Fish the Dream racked up 1,125.6 points to win First Place in the Annual Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Gamefishing Tournament which wrapped up Friday.
The team, captained by Senator Fano Shimasaki with crew Peter Young, Trent Cameron and Mike Apted, took the lead from the very first day and stayed on top throughout the competition. They landed some great fish including a 399 lb Blue Marlin, a 51.4 lb. Masi Masi which won them 1st place in that species, as well as tagging and releasing a few narlin and a spearfish. Peter Young also won Top Angler Overall.
Second Place went to Salvation with a total score of 571.20 points. Captained by Leuma Su’e and his crew Tuala Ogesifolo and Johnathan Pedro, they took home the ‘ I’a Lapo’a’ prize with their Blue Marlin weighing in at 422.4 lbs, as well as 1st place Yellow Fin at 58.2 lbs.
Third Place was Double Hooked with a total score of 267.00 points, with Captain Andy Wearing and crew Jerry Moore, Russ Cox, Ian Price, Michael Wolfram and Sio. Jerry Moore won 1st place Wahoo at 37.4 lbs.
Fourth Place went to Double Trouble with a total score of 189.20. Captained by Chris Banse with his crew of Pafuti Tupua, Fatu Lese and Wei. Pafuti won Top Female Champion Angler award.
Fifth Place went to Sau Ia with a total score of 139.40, captained by Peter E. Reid III and his crew Afa Young, Olivia Reid, Sala McMoore, Ben Banse, Cherith Lober and John Fatialofa. Team Sau Ia had a slow start, however, pulled through to make 5th place overall – a fantastic effort.
This was the 20th I’a lapo’a Tournament and had 17 vessels and over 70 fishermen and women, including anglers from Samoa and Tonga.
An awards ceremony at Sadie’s by the Sea wrapped up a fun and successful 2019 tournament.
