SFA honors ‘Cap’

Saipan Fishermen’s Association presented a plaque of recognition to the family of the late Jacinto “Timayong” Ngirangao Taman, acknowledging his contribution to the sport of fishing.

Taman, whose nickname “Timayong” means protector of divine winds and was also known as Uncle Asin and Jason to his family and Cap (captain) in the sports fishing community, died early this year due to cancer after teaching valuable lessons to fellow fishermen in more than three decades.

“Most of Saipan’s fishermen learned the ins and outs of fishing from Uncle Asin. He was an all-round fisherman, an expert on boating, trolling, and bait. Everything I learned in fishing, I learned them from Uncle Asin,” said former SFA president and now Rep. Diego T. Benavente.

Benavente along with several members and officials of the association awarded the plaque to the family of the late Taman during the 24th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament awards banquet Monday night at the Hyatt Hotel.

“The Cap touched many of us in immeasurable ways. He was a man among men. His infinite wisdom supersedes most humanly passion,” the plaque read.

“All of us know his love of the ocean. Although his chiseled face seemed stout and sturdy, beneath that was a tender and gentle person, so full of love and life,” Benavente said, reading parts of what were written on the plaque.

“With a heart as large as the ocean, he will be missed by his friends in SFA, but his legacy will live within us,” Benavente added.

Before presenting the plaque to Taman’s wife, Lyn, and their children, Benavente asked those present at the ceremony to observe a moment of silence in honor of Cap.

Benavente then mentioned Taman’s greatness in the field, emphasizing Cap’s influence to young fishermen.

“He was our inspiration. He never ceased to teach new fishermen old and effective tricks in fishing,” Benavente said.

The lawmaker added Taman held the record for the heaviest wahoo (44 lbs.) caught for 16 years before it was broken, three years ago.

Benavente also acknowledged Taman’s enormous patience, citing one tournament in which Cap patiently waited until the third weekend of the competition before catching a yellow fin.

“In one yellow fin derby, no one caught a yellow fin on the first and second day of the tournament. While several fishermen had already given up, the Cap hung in there and on the third weekend caught a yellow fin. It was only a small yellow fin, but it was enough for him to win the Top 3 awards in that category,” Benavente said.

Jim, the eldest son of Taman, joined his mother Lyn in receiving the plaque from SFA officials and thanked the association for honoring their father. [B][I](Roselyn B. Monroyo)[/I][/B]