Captain Aaron Benavente, left, and crewmember Jesse Ramon of Only Reels with their winning 211-lb. marlin at the Saipan International Fishing Tournament in The Marianas in 2024. The Saipan Fishermen’s Association has set three tournament dates for 2025: the 21st Mahi-Mahi Derby on April 12, the 41st Saipan International Fishing Tournament on July 12-13, and the 3rd Annual Classic Billfish Tournament on Sept. 13.
Saipan Fishermen’s Association photo
THE Saipan Fishermen’s Association is making an early announcement of three major events for 2025 in the Marianas, hoping to draw more regional and international sport fishermen.
The 21st Mahi-Mahi Derby will be held on April 12, the 41st Saipan International Fishing Tournament on July 12-13, and the 3rd Annual Classic Billfish Tournament on Sept. 13.
“We are inviting fishermen from near and far to mark their calendars for our 2025 events in Saipan,” said SFA President Tony Scragg. “Last year we had over 90 boats and 200 fishermen for our 40th Saipan International Fishing Tournament. It’s always a great time of fishing and camaraderie on tournament weekend, and we welcome all those looking to try their luck in Marianas waters.”
Tournament registration fees, regulations and prize amounts will be announced once set at the SFA website at www.sfacnmi.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sfacnmi/.
An awards banquet open to all participants is usually held the day after the tournament.
The Mahi-Mahi Derby will seek the common dolphinfish — a surface-dwelling ray-finned fish found in off-shore temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters. The 41st Saipan International Fishing Tournament will include categories for bill fish, yellow fin tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and skipjack tuna. The Classic Billfish Tournament will award the largest billfish, including blue marlin frequently encountered in Marianas waters.
For more information about the tournaments or boat charters, contact SFA President Tony Scragg at tscragg@jwssaipan.com or (670) 483-4597 or visit www.sfacnmi.com/.
