SFA only three weeks away

It’s time to get the rods and reels in line as the 21st Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament is right around the corner and waves of participants are lining up to sign up for the thrill of the hunt for the big blue that will rewrite the record books.

On Saturday, Aug. 27, and Sunday, Aug. 28, anglers from across the region will begin trolling the waters of the Northern Marianas in search of yellow fin tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi, and blue marlin, but before they get their hooks into the waters they will have to take care of a few traditional formalities.

The SFA has been around for 21 years and safety is as much a part of the history of the association as the men who search the seas for her bounty. On Friday, Aug. 26, there will be a pre-registration briefing at the Smiling Cove Marina from 5pm to 6:30pm where officials will explain the rules and regulations of the fish-tacular. Soon after the briefing, the anglers will have the benefit of the traditional blessing of the boats.

While the blessing is optional, the pre-boat safety inspection is required, and captains should contact the Department of Public Safety’s Boating Safety Unit by calling (670)664-9180 for more information.

Launching points will be at the Sugar Dock in Chalan Kanoa, Smiling Cove Marina, and Fishing Base in Garapan. The early angler catches the worm and can set sail at any of the three locations on the water and underway between the hours of 6am and 8am. Any late launches must depart the Smiling Cove Marina.

Just like the previous 20 years, the prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers of the Bill Fish, Yellow Fin, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and Skip Jack categories, but the lure of reeling the big one that tips the scales by breaking Danny Agulto’s record marlin of 674.34 lbs., and the undisclosed cash prize associated with it should attract sailors like a siren’s song.

The big money will also go to the first fisherman who hauls in a monster yellow fin tuna weighing over 106 lbs.

All it takes is a rod and a reel to win, but the entrance fee for the event is $150 per boat for captain and one crew, additional crew is $25.00 each.

For more information about the Saipan Fisherman’s Association or the upcoming tournament, contact Frank Tudela or Ed Diaz at the Marianas Visitors Authority by calling 664-3200/01.