By Robert Balajadia

Team Blu By Yu offloading their 152 lb. Marlin right before check in time. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Day 1 of the 20th Annual Guam International fishing derby turned in a big days worth, but none bigger than the Saturday’s catch of a 282 lb. Marlin brought in by team MJ and Michael Alvarez.

The latest teams could check in during Day 1 was 7 pm and the 282 pounder was assumed to have clocked it early. Teams were allowed to leave as early as 6 am.

Teams were allowed to check in at both the Agana boat basin and at the Agat check in.

During the final hour of check in, two other big Marlin catches were weighed in, including a 2nd place Marlin of 152.5 lb. brought in by team Blu By Yu and Captain Hua Nguyen.

“We got the Marlin off Rota Banks, it took us about 20 minutes to reel it in. We all took turns during the span so we all caught it,” said Joseph Maliksi of team Blu By Yu.

Team Blu By Yu checked in at 6:45 pm, grabbing the second spot with a clutch reel after spending the day up North, where they will continue their attempts during Day 2.

“We didn’t feel like we had that big of a Marlin when we reeled it in, but hopefully it stays or hopefully we bring in a bigger catch tomorrow,” he continued.

Day 2 starts Sunday morning at 6 am. and check in time will be moved an hour early at 6 pm.

Here’s the top three weights and leaders after Day 1 of fishing.

Marlin – MJ (Michael Alvarez) 282, Blu By Yu (Hua Nguyen) 152.5, Corey D (Donato) 147.5

Yellowfin – Amba Marie (Dom San Gil) 66.5, Boys Toys (Kin Flores) 44.55, Fottuna (Felix Quan) 40.1

Wahoo – Doris Day (Ronnie Hattori) 28.55, Island Girl I (Joe Palacious) 25.80, Cecilia Marie (Julian Flores) 25.65

Mahi Mahi – Marianas (Taisacan) 26.25, Tasi (Carl Pecha) 8.4, Emmanuel (Mike James) 8.3

Bonita – Ambu Marie (Dom San Gil) 16.7, Island Girl I (Joe Palacious) 16.65, SeaHorse (Jerry Taman) 15.85