THIS month’s 41st Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament in The Marianas served up extra flair for fishermen, fish lovers, and fans with the first-ever accompanying festival.
The festival — organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority in cooperation with PalmTrio — was held on July 13 from 3-7 p.m. at Smiling Cove Marina, featuring ocean-related displays, food vendors, and live entertainment.
“MVA always supports the Saipan International Fishing Tournament, and this year we worked with tournament organizer Saipan Fishermen’s Association to spread the word early and wide about the tournament dates and our first-ever accompanying festival,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “MVA started promotions in January both regionally and internationally, and we reach visitors already on-island that day by working with local hotels and personally inviting visitors arriving at the Saipan international airport. Based on the feedback we’ve heard, everyone loved the event.”
This year there was a record number of boats from Guam, and the festival was covered by Korea’s KBS TV as part of a media FAM tour organized by MVA. According to SFA, a record 29 boats came from Guam with captain and crew, and fishermen are often accompanied by family members, altogether spending on airline tickets, hotels, meals, entertainment, and more.
“We want more international fishermen to join next year, but our understanding is there would need to be some extra coordination to make charter boats available for them,” said Taijeron. “MVA will be reviewing the feasibility of having the festival alongside the SFA tournament again in 2026. There is definitely potential.”
Festival activities included displays by CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife Aquatic Education, 500 Sails, and Department of Public Safety Boating Safety; a Tasi to Table kids fishing tournament; a talaya throwing contest by Talaya Club, Marianas Maritime Heritage mapping, and more. Northern Marianas Technical Institute demonstrated culinary skills related to fish, such as food safety, filleting, scaling, and marination and served up fresh, free samples to festivalgoers.
In total, this year’s tournament had 75 boats and over 200 fishermen and fisherwomen from the Northern Marianas and Guam.
Major tournament sponsors were MVA, Budweiser, Mobil, Pacifica/Century Insurance and Docomo Pacific.
Captain Cecilio Raikuilipiy and crew display a 53.3-lb. yellow fin tuna at the Saipan International Fishing Tournament on July 13, 2025, at Smiling Cove Marina. The tournament attracted 75 boats from the Northern Marianas and Guam.
A young fisherman, center, displays his catch with family at the 41st Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament festival on July 13, 2025, at Smiling Cove Marina.
Saipan Mayor Ramon “R.B.” Camacho, right, and Saipan International Fishing Association representatives pose for a photo the Saipan International Fishing Tournament festival on July 13, 2025, at Smiling Cove Marina. Also pictured is the boat that raffle participants had the opportunity to win.
Talaya Club hosts a “talaya” (cast net) throwing contest at the Saipan International Fishing Tournament festival on July 13, 2025, at Smiling Cove Marina.
Northern Marianas Technical Institute showcases their culinary skills with free sashimi samples at the Saipan International Fishing Tournament festival on July 13, 2025, at Smiling Cove Marina.
CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife engages festivalgoers at the Saipan International Fishing Tournament festival on July 13, 2025, at Smiling Cove Marina.
Festivalgoers peruse merchandise from local brand Hagu Real at the Saipan International Fishing Tournament festival on July 13, 2025, at Smiling Cove Marina.
A young festivalgoer shares stories with researcher Dr. Jennifer McKinnon of East Carolina University at the Marianas Maritime Heritage Mapping event during the Saipan International Fishing Tournament festival on July 13, 2025, at Smiling Cove Marina.
