Saipan Int’l Fishing Tournament on July 13-14

The Saipan Fishermen’s Association will hold the 40th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament on July 13-14, 2024.

Game fish categories are: Grand Prize (Biggest Billfish), Bill Fish (1st -3rd), Yellow Fin (1st-3rd), Wahoo (1st-3rd), Mahi Mahi (1st-3rd), and Skipjack Tuna (1st-3rd). Prizes will also be awarded for total weight. A special prize of $10,000 will be awarded to the record-breaking Bill Fish weighing more than 942 lbs.

“The Saipan International Fishing Tournament is a weekend of camaraderie, as well as competition,” said SFA president Tony Scragg. “Last year we has over 90 boats and close to 400 fishermen and fisherwomen, and this year, our 40th year of competition, we are looking forward to an even stronger turnout.”

Tournament registration is $150 per boat, inclusive of a captain and one crew member. Each additional angler is $35. Registration will be held on July 12 from 4-6 p.m. at Smiling Cove Marina. A briefing on tournament regulations will be given, followed by a blessing over all boats.

Tournament time on July 13 and July 14 is from 6am to 6pm, and all boats must launch from Smiling Cove Marina.

The CNMI Department of Public Safety’s Boating Safety Unit will again conduct courtesy boat safety inspections. Participants may contact the Boating Safety office at (670) 233-9120 or via email at Jcruz@dps.gov.mp to arrange for an appointment prior to event day.

Tournament sponsors are Marianas Visitors Authority, Mobil, Budweiser, Docomo Pacific, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Paradise Dental, Hawaiian Rock Products, Matson Navigation, Coca Cola/Foremost, Pacifica Insurance, Century Insurance, RNV Construction, Bridge Capital Investments, United Management International, JEM Mobile Stations, Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods Store, Pacific Basin Insurance, and Tinian Shipping.

The SFA awards ceremony will be held on July 15 from 6pm to 10pm at Pacific Islands Club Saipan. Banquet tickets are $35/person. Tournament entry forms, rules, and schedule of events are now available at Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods Store on Beach Rd., Chalan Kanoa, Saipan or at www.sfacnmi.com.

As part of its fundraising efforts this year, SFA is also raffling off a Roland Johnson/Micronesian Marine 15-foot boat, engine, and trailer with free delivery to Tinian, Rota or Guam. Raffle tickets are $100 and will be available for purchase by calling (670) 783-1472.

For more information about the tournament, contact Scragg at (670) 483-4597 or visit www.sfacnmi.com. (PR)