plus the $5,900 side bet winnings.

In the total weight category, Guam’s Traveller beat all comers with 207.5 lbs of meat from the sea that earned captain John Cruz and company $2,000.

Emmanuel and captain Mike James of Guam got a consolation of sorts by topping the billfish category with their 130.2-lb catch.

Islas Marianas of skipper Alex Sablan finished second with their 127.2-lb haul, while rounding out the Top 3 is Cabo Express with a billfish weighing 108.7 lbs. The Top 3 took home $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 in cash respectively

In the yellowfin category, St. Jude, of captain Jason Reyes, had their prayers answered after reeling in a 44.6-pounder that was good enough for first place and $1,000. Second and $500 went to Happy Hooker at 33.8 lbs and third place and $250 went to Chang with a 16-lb fish.

Lady V and captain Chris Pangelinan were victorious in the wahoo category with their 42.9-lb whopping catch that also earned them a cool $1,000. Second place and $500 went to Here Fishee Fishee of captain Isidro Sablan and his 16-foot boat, while third place and $250 went to Eddie of skipper Eddie Labrador.

For hooking a 22.2-lb fish, the Navigator and captain Steven Pangelinan topped the mahi mahi category and took home $1,000 cash, while Reel Tight and Hello Kitty won second and third and pocketed $500 and $250 cash, respectively.

Last but not the least, the skipjack category was taken by St. Jude with their 13.2-pounder. It narrowly beat the 12.9 lbs. of Ruby Fishing and kapitan Nicholal Wedell, while Fan Gotte and skipper Jack Pua got third with a 12.4-lb fish. The Top 3 won $750, $500, and $250, respectively.