Carmelita II’s Carmelita Castro and Jeremy Koshiro pose with their catch — a 104.5-pound marlin and a 15.6-pound yellowfin. With a total weight of 120.10 pounds, Carmelita II topped the 2nd Annual Tasi To Table Mix Classic on Sept. 23, 2023 at Smiling Cove Marina.
CARMELITA II hauled in a 104-pound marlin and 15.6-pound yellowfin tuna to successfully defend their title in Tasi To Table’s 2nd Annual Mix Classic on Saturday at Smiling Cove Marina.
The boat’s captain is Alexandro Castro Sr. and his crewmembers are Alexandro Castro Jr., Carmelita Castro, Khalia Castro and Jeremy Koshiro.
They won $3,000, an inflatable emergency boat, a 65-quart ice chest from Triple J, a 5-gallon bucket from YCO Hardware, a $150 gift certificate from NAPA, a $100 gift certificate from FTSG, a $50 gift certificate from Peska Tackle and Lure, $25 from The Hut, and a McDonald’s gift certificate.
They were also the winner of the $750 side-bet for catching the heaviest fish.
In overall second place was Kokas, captained by Manny Sablan whose crewmembers are Will Dela Cruz and Robert Tenorio. They brought in a 32.4 lbs yellowfin and a 22.6 lbs wahoo for a total weight of 55 lbs.
They won $2,000, a 45-quart ice chest from Triple J, a $100 gift certificate from FTSG, a $150 gift certificate from NAPA, a $50 gift certificate from Peska Tackle and Lure, a $25 gift certificate from Carquest, a $45 gift certificate from The Hut and a McDonald’s gift certificate.
In third place was Sea Nanamu captained by Shaun Pua who was assisted by crewmembers Giovanni Mira and Cody Norita. They caught an 18.9 lbs yellowfin and a 24.4 lbs wahoo for a total weight of 43.3 lbs to take home a check for $1,000, a 45-quart ice chest from Triple J, a $100 gift certificate from FTSG, a $25 gift certificate from Joeten/Carquest/The Hut, and a McDonald’s gift certificate.
Fourth place was claimed by Zephyr, which was captained by Stephen Pixley. His crewmembers are Rex Pixley and Jason Pixley. They brought back a 38.2 lbs wahoo and a 1.2 lbs katsu for a total weight of 39.4 lbs. They won a check for $750, a 20-quart ice chest from Triple J, a $25 gift certificate from Carquest, a $25 gift certificate from Joeten Motors, a $25 gift certificate from The Hut, and a McDonald’s gift certificate.
In fifth place was Ruby Fishing captained by Nicholas Wedell, who brought in a 15.2 lbs yellowfin and a 17.5 wahoo for a total weight of 32.7 lbs to win a check for $500, a 20-quart ice chest from Triple J, a $25 gift certificate from Carquest, a $25 gift certificate from Joeten Motors, $25 from The Hut, and a McDonald’s gift certificate.
In sixth place was Sesa captained by Takede Nakazata who was assisted by crewmembers Frank Pai and Kevin Diaz. They brought in a 23.6 lbs yellowfin and a 5.2 mahi for a total weight of 28.8 lbs to win a pop-up tent, one free skydive or Waco plane ride from Skydive Saipan, a $25 gift certificate from Carquest, and a $25 gift certificate from The Hut.
“The turnout — considering that we had to postpone the tournament two times — I’m good with it,” said Tasi to Table President Gene Weaver.
“Everyone came out to have a good time. I’m just happy we got this tournament on the way,” he added.
A total of 23 boats entered the competition and returned safely.
“This tournament is designed for fundraising for our students. Everything is for the kids,” Weaver said.
Proceeds from the tournament benefit Tasi To Table Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit group that implements youth programs with the Public School System.
Tasi To Table would like to thank the following for their sponsorship and support: IT&E, IPE, Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods, Marianas Visitors Authority, Marpac, Roil Soil, API Carquest, Saipan Ice & Water, Napa Auto and Truck Parts, The Hut, UR Tents, FJR Inc., Triple J Saipan Inc., McDonald’s, Peska Tackle and Lure, Herman’s Modern Bakery, Skydive Saipan, Joeten Motors, Island Image & Motion, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, and the Department of Lands and Natural Resources-Division of Fish and Wildlife.
