Junior game fishing tournaments run by the Samoa International Game Fishing Association (S.I.G.F.A.) are continuing to grow with 15 boats participating in the sport this season.

The S.I.G.F.A. President Michael Rasmussen said this year’s junior tournament series is shaping up to be uniquely competitive. 

"Our Junior tournament series has grown from strength to strength with five to six new boats joining as well as numerous new junior anglers as some of our older anglers have now turned 15 years which is the threshold of eligibility," he said.

"Our R M and J KEIL Junior Fish to the Max (JF2M-1), the first for the new 2021/22 Season, held last Saturday saw nine boats and 17 junior anglers keen to set an early marker for the new season. 

“This season a total of 15 boats and teams have confirmed participation with six boats, unfortunately, having to pull out on Saturday due to some unforeseen circumstances."

And champion anglers from the 2020/21 season, Team Isumu have also carried over their hot form according to Rasmussen, catching a tournament high 13 fish. 

"Congrats to skipper Saena Hansell, deckie Desmond Tauati, and anglers Seuifanua Penn, George Tauati and Zion Pogi,” said Rasmussen. 

“Coming in second place was Team Malauli skippered by Francis Ah Ben, deckie Joseph Ah Ben, and anglers Francis Jnr and Luana Ah Ben. 

“Third place went to Team Little Loi with skipper Henry Ah Penn, and anglers Ataatasina Penn, JJ Meredith, and Seuiama Penn."

Rasmussen also acknowledged the sponsorship of the various association's partners and making the tournament become a reality.

"A big Faamalo and thank you once again to this Month’s Tournament Sponsor – R, M AND J KEIL for providing the cash prizes, trophy and supporting our Junior Program. Cheers LESA RICHARD KEIL and family!"

"See you all at the next Junior Tournament JF2M-2 on August 14^th, 2021 at Utualii [starts 9am to stop fishing 1.30pm, High Tide 10.31am]. Until then “Fish to the Max”.

The results of the tournament are as follows:

Winning Boat/Team:

• Isumu - 13.31 kgs
• Malauli - 9.02 kgs
• Little Loi - 7.13 kgs

Top Angler:

• Seuifanua Penn - 5.90 kgs
• Francis Ah Ben - 5.60 kgs
• George Tauati - 4.57 kgs

Biggest Fish:

• Francis Ah Ben - 2.87 kg Trevally
• Francis Ah Ben - 2.81 kg Trevally
• Isabella Meredith - 2.28 kg Trevally

Most Fish:

• Seuifanua Penn, George Tauati, Vaalepa Vaai - 5 fish

 The team standings are as follows:

• Isumu - 27
• Malauli - 24
• Little Loi - 22
• Maddy - 20
• Mini Fish Pirates - 18
• Fotu - 16 
• Rubina 2 - 15
• Fiaui - 14
• Splatoons - 14
• Aya Maria - 12 (DNF)
• Bella's Pride - 12 (DNF)
• Tautai Mai - 12 (DNF)
• Teugata - 12 (DNF)
• Mano'o - 12  (DNF)
• Alamutu - 12 (DNF)