21st ANNUAL MAHI MAHI DERBY IN SAIPAN ON APRIL 12, 2025
Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) – The Saipan Fishermen’s Association (SFA) will hold the 21st Annual Mahi Mahi Fishing Derby on April 12, 2025, in The Marianas.
The derby will start at 6 a.m. and will conclude at 5 p.m. the same day, launching from Smiling Cove Marina. Prizes will include $2,500 cash for 1st place, $1,500 for 2nd place, $1,000 for 3rd place, and consolation prizes for 4th and 5th places.
The registration fee is $100 per boat, including one captain and one angler, and $25 for each additional angler. Pre-registration will be held on April 11 from 4-6 p.m. at the Smiling Cove Marina weighing station. Derby officials from the SFA will also brief participants on the rules and regulations of the competition.
“Sport fishing in The Marianas is a niche market highlighting the beautiful waters of The Marianas, our rich marine resources, and our unique fishing culture,” said Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) Managing Director Jamika Taijeron. “The MVA is pleased to continue to partner with Saipan Fishermen’s Association in spreading the word about their tournaments. Following the Mahi Derby, we’ll be collaborating on expanding the July Saipan International Fishing Tournament to make it more of a visitor attraction. Stay tuned for more details!”
Spectators are invited to see the day’s catch as fishermen begin returning to Smiling Cove Marina at approximately 4 p.m. on derby day. Event organizers are reminding participants that no catch will be entered after the 5 p.m. deadline. The awards party will immediately take place after the derby at Smiling Cove Marina immediately after the event. Boats are encouraged to conduct a pre-boat safety inspection by calling the Dept. of Public Safety Board Safety Unit at 1.670.664.9000.
For more information about the derby, contact MVA Community Projects Manager Martin Duenas at 1.670.664.3200 or [email protected].