SPEAR FISHERS TURN IN AT ANNUAL EVENT

By Robert Balajadia

Juan Taijeron lays out his catch of the day during the weigh ins. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

The 11th annual Spearfishing competition didn’t quite bring in as many competitors (13 teams) as it’s usual reel, but the two-man teams still brought in a worthy catch during Saturday’s all-dat event. The deep sea hunters turned in their catch at 2 pm at the Agana Boat Basin with a handful of great sized fish.

The biggest catch of the day was a 24 lb. mamulan from Peter Green and Chris DeBeer, who took in first place.

“Usually July/August are the best months and when the ocean is most calm. Even though we launch in Agana, these fishers can go anywhere on the island. One of the guys lost a big gadao today and from what I’ve heard, it would’ve been a great fish story,” said event coordinator James Borja.

Another big catch of the day came from the team of Juan Taijeron and Tod Genereux with a 6 lb. parrot fish that Taijeron was able to reel in.

“I knew it was pretty big when I first saw it and I was getting worried because it was in the shallows and was running away from me. There was a smaller [parrot fish] around it, but I noticed the bigger one kept creeping in and once it finally came to me I shot it,” said Taijeron.

It was only Taijeron’s second competition since a busy work schedule had kept him out of past events, but he would love to make a more consistent effort in competing. He attributed most of this catch to lady luck.

“It’s better to be lucky than good sometimes. I was just happy to land the fish and it didn’t tear off because usually fish that big tear off and you lose them. I just happened to be at the right place and right time so luck had a lot to do with it, although you have to have the skill to watch and stalk the fish,” added Taijeron.

PHOTO GALLERY:

The team of Robert Kass and Nicolas Cruz display their catch. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Troy Finona and RJ Rolinski are happy with their catch during the photo opt at the weigh in. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Pat Atherton and Monique “MoSa” Genereux are all smiles when turning in their catch. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Jordan Flores and Kyle Hiura hold up their reels during the weigh in. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

The team of Andrew Nededong and Carl Dela Cruz display their catch. (photo by Robert Balajadia)