AS the May 6 Tasi to Table Student Mini Derby approaches, the student president of Saipan Southern High School’s Tasi To Table chapter knows he’s going to have a good time come competition day.
“I simply just enjoy fishing, the whole process of it,” said Hombre Hocog. “From rigging up your rod, to catching a fish, to being able to bring something to the table. The whole process is beautiful.”
Hocog is originally from Tinian, but he transferred to the Koblerville high school campus earlier this school year. He participated in a previous Mini Derby two years ago.
“My hopes for [this year’s derby] is to make it a memorable one since this is my last year in high school,” he said.
Hocog noted that fishing is also a valuable skill.
“It is important to practice fishing because it’s a part of life and life is full of the unexpected,” he said. “You never really know when you’ll need that skill until you are put in that situation. Fishing is a convenient source of food.”
He said he is glad for the time he’s spent with Tasi To Table.
Tasi to Table “has impacted me in such a calm and understanding way,” he added. “The fact that the officials and staff of Tasi To Table do what they do for our organization and the community shows that they care. They continue to show the side of life that some people can’t get to experience. Tasi To Table is actually making a difference.”
According to Tasi To Table’s office manager Rita Iglesias, the Student Mini Derby on May 6 starts at 6 a.m. at the Smiling Cove Marina. The derby winner will be the team who lands the heaviest fish via trolling. All boats must be in by 12 noon.
Iglesias said there is a need for about 20 boat captains to pilot the Tasi To Table students past the reef. Tasi to Table will provide a stipend of $25 per student that can be safely accommodated on a captain’s boat.
Iglesias said they also welcome captains who are interested in conducting fish filleting and processing demonstrations.
Iglesias invites interested parties to email tasitotable@gmail.com/.
Hombre Hocog with his catch.
