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SFA: The big push is on
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Posted on May 15 2004
The Saipan Fisherman’s Association met Wednesday night to monitor the progress of the 20th Annual Saipan Fishing Tournament preparations, and by the looks of it, this will be the biggest of them all.
“It’s not that this could be the biggest tournament, it will be the biggest. It’s the 20th Annual, it just has to be,” said Entertainment Committee Chairman Tony Scragg.
In keeping with tradition, members volunteered to contact local businesses from a long list of past and potential sponsors, in hopes that this would be the mother of all tournaments.
The strong support from area companies is one of the reasons the tournament has been successful. Another reason is the deep devotion to the sport by the association members.
Frank “Boy” Aldan described why he is so passionate about the annual event, “Fishing is in the blood. You go out there and you get hooked, that’s the spirit…we’re hooked. You can’t explain it. Fishing is different that way.”
During last year’s event, a record setting 82 boats from several countries were entered into the tournament. This year, the goal is to surpass that.
The tournament is the result of months of work, but it is not the sole ambition of the SFA. In the future, the association has several plans in the works that will benefit the local fishing community.
The 20th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament will begin Saturday, August 28 in the deep waters off the coast of Saipan and conclude Sunday, August 29.
For more information on the Saipan Fishermen’s Association or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Martin F. Duenas at 664-3200/3201 or Wolf Mojica at 234-6615.
If you have any fish tales that you would like to share from any of the last 19 tournaments, please contact Brad E. Ruszala by calling 235-2440 or via e-mail brad_ruszala@saipantribune.com.
