1-day international fishing tourney tomorrow

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Posted on Jul 15 2022
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Paradise Dental Spa is one of the main sponsors of this Saturday’s 8th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Two years ago, the Saipan Fishermen’s Association reduced its premier derby to a one-day affair due to COVID-19 restrictions.
This year, they’ve shortened the 38th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament anew to a 13-hour competition but this time due to rising gas prices.

“Gas prices were the sole driver for cutting it to one day. [This format] reduces fuel expenses by half,” said SFA president Tony Scragg.

Triple J Motors is one of the sponsors of this Saturday’s 8th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The SFA president said he’s hoping that 60 boats will take part in this year’s edition of the Saipan International Fishing Tournament, which will launch at Smiling Cove Marina bright and early tomorrow starting at 5:30am with boats required to check back in at 6:30pm.

The main sponsors of the 38th Saipan International Fishing Tournament are MarPac (for the heaviest marlin), Paradise Dental Spa (for the heaviest yellowfin), Docomo Pacific for the heaviest wahoo), TSL Foundation (for the heaviest mahi), Steven Brownstein (for the heaviest skipjack), and Mobil Oil Marianas (for the total weight).

In addition, Scragg said record-breaking special prizes have been offered by Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc., Century Insurance, TSL Foundation, and Marpac/Budweiser (for marlins that weigh in excess of 500 kg).

Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. is one of the main sponsors of this Saturday’s 8th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO )

The awards banquet for the 38th Saipan International Fishing Tournament is this Sunday, beginning at 6pm at Pacific Islands Club Saipan’s Magellan

Last year, captain John Hattig Sr. and his godson, Frank Benavente, of Guam aboard the Da’Net won the the grand prize of the 37th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament 

When it rained it poured for Hattig and Benavente as aside from pocketing the $3,000 grand prize for the 358-lb marlin, they also won the $5,300 side bet for the biggest fish caught during the tournament made among participating fishermen.

For more information about the 38th Saipan International Fishing Tournament, call Martin Duenas at the Marianas Visitors Authority at (670) 664-3200. Application forms can be picked at the MVA office in Oleai or the Fishing Tackle in Susupe.

Mark Rabago | Associate Editor
Mark Rabago is the Associate Editor of Saipan Tribune. Contact him at Mark_Rabago@saipantribune.com
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