The weight to beat was 237 pounds for the Billfish category caught on the first day of the event by Ephraim Polycarp at near sundown. However at the next competition day, Swingly Aguon and his team went out in a mission to catch a much heavier and larger fish to beat the huge catch made by Mr. Polycarp. After about 45 minutes of seeking and hoping to catch the big one out in the open ocean, Swingly and his crew found and fought a what seems to be a huge Billfish, as they use their might to reel the humongous fish into their boat. The skirmish with the fish paid good results as they were able to grab hold of the largest fish at approximately 258 pounds and declared triumphant for the 2009 Etpison Cup. As a result, Ephraim had to settle for second place with his 237lbs while Joshua Koshiba gets third place by catching a159 lbs of Billfish.
As for the other categories, Ryan Mikel won the Tuna category as he was able to stumble with an 80.0 pounder whereas Edumyle Otobed gets second place for her 22.5. Rdialul Rumong won the Mahi category with a catch weighed in at 24.5 lbs. For Wahoo category, Dr. Dever and Dr. Kuartei teamed up to stumble with 29lbs to get first place while Marlis Besong caught 25lbs to get second place. Brian Melairei and Vincent Remeliik both reeled in 22lbs to be tied at third and Salin Inacio caught a 20.5 to be in the fourth place. For the Barracuda / Spanish Mackerel, 36.5 pound catch by Rinsang Rechirei placed at first while Brian Melairei’s 32.5 gets second place. Pauleen Ongalibang 26lbs, Taro’s 25.5, and Saliu Inacio’s 23lbs are postioned as 3rd, 4th,and 5th on that order. For the ladies derby team competition, Mokko Team by Garry mereb won first place with their 47.5 pounds catch variety of fish while Ngerbached team by May Morei came second for their 27lbs followed by Liz Roberts team with 17lbs catch. Last was the Bibirdo Team headed by Jonathan Yalap with their 11.5lbs catch.The awarding ceremony for the event is on going as of press time at the Drop Off Bar and Grill. The 2009 Etpison Cup was majorly sponsored by Bank of Hawaii, Palau Pacific Resort, Neco Yamaha, Palau Sports Fishing Association, Shell – Palau, and Budweiser.
