Jack Torres and the crew of Papa San pose with the 211.4 pound marlin that won the top prize in the Saipan Fishermen’s Association’s inaugural Johnny Walker Blue Label Classic Bill Fish Tournament on Saturday at Smiling Cove Marina.
JACK Torres and the crew of Papa San won a total of $26,000 after hauling in a 211.4-pound blue marlin to top the Saipan Fishermen’s Association’s inaugural Johnny Walker Blue Label Classic Bill Fish Tournament on Saturday at Smiling Cove Marina.
“It’s teamwork,” said Papa San captain Jack Torres. It’s been a ride,” he added.
He said they were blessed by the ocean early as they had three strikes already at around 9:30 a.m. in the Esmeralda Bank where they fought the winning catch for about 30 minutes, which almost finished the spool.
It was the last bite from the back rod that brought in the catch around 10 a.m., and Torres knew that it would be enough but decided to troll for more.
Asked if they caught anything else, Torres responded, “Nope.”
According to Saipan Fishermen’s Association Solicitation Chairman Curtis Dancoe, “This is the most unique derby in the Marianas with the largest payout. And 95% of the registration fees are going back to the fishermen. We’re really excited to have Johnny Walker Blue Label on board. It’s a prestigious tournament that pits the best with the best.”
He added, “This is an exclusive bill fish tournament in which participants can reel in all types such as swordfish, long or short nose marlins. However, blue marlins returned to shore must weigh from 80 pounds to 211.4 pounds.”
“Boats went south and north in CNMI waters and enjoyed the cinema of them all,” he said. “We’re going to sit down with SFA and the participants and hope to continue this event. There will be a lot more of this format.”
A total of 28 boats, including three from Guam, registered for the tournament.
