Grandee from New Zealand won the 27th Samoa International Game Fishing Association (SIGFA) Tournament, which ended Saturday after a week of fishing competition in Apia waters.

Members of the winning team, Kim Spooner, Lynda Randrup, Mike Randrup, and Bran Foore, described the victory as extremely special after several days of challenging fishing conditions.

Mike Randrup said the team worked early mornings and pushed through tough fishing conditions, calling the win a reward for effort and teamwork.

“We all compete and try to give it our best shot,” he said. 

“It’s also about the camaraderie and how special the Samoan people are to us New Zealanders who travel over here.”

He said the team has competed in Samoa for about 17 years, supported by sponsorship from Neptune Pacific, which made travel and participation possible.

“Without that sponsorship, it would be physically impossible for us to come,” he said.

Randrup said the competition was difficult this year, with changing weather, heat, and fish staying in deeper waters.

“It was tough. Sometimes the fishing is amazing, sometimes it’s slow. We were just lucky to be in the right place at the right time,” he said.

Despite the challenges, he said the win means the team will return next year to defend their title and continue enjoying the tournament.

The SIGFA committee thanked all sponsors, visiting crews, volunteers, and local supporters for helping run the event.

SIGFA President Trevor Meredith said the tournament’s success was due to months of preparation and teamwork behind the scenes. He also thanked visiting anglers for travelling to Samoa and supporting the event.

He congratulated all winners and acknowledged those who did not place, including his own boat, which retired early due to mechanical issues.

The winning team, Grandee, led the competition with 300 points, securing first place ahead of strong challengers. Devorah finished in second place, followed by Baby Blue in third, Amana in fourth, and Viking in fifth.

The game fishing tournament will return in 2027, scheduled for April 10 to 17.