Saba Too heaves 369-lb marlin for top spot in Reel Heroes Derby

It was all hands on deck for the crew of Saba Too as they hauled in the biggest catch of the Tasi To Table’s 2nd Annual CNMI Reel Heroes International Fishing Derby on May 17— a massive 369-lb marlin.

The monster catch, which earned them $2,000, was reeled in from the waters just east of Marpi Reef after a 45-minute battle that began around 1:30 p.m.

Saba Too’s captain, James Roberto, said it was their second catch of the day after an unfortunate loss of another marlin earlier that morning. That first miss had dampened the crew’s spirits, but things turned around when they unexpectedly landed a wahoo—followed by the prize-winning marlin.

Held in honor of military service members on U.S. Armed Forces Day, the derby encouraged each crew to include a veteran or service member. On board Saba Too was Roberto’s brother-in-law, Corbin Yamada, a veteran. The rest of the team included Manet Sablan, Robert Tenorio, and Will Dela Cruz.

Roberto said of their win, “everyone took turns reeling it in—it was a team effort.” The 29-year-old added, “When we got it on the boat, we were just so happy. Win or lose, we were done. We wanted to come back and relax. It’s Corbin’s first marlin ever, and it was the biggest marlin for everyone.”

As for the event, he said, “We try to join any derby. We just love to fish—doesn’t matter what it is. But, this one just hits home. We have a lot of family members that have been in the service and with Corbin being a vet—it’s just something.”

The derby had other first place winners in different categories. In the mahi category, Reel Slick, captained by Daniel Mafnas, topped it with an 18-pounder for the prize of $1,000.

In the wahoo category, Boat With No Name, captained by Gonzalo Pangelinan, made themselves known with a winning catch of a 28.9-lb wahoo for $1,000.

And in the skipjack category, Reel Blessed, captained by Derek Palacios hauled in a 16-lb fish good enough for $750.

After the awards ceremony at the Smiling Cove Marina, Tasi To Table Executive Director Gene Weaver said, “29 boats went out, 29 boats came in, so it makes it a successful event. Hats off to all the winners and hats off to all of our service members, the veterans, active members, National Guard, and reservists. We thank you for your service and we continue to pray for you guys when you’re out there.”

Weaver then gave a shoutout to TTT’s board member, Cecilio Raiukiulipiy. “His boat [Lucky Harvest] was in distress, but they did locate them and they were found safe, so I wanted to put it out there and thank all the responders who were involved—Coast Guard, [Department of Public Safety], you name it. They were out there looking for them. So, they are safe, and they will be returning home soon.”

Lucky Harvest was reported missing after departing Alamagan en route to Saipan on May 12. The vessel with its two crew members on board were found on May 16 some 104 miles west of Guam.

Weaver then thanked the derby’s sponsors Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation, the Office of Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Tan Holdings, MARPAC, Triple J, CK Lures, Pacifica Insurance, Joeten, Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council, and DPS.