Captained by John Roberto, St. Andrew’s anglers, Steve Reyes and Phil Roberto hauled 25.40 pounds of mahi and went $1,000 richer. They also brought home the first prize plaque and in-kind prizes.
The event, which Marianas Visitors Authority said is another success came up with a record 38 boats registered, according to event chairman John “Pan” Guerrero.
Vessels Carmelita and St. Patrick brought in mahis with identical weights of 19.90 pound to tie for the second place.
To break the tie however, it will be based on the time the boats returned to Smiling Cove Marina, thus, the second place goes to the first boat to come back and that went to skipper Judge Alex Castro and anglers Alex Castro Jr. and Salvador Koshiro of the Carmelita.
Last year’s derby winner St. Patrick, captained by Manding Legaspi and with anglers Tony Maestro and Dodong Salinas settled for the third place.
Vessel My Lady Gora came in fourth place with a 19.45-lb. catch, while fifth place went to Sea Ray, skippered by Alvin P. Iglesias for his 18.90-lb. fish.
Fourth and fifth place winners received plaques, cellular phones and in-kind prizes from event sponsors.
“It was an interesting derby,” said Saipan Fishermen’s Association President Gene Weaver.
“We were not expecting that many participants and we are pleased with the turnout.” Guerrero said.
The organizers of the event would like to thank Pacific Trading Company; Marianas Visitors Authority; Shell Marianas; Advance Pest Control & Air-Conditioning; Docomo Pacific; Safety 1st Systems, Inc.; Pacific Rainbow Paints; Division of Fish & Wildlife; Emergency Management Office; Department of Public Safety (Traffic & Boating); National Park Service and Smiling Cove Marina.
The one-day trolling event hosted participants from throughout the Northern Marianas. Participants received an event t-shirt and an invitation to the awards banquet. Winners received their prizes at the awards banquet held after the event at the Smiling Cove Marina that evening.
The SFA’s next event will be the 26th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament on July 17-18, 2010. For more information about the Tournament or any SFA events, please contact MVA’s Frank Tudela at 1 (670) 664-3200/01 or send inquiries to [email protected].
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