SIGFA Promotes Sustainable Fishing Practices to Junior Anglers from a Young Age

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.

First equal biggest fish winners Zion Pogi and Seuifanua Penn of Team Isumu each with a 3.2kg malauli.

“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!”

Teams in high spirits despite choppy seas and windy conditions.

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.

Team Isumu with SIGFA Sponsor Manū Meredith of Le Well.

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.

Placed second, Rasmussen sisters of Team Teugata.

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!

Champion Angler Zion Pogi receives his prize.

Second placed angler went to Eseta Rasmussen while third place was shared between Seuifanua Penn and Kaleb Nelson.

Second place Angler Eseta Rasmussen with Manū Meredith of Le Well.

The third biggest fish went to Maya Meredith from Team Mini Fish Pirates, with her 3.0 kg malauli.

Third biggest fish, 3kg malauli, won by Maya Meredith.

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.