‘Debbie I’ reeled in the biggest marlin (511 lbs) in the 22nd Marianas International Fishing Derby over the weekend.

Debbie I also caught the biggest marlin in the Saipan derby earlier this year. Captain Roque Chaco was along with anglers Anthony Chaco, Randal Chaco, Ray Chaco, Romy Magan, & Aris Abiera.

“It wasn’t a fight, it was a battle,” said captain Roque Chaco. “The reel broke so we handlined the marlin for over 30 minutes until we tied the main line to another reel and started cranking him in. It took over two hours before we got him to the side of the boat and secured him.”

The marlin bit the hook around 6:20 am Sunday about a mile by Facpi 2 buoy.

The marlin were running during the 22nd Marianas International Fishing Derby. (photo borrowed by Edward San Nicolas)

Here are the other results:

MARLIN

Debbie I (Roque Chaco) 511.75 lbs

Bella (Perry Inos) 493 lbs

Hitman (Carlos Herrera) 323.25 lbs

Chamori (James Gumabon) 296 lbs

YELLOW FIN

Reel Nuts (Gerry Bejerana) 78.8 lbs

Monique Ka (Phil Flores) 40 lbs

Emmanuel (Mike James) 34.3 lbs

WAHOO

Tropical Anesthesia (Todd Smock) 34.6 lbs

Onaga II (John Castro) 31.45 lbs

S&J (John Kakas) 29.25 lbs

MAHI MAHI

Victoria (Diego Benavente) 24.9 lbs

Inina Isabelle (Will Topasna) 13.65 lbs

Reel Tight (Guy/Chino) 7.75 lbs

BONITA

Last Minute (Matthew Orot) 14.65 lbs

Boka Box (Frank Alig) 11.6 lbs

Danet (John Hattig) 11.25 lbs