All who participated in the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa & SOPAC Distributors Inc. Buds and Suds Open Fishing Tournament last week, agree it was a smashing success.
Hosts, National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa and SOPAC Distributors have along list of sponsors to thank as well as individuals and groups who all contributed to putting on a very enjoyable and well run tourney.
About 100 fishermen and women took part and 17 boats were registered.
For the first time both alias and recreational fishing boats competed in the same tournament.
Although not limited to sanctuary waters, a major goal of the tournament was to better inform the fishing community that you are allowed to fish in sanctuary areas with the exception of Fagatele Bay.
Fagatele the only sanctuary management area where fishing is not allowed.
Another goal of the event was to promote recreation in the sanctuary.
Cash prizes provided by SOPAC and Cardinal Point Captains were presented to tournament winners for the following categories.
• Yellowfin: 1st place 113.2 lbs, Dorado, Captain Chris Banse and crew; 2nd place tie 24.2 lbs, Sashimi I, Captain Uluiva Fa’alevao and crew; and Double Hooked, Co-Captains Andy Wearing and Peter Crispin and crew.
• Sailfish: 1st place 109.4 lbs, Sashimi II, Captain Fano Mitch Shimasaki and crew; 2nd place 86.4 lbs, Salvation, Captain Leuma Smith and crew.
• Dogtooth Tuna: 1st place 31.6 lbs, Dorado, Captain Chris Banse and crew; 2nd place 20.8 lbs, Dorado, Captain Chris Banse and crew.
• Wahoo: 1st place 29.6 lbs, I’a Manu, Captain Taulapapa Will Sword and crew; 2nd place 20.2 lbs, Sashimi II, Captain Fano Mitch Shimasaki and crew.
• Skip Jack: 1st place 10.4 lbs, South Wind, Captain Eo Mokoma and crew; 2nd place 9.8 lbs, Salvation, Captain Leuma Smith and crew.
• Miscellaneous: 1st place 28.4 lbs Big Eye Trevally, Sashimi I, Captain Uluiva Fa’alevao and crew; 2nd place 16.4 lbs Giant Trevally, Grady White, Captain Xavier Bowles and crew.
Over 400 pounds of fish caught in the two day tourney was delivered to Hope House.
