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Small delay for SFA
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Posted on Aug 31 2005
Between last weekend’s small craft advisory, the postponement of the highly anticipated 21st Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament, and yesterday’s typhoon, local anglers have just about had their of empty hands.
Fortunately the Saipan Fisherman’s Association pushed back the longest running local event for a couple of weeks to allow the seas to settle before tons of trollers trek out to get their fill of gills.
While there have been some out of towners who opted for a refund of their entry fees, most of the participants understood that there was nothing that the organizers could do but to hold off on the tournament when faced such hazardous conditions.
Half a dozen captains of the Guamanian delegation opted to dock their boats in Saipan and flew south until the resumption of the fish-athon later this month on Saturday, Sept. 10, and Sunday, Sept. 11.
According to tournament organizers, any additional participants interested in getting their entry fee refunded can do so by heading to the Marianas Visitors Authority in San Jose with their receipt.
Those who stick around in search of the monster marlin, terrible tuna, wascally wahoo, and manic mahi will have a shot at a host of cash and prizes. Last time around, Nguyen Hoa and the crew of the Charlie Cat walked away with the Governor’s Cup and $10,000 in prize money for the biggest catch of the tournament with a monster marlin that tipped the scales at 519.40 lbs. They also placed third in the bill fish category with another catch of 129.19 lbs, and bagged and the total weight category minus their biggest marlin at 370.77 lbs. By the time the awards ceremony was completed, Nguyen and company took home over $17,000.
Though they were pleased with their haul, Danny Agulto’s record 674.43 lbs marlin still stands from 1997, along with James Taitano’s record setting 106 lb. yellowfin is 15 years ago.
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. Additional information on the side bet group refund can be obtained from Tony Scragg by calling 483-1112.
