“I want to thank everybody who came out today; all the people who came out to fish and all the people who came out to cheer out for their family and friends. Big up’s to our sponsors, Miller Lite, Pacific Trading Company, NTT Docomo Pacific, Shell, Pepsi, Monster, Division of Fish and Wild Life, Emergency Management Office, Triple J Superfresh Mart, Saipan Fishers Association, Marianas Visitor’s Authority, Advance Air-conditioning, the Smiling Cover Marina, and the Boating Safety Office for making the event happen,” said derby chairman John D. Guerrero.
In first place came “Carmelita” brigaded by Captain Justice Alex Castro with anglers Alex Castro Junior Rufino Inos and Jervy Babauta after catching a 30.35 pound Mahi. Not only did they catch the heaviest Mahi-Mahi but they also bagged an 87 pounder Yellow Fin.
“The winners here are dedicating this catch to Captain Al Koshiro, Jerry Koshiro and Salvador Koshiro,” said Chairman John Guerrero.
“She snagged our lines off of the coast of Goat Island. We were able to catch 13 other mahi-mahi’s but the last one was the biggest we caught,” said angler Alex Castro Junior in an interview with the Marianas Variety. The crew was awarded $500 cash, $200 phone package from Docomo Pacific and a $300 fuel certificate from Shell Marianas.
In second place came “Gizelle” headed by Captain Igisaikwan with anglers Henry Hofschnieder and Frank Diaz after bringing in a 26.4 pound Mahi-Mahi. The crew received $300 cash, $200 Docomo phone package, and a $100 fuel certificate from Shell Marianas.
In third place came “San Juan 3” preceeded by boat Captain Antonio Maestro and angler John San Nicholas after snagging a 25.4 pound Mahi-Mahi. The crew received $200 cash, and a $200 Docomo phone package.
In fourth place came “Nikita Ann” led by boat Captain Jess Taitano and anglers Ernie Taitano and Jess Taitano Junior after hooking in a 22.80 pound Mahi-Mahi. The crew received a $200 Docomo phone package and a $100 fuel certificate from Shell Marianas.
And In fifth place came “Marianas” directed by boat Captain Jess Muna and anglers Pete Tenorio and Sid Sablan after bagging a 21.25 pound Mahi-Mahi. The crew received a $200 phone package from Docomo Pacific.
Boat Captain Mario Barrit, leading the “Joker”, walked away with $850 in cash after winning the derby’s side-bet of catching the heaviest Wahoo fish. All interested participant had to pay a $50 fee to enter the side bet. Barrit caught a 25.2 pound Wahoo to top all others that attempted.
In other news the Saipan Fishers Association would like to call on all interested participants to gear up for the International Derby that is slated to kick off on July 23, and 24. Last year over 60 boats with over 50 crewmen and captains were entered to compete in the two-day event.
The “Shamrock Warrior” nailed the two-day event after bringing in a 248 pounder Bill Fish in the second day of the competition to top its respective category and the Total Weight Category to give boat Captain John D. Guerrero and his anglers bragging rights for the whole year.
“We will come out and compete again. Hopefully to defend our title and earn the year’s [bragging’ rights once again,” said John Guerrero in an interview with the Marianas Variety.
