The third annual Savai'i Fishing Tournament is in full swing after officially opening over the weekend at the Vaimoana Seaside Lodge in Asau, Savai'i.

The opening of the tournament on Sunday evening was well attended by members of the Savaii Samoa Tourism association (SSTA), Samoa International Fishing Association, and sponsor representatives.

The unique three-day tournament trail in Savaii has mostly attracted anglers from Apia as well as some international anglers. 

But this year, for the first time, alia fishing crews from the district of Asau entered the competition at the eleventh hour, adding another unique element to Samoa’s most festive and laid back fishing tournament.

In his opening remarks, the President of the Savaii Fishing Tournament, Tupa’i Saleimoa Vaai thanked their sponsors, Apia Concrete Products, Ah Liki Wholesale, Toa Gas, Apia Lua ltd and the Samoa Tourism Authority, acknowledging how near impossible it is to host major events on the big island without their support.

Day one of the fishing tournament opened with a bit of unpredictable weather giving the water a bit of chop, which eventually flattened out by midday. 

Even though the teams got off to a laid back start, the reef fish were apparently more awake as Team Tiny Coodas found out when they reeled in a Spanish mackerel within 15 minutes of heading towards the channel.

However by weigh-in time, the catch of the day went to Angler, Ross Davis from Team King Fisher with a 60.3kg Yellow Fin but the most amusing catch of the day went to angler, Bruce Maroney ofTeam Reel Cat, who caught half a baracuda after their fight was hijacked by a shark who was also after the same catch.

“While we were reeling in the barracuda, a shark came up and bit off the other half of our fish” said captain of Team Reel Cat boat, Bruce Maroney."

The final tally of boats competing in the Savaii Game Fishing Tournament is 10. Today is the last day of the tournament with prize-giving held in the evening.