SABA Too’s Captain James Roberto and his crew felt like heroes in the Tasi To Table CNMI Reel Heroes International Fishing Derby after reeling in a monster marlin weighing 369 pounds, earning them the first-place prize of $2,000 at Smiling Cove Marina on Saturday afternoon.
Roberto, 29, said the event held special meaning for him and his crew because it was dedicated to veterans. “I’ve got family members in the service, so this event touches my heart,” he said.
Heading out to open waters, Roberto said everyone initially searched for blue marlin, but he and his crew had other plans, targeting wahoo at the start.
After venturing north of Banzai Cliff and Bird Island, they decided to move into deeper waters in pursuit of blue marlin and yellowfin tuna.
Before reaching the three-hour mark at 9 a.m., Saba Too hooked its first marlin but unfortunately lost it right alongside the boat. “No one wanted to talk; everyone was so quiet, even the music was turned down low,” said Roberto. “But we didn’t give up — we kept trying. Lo and behold, we got lucky and hooked a 369-pound blue marlin, probably around 1:30 p.m.,” he added.
The crew also reeled in a wahoo, surprising them since they were nowhere near the reefs where wahoos are typically found.
“That wahoo lifted the morale — people started talking again and we had a good feeling, but when we hit that marlin, it was a roller coaster.” Roberto said.
The last time Saba Too landed not one, but three marlins was during last year’s Tasi To Table Mixed Classic.
When asked if they plan to defend their title next year, Roberto said, “Of course. I mean, this is what we do. We love to fish. I’d rather gamble fishing than go to the casino, right?”
Roberto and the Saba Too are dedicating their win to the memory of his late father on the first anniversary of his passing.
Other winners
Reel Slick, captained by Daniel Mafnas, finished first in the mahi category with an 18-pound catch, earning $1,000.
Boat With No Name, captained by Gonzalo Pangelinan, topped the wahoo category with a 28.9-pound catch, earning $1,000 while Reel Blessed, captained by Derek Palacios, finished first in the skipjack category with a 16-pound catch, taking home $750.
“Hats off to all the winners and hats off to all of our service members, veterans, active members, National Guard members,” Tasi To Table Executive Director Gene Weaver said.
“We thank you for your service and we continue to pray for you guys when you’re out there. And I want to give a big shout out to our board members. Cecilio [Raiukiulipiy], his boat was…in distress, but then they did locate it, and the crewmembers were found safe. Thanks to all responders who were involved — the Coast Guard, DPS, you name it. They were out there looking for them. They are safe and they will be returning home soon.”
Weaver was referring to Lucky Harvest which was reported missing after departing Alamagan on May 12, en route to Saipan. It was found on May 16, some 125 nautical miles west of Guam.
Weaver also thanked this year’s fishing derby sponsors: the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation, the Office of Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Tan Holdings, Marpac, Triple J, CK Lures, Pacifica Insurance, Joeten, Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council, and the Department of Public Safety.
Captain James Roberto and the crew of Saba Too pose with the Heaviest Marlin plaque and a $2,000 check during the awards ceremony of the Tasi To Table CNMI Reel Hero’s International Fishing Derby at the Smiling Cove Marina on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
The Boat With No Name topped the wahoo category of the Tasi To Table CNMI Reel Hero’s International Fishing Derby at the Smiling Cove Marina on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Captain Daniel Mafnas and the crew of Reel Slick ruled the mahi category of the Tasi To Table CNMI Reel Hero’s International Fishing Derby at the Smiling Cove Marina on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Captain Derek Palacios and the crew of Reel Blessed finished first in the skipjack/tuna category of the Tasi To Table CNMI Reel Hero’s International Fishing Derby at the Smiling Cove Marina on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
