TEAM RJ, captained by George Moses, topped the biggest catch category of the 4th Annual I Sanhalom Laguna Anglers Association or ISLA Mafuti Derby on Saturday.
Moses and the rest of Team RJ brought in their winning catch within the allotted nine hours: a 5.2-pound mafuti.
Team RJ snapped the win streak of captain Edward Diaz and the Nibbler crew who caught a mafuti weighing 4.25lbs, good enough for second place.
Chow Me Naw, captained by Casey Mendiola, took third place with a 2.85-lbs catch, followed by Carmen Santiago, captained by Martin Camacho, in fourth place, with a catch weighing 2.8lbs, while Kachuma, captained by Gregory Camacho, finished fifth with a 2.45-lbs. catch.
In the total weight category, Salty Bandits, whose captain is Masaki Kitami, finished first by hauling in the three heaviest fishes weighing a total of 6.35lbs.
The Salty Bandits also won the side bet by catching a trevally weighing 9.40lbs.
“I think the event turnout was good,” said ISLA President Joe Torres. Last year, 63 boats registered for the competition, but he was still grateful for the 46 boats that participated this year. “We are trying to grow the tournament, and we are grateful to our sponsors and supporters.”
These include the Tan Siu Lin Foundation, the Office of the Lt. Governor, Senate Floor Leader Vinnie F. Sablan, House Minority Leader Angel Demapan, Speaker Ed Villagomez, Environmental Services, SP Dancoe & Associates, TurnKey Solutions, Bridge Capital, Island Image & Motion, Marianas Geotech, Fresh Factory, Fishing Tackle, Marianas Variety, Docomo Pacific, Saipan Surf Company, Saipan Shipping, Micronesian Marine, Roil Soil Company, Landmarks Realty, Joeten Superstore, Joeten Motors, Ginen Marianas, Atkins Kroll Toyota, NAPA Trucks & Auto, PAC Auto, True Value/YCO, WSTCO Saipan, Swim For Life, Kets Kitchen, Poki Yaki, Galaxy Ent., Bistro Boys, Tyler’s Gelato, Caravan of Food, Inas Kitchen, Get Fit CNMI, J’s Restaurant, Herman’s Bakery, KKMP, and Kumoi Farms.
Members of Team RJ pose with their first place trophy alongside ISLA members at the conclusion of the 4th Annual ISLA Mafuti Derby on Saturday at Smiling Cove Marina.
The Salty Bandits pose with their catch which won first place in the total weight category and the side bet of the 4th Annual ISLA Mafuti Derby on Saturday at Smiling Cove Marina.
