Samoa's Fu’a II emerged as overall champions for the Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL) Pacific Island Series Gamefishing Tournament 2025 and secured a spot at the 2026 Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica.

The series launched in Apia, Samoa on 5 April with the 26th SIGFA International Tournament, then moved to Pago Pago, American Samoa for the Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Fishing Tournament, hosted by the Pago Pago Game Fishing Association, before concluding in the final leg in Vava’u, Tonga at the Tonga Puataukanave International Fishing Competition.

Despite rough seas forecasted around Tonga during the third leg of the Pacific Series, which saw 10 boats from Samoa, American Samoa, and New Zealand opt for a mini-tournament in Savai’i, three determined teams from Samoa and New Zealand continued ahead to Vava’u for the final and most challenging leg. Those three teams, nicknamed the “Tonga Trio” were Yellowfin (Samoa), Fu’a II (Samoa) and Da Rottie 2 (New Zealand).

Behind the scenes, this transnational tournament was an achievement of coordination and regional cooperation, said Vaughan Simpson, Skipper of Fu’a II, Tournament Director, and President of Samoa International Game Fishing Association (SIGFA).

From securing sponsorships, coordinating boat shipments and storage, arranging team travel itineraries and managing international border clearances, to the support of local businesses and governments, every leg of the journey was made possible by a dedicated network of partners.

“As our naming sponsor, Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL) went above and beyond by generously offering to ship boats from New Zealand to Samoa and back again at no cost to the teams. From border clearances to prize sponsorship, to the warm hospitality at every port, this series was only made possible because of the commitment and collaboration of so many. Governments, businesses, game fishing associations and volunteers all played a role,” said Simpson. 

“It’s easy to focus on the fishing, but this series doesn’t happen without the hard work in the background- governments endorsing the event, local sponsors providing prizes and services, and tourism and hospitality operators welcoming our teams and their supporters. This was a true Pacific partnership, and it showed in every port. It’s a win for the Pacific-not just for Fu’a II.”

Michelle Brunt, speaking on behalf of NPDL, added her support in saying, “This series is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of regional connectivity, resilience, and economic impact. We’re proud to be part of an initiative that brings people, cultures, and communities together.”

Local economies benefited significantly from the influx of anglers and their families, with accommodation providers, restaurants, charter boats, and local vendors all enjoying a welcome boost in business during the series.

Organisers extend their gratitude to all who made the 2025 NPDL Pacific Island Series a success—especially to partner associations; Pago Pago Game Fishing Association, Puataukanave International Hotel, the Vava’u Sports Fishing Club, AJ Cowley and a wide network of local supporters, volunteers, and regional agencies who championed the vision from start to finish.