ISIDORO Cabrera and Felix M. Kileleman Jr. caught a 43.5-inch gamson or octopus to win first prize in the Gamson King Tournament of the Marianas Apnea Spearfishing Club.
The event was held from May 29 to 31, 2021, and it was the first-ever gamson derby held in the CNMI. Each of the octopus caught by the participants was judged by length rather than weight.
Of the five teams participating, the tandem of Cabrera and Kileleman caught the longest octopus.
In second place were Berneil A. Taisacan Jr. and Mario Banca who caught a 40.5-inch octopus. Isidoro Cabrera and Felix M. Kileleman Jr. also won third prize for their 34-inch gamson.
In the separate total weight category, the winner was the team of Reef Sablan, Ymanuel Sablan and Manny Camacho.
The total weight category was determined by the total weight catch of the first day, and only the first day.
“Unfortunately, only one team submitted an octopus for the first day so we only had one winner for the total weight category,” the Marianas Apnea Spearfishing Club stated.
“The overall turnout wasn’t that good but we were able to feature a different breed of fishermen on our island so that was good. As a club, we wanted to create an event where we can mentor our youth by sharing our fishing knowledge so it was still a meaningful event. We hope to be able to do this again in the future!”
The club would like to thank Aquasmith, Western Pacific Fishery Council representative Floyd Masga, CNMI Advisory Panel for Wespac and Marianas Apnea Spearfishing Club members for coordinating and sponsoring the event.
Reef Sablan, Ymanuel Sablan, and Manny Camacho pose for a photo after winning the total weight category of the Gamson King Tournament.
Isidoro Cabrera and Felix Kileleman Jr. pose with their first place trophy and prizes at the conclusion of the Gamson King tournament.
