FIESTA Resort & Spa maintenance worker Miguel Morta caught a 7.7-pound trevally to win the Trevally Hunter Marianas’ Live Bait Anglers Competition on Sunday.
Morta, who brought home the $630 prize pot, competed with 78 other anglers in the Saipan lagoon in Chalan Laulau starting at 4 p.m.
Morta caught the trevally at around 8:35 p.m.
Trevally Hunter Marianas president Carlos Ballesteros said with support from the CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Carolinian Affairs Office, they launched the weekly fishing derby on his birthday, Feb. 1, 2021 at the Garapan Fishing Base with Fish & Tackle as the major sponsor.
The derby entry fee is $5.
Ballesteros said from seven fishing enthusiasts, their group now has 79 anglers.
On Sunday, the participating anglers lined up the beach from San Jose to Chalan Laulau.
Trevally Hunter Marianas is a non-profit local fishing sports organization, Ballesteros said.
“Our goal is to help protect the beaches. After each derby we conduct beach cleanups as part of an agreement with Fish and Wildlife,” Ballesteros said.
If you’re interested in joining the next competition set for Sunday, April 4, call Carlos Ballesteros at 788-3393.
Miguel Morta, second right, holds his winning catch as he poses for a photo with Trevally Hunter Marianas president Carlos Ballesteros, right, and other officers of the group Sunday evening on Beach Road in Chalan Laulau.
Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
