AGAINST challenging fishing conditions, the 4th Annual Mixed Classic fishing derby proved that patience — and a bit of luck — can pay off. The crew of Gabby Jo, captained by Jessie Tenorio, brought in the winning 245-pound marlin, contributing to their total combined weight of 263 pounds. The derby was held at Smiling Cove Marina late Saturday afternoon.
The undisputed highlight of the day was the 245-pound marlin brought in by Gabby Jo, led by Tenorio and accompanied by co-captain John John San Nicholas and angler Jess Guerrero.
Tenorio recounted his successful day, saying the crew initially headed west of Tinian. “The first hits were a couple of wahoos, but on the way back, the marlin struck,” he said. The fight to bring in the massive fish lasted approximately an hour and a half.
The crew was not done after hauling in the marlin, finishing the day with a total of five fish: two wahoos, one marlin, and two smaller tunas. Tenorio, a veteran of various local and international derbies, said he was happy to support the Tasi to Table program. He noted that his plan for the marlin was to immediately start cutting it up to share with his family.
Gabby Jo and the crew took home the first-place prize of $3,000.
In second place was MV Jolene, captained by Alex Sablan, with a marlin weighing 125 pounds and wahoo weighing 25 pounds, for a total weight of 150 pounds. The crew took home $1,500, along with a side bet of $600.
Coming in third was Sweet Candy, captained by George Moses, with a marlin weighing 138 pounds and a katsu weighing two pounds, for a total weight of 140 pounds. The crew took home $1,000.
Tournament overview
The Mixed Classic is the third fishing derby hosted by Tasi to Table this year.
Gene Weaver, executive director of Tasi to Table, said he was genuinely surprised and thrilled by the marlin. “I was so happy to see something come in over 200 pounds,” he said, noting that recent derbies have produced smaller catches, making the 245-pound marlin a significant and welcome sight.
Weaver added that this time of year is not typically considered marlin season, which generally occurs around December when the biggest fish are usually found, making the large catch even more notable. He said the marlin was a powerful reminder that even on a slow day, the ocean can deliver a true classic.
Conditions on the day were reportedly hot and flat — a challenging combination for deep-sea fishing. Typically, slightly choppier waters help stir up bait and encourage fish to feed. Despite the tough conditions, fishermen managed to haul in a significant number of fish, with many successful catches reported from the south side of the island.
As for the event’s primary purpose: “Everything is for the youth or for the veterans,” Weaver said. He expressed satisfaction with the turnout, noting that the estimated participation of 20 to 25 boats was met, allowing the organization to cover costs without incurring a loss.
He also highlighted the community’s strong support. “The support we get from the community, from the participants that come in and join these derbies, I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Weaver said.
Tasi to Table thanked the following sponsors: Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods, Corrosion X, Bud Light, EFC Services Corporation, Bridge Capital LLC, Pokka, and Chong’s Corporation.
