Young fishing enthusiasts took to the water last Saturday for Samoa’s 6th Junior Fish To The Max (JF2M) competition where anglers as young as 5 years old participated.
It was the first junior competition of the year for the Samoa International Game Fishing Association (SIGFA), and Junior Programme Coordinator Henry Penn says they had a great turnout of 8 boats and 19 anglers.
“The keen young anglers braved tough conditions and brought in a total of 23 fish; a mix of trevally and barracuda were brought to the scales for a combined total of close to 30 kilos,” said Penn.
“It was pretty challenging out there with choppy seas and winds gusting at 20 knots but that didn’t dampen the Juniors’ competitive spirits!”
SIGFA’s Junior Programme Coordinator said the JF2M competition aims to build water confidence, and teach boating & fishing knowledge and skills, including the importance of water safety.
“We want to instill into our Juniors, principles such as conservation and also encourage sustainable fishing practices such as ‘catch & release’ from a young age..” says Penn.
RESULTS
Placed first in the team category was Team Isumu with the youngest anglers of the day; 7 year-old Seuifanua Penn, 9 year-old Zion Pogi and 9 year-old George Tauati. They were assisted by caretaker skipper Damien Meredith and deckie Desmond Tauati.
Coming in second place was Team Teugata with siblings Eseta and Teugata Rasmussen, while Team Aya Maria with anglers Kaleb and Eligh Nelson placed a close third place by less than 2kgs behind second placers.
Champion Angler for the day went to Zion Pogi who was also placed first equal with team mate and cousin Seuifanua Penn for the “biggest fish” award. The youngsters each weighed in a 3.2kg malauli!
Second placed angler went to Eseta Rasmussen while third place was shared between Seuifanua Penn and Kaleb Nelson.
The third biggest fish went to Maya Meredith from Team Mini Fish Pirates, with her 3.0 kg malauli.
The Samoa International Game Fishing Association is a well established NGO that has placed Samoa on the map for sportsfishing and hosting international events. The current President is Michael Rasmussen, assisted by Vice President Trevor Meredith. SIGFA’s secretary is Fritz Rasch while SIA member Henry Penn is the Treasurer.
The next JF2M competition for Juniors is scheduled for Saturday 6th February 2021 at the SIGFA club premises, Matautu Marina. So if you’re interested to join or participate, contact Henry Penn on: hwpenn@lesamapenn.ws or Click Here and follow their Facebook page if you want to learn more about SIGFA activities.
