47 boats in SFA mahi derby; Fisherman’s Swap Meet on June 15

The Saipan Fishermen’s Association’s 20th Mahi Fishing Derby finally got underway last Saturday after a couple of postponements due to inclement weather.

On the third try, they finally got going with 47 boats racing to catch the biggest mahi mahi off the islands’ waters.

Curtis Dancoe, SFA chairman, said they were happy that the derby finally got underway. “We got 47 boats and a couple from Tinian that came in to help out. We had some as small as 15-footers and as big as 48-footers, so that was good.”

“The fishermen were waiting for this and it finally came. For the most part, everyone had a good time. It’s the first derby of the year and they were able to test their gear and equipment,” said Dancoe. “They must’ve taken really good care of their equipment because we didn’t have any distress calls.”

The delays, he said, “were not fun” but that some boats went out on their own during the supposed first event date last March 2. “Nobody likes the delays but it gave some fishermen time to cut their lawn,” Dancoe said with a laugh.

As for the weather, for the most part, Dancoe said it was bumpy and windy with a lot of chops on the waters. “The wind kind of gave us a little break today. You’re still getting wet, and you’re still getting bounced around, but the wind was more forgiving—but that’s what the mahi likes. They like a little chop.”

He then thanked the event’s sponsor Budweiser along with the Department of Fish & Wildlife, Department of Public Safety, Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods, “the Speaker of the House [Rep. Edmund Villagomez (Ind-Saipan)] for supporting and providing us with some equipment… and the peskadots (fishermen).”

Dancoe also announced that for the first time, they are hosting a “Fisherman’s Swap Meet” at the south end of the Garapan Public Market at the Garapan Fishing Base from 6am to 12pm on Saturday, June 15.

He said, “All anglers, fishermen, and captains can clear out their storage and tackle. Some boats will be up for sale. Basically, come out if you’re a mariner or a fisherman and you got a couple of reels you want to trade up, sell, or swap.”

With this event just before Father’s Day, Dancoe said it’s a great chance for anglers to swap out their gear. “We try to keep our ear close to the community on what they’re asking for and what they want. It costs nothing to be a part of and admission is free. If they need more information, they can contact any SFA member,” said Dancoe.