CAPTAIN Cecelio Raiukiulipiy and the crew of Lucky Harvest were lucky indeed as they reeled in a wahoo weighing 36.1 lbs to take first place in the 2nd Annual Wahoo in the Marianas on Saturday at the Smiling Cove Marina.
About two hours before the 5 p.m. deadline, the participating boats started to return to the marina, and among them was Lucky Harvest and its prize catch.
At the weighing station, spectators and other fishermen were impressed with the size and length of the fish, and after its weight was announced, they already knew who would win first place.
Lucky Harvest won $2,000 in cash and a $500 gift certificate from Fishing Tackle Sporting Goods.
In second place were Capt. Chris Pangelinan and the crew of the Borrow Fan. They returned to the marina a little earlier than the rest of the competition with a catch weighing at 33.7 lbs.
They received a $1,500 cash prize and a $500 gift certificate from Fishing Tackle Sporting Goods.
In third were Capt. Kevin Diaz and Sesa which hauled in a 32.6 lbs wahoo while Capt. Manuel Mogar and J&MJ finished fourth with a 27.7 pounder.
Sesa went home with $1,000 cash prize and a $500 gift certificate from Fishing Tackle Sporting Goods while J&MJ won several prizes worth $600. These included a cooler, a hat, a flag from 4EVER CNMI and a $200 gift certificate from Fishing Tackle Sporting Goods.
J&MJ, however, brought in more than one fish, catching a total of 86.6 lbs, thus winning the Heaviest Catch Award.
The event also featured a side bet that was won by Capt. James M. Reyes and the crew of St. Jude for catching a Mahi Mahi that weighed 31.5 lbs.
Shane Villanueva of Tasi to Table, the event organizer, announced that the side bet amounted to $1,800.
Good job students!
Tasi to Table students were the main organizers of the tournament. Dhan Miguel Robles took charge as chairman with Blake Mister as vice chairman.
“This year has been a great success,” Robles said. “With everything going on and the pandemic, we did not think a lot of people would come out, but we were proven wrong,” he added.
He said 51 boats participated this year, just one boat less than the 2020 event.
“The other day there was also an unexpected tsunami warning so everyone was scared, thinking that the competitors would back out. Fortunately, they did not,” Robles said.
When Variety asked Robles how it was to oversee a major fishing event, he replied, “It’s good. This is my second year. I’ve always liked to learn leadership skills, and I like stepping up to the plate and doing more for the community. Don’t be afraid to go out — be yourself.”
Tasi to Table president Gene Weaver said organizing this year’s event “was a lot easier than last year because we have returning and new students. What we did prior to the registration was to conduct a trial run, and we worked on it. At the registration, everything went smoothly. Again, it’s about teaching the kids life lessons and skills that they can use later on and then share with the younger generation. It’s all for the kids.”
Weaver added, “I’m also very strong about parental involvement. That’s one of my goals with TTT. When kids catch their first fish who should they be with for the experience? Their parents. That is what I’m personally trying to promote.”
Tasi to Table student chairman Dhan Robles, right, and vice chairman Blake Mister, left, prepare the trophies for the 2nd Annual Wahoo in the Marianas at the Smiling Cove Marina on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr
Team J&MJ wins the Heaviest Catch Award.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
The crew members of Lucky Harvest pose with their winning wahoo catch.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Lucky Harvest crew members pose with the first place trophy.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
