The crewmembers of 10-7 pose with their first-place plaque and check for $2,500 with SFA officials at the conclusion of the Saipan Fisherman’s Association 19th Annual Mahi Fishing Derby at Smiling Cove Marina on Saturday.
The crewmembers of Le’Ana Vae pose for a photo with their record-breaking 70.5lbs wahoo which won a $2,200 side bet of in the Saipan Fisherman’s Association 19th Annual Mahi Fishing Derby at Smiling Cove Marina on Saturday.
10-7, captained by Keith Torres, ruled the Saipan Fisherman’s Association 19th Annual Mahi Fishing Derby after pulling in a 26.2-pound mahimahi on Saturday at Smiling Cove Marina.
Torres said he and angler Ceejay Elchico hauled in the winning catch using a handline at around 11 a.m., following a 10-minute struggle.
“It was a fun tournament,” Torres said. 10-7 has always been a contender in local derbies and has won many of them, including the international fishing derby.
Torres, who has been fishing for about 15 years, said this victory was a special one and is dedicated to his angler, Elchico, as the first-place prize of $2,500 was going to his upcoming wedding.
“I want to thank the Saipan Fisherman Association,” Torres said. “Everything comes from God and I’m very blessed to fish with each and every one here.”
In second place was Kafishion’s 22.2lbs mahi which won a plaque and $1,500 cash while Team Victoria, with a 22lbs catch, took home the $1,000 third prize.
Salty Bandits, which came in fourth with a 21.1lbs mahi, received a $400 gift certificate from Fishing Tackle, gift bags from Budweiser and a $25 gift certificate from Last Shot Bar.
In fifth place was Orion’s 20.7lbs mahi which won a $200 gift certificate from Fishing Tackle, gift bags from Budweiser and a $25 gift certificate from Last Shot Bar.
Side bet
SFA President Tony Scragg said a “monster” wahoo — all 70.5 pounds of it — was caught by Le’Ana Vae to win the $2,200 side bet.
“It set a new record, not just for the mahi, but for the international fishing derby as well — we haven’t seen a wahoo that big,” Scragg said.
He added, “Today’s derby was fantastic. The mahi and wahoo were biting. As you know, this is our 19th annual derby, and 52 boats entered this one-day event. It’s a great turnout.”
The derby was originally set for March 25, 2023, but was postponed because of the weather.
“We made the call to postpone for calmer weather and [so] we got more participants, and everybody got a chance — big or small boats,” Scragg said.
