30 boats gear up for the SIGFA 2023 International Tournament

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 27 APRIL 2023: The Samoa International Game Fishing Association (SIGFA) is gearing up for one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year – the 2023 International Tournament.

The high anticipated event will be opened by the Prime Minister this Saturday 29 April and will run through to 6 May 2023.

The tournament is drawing in 30 boats with four vessels traveling from American Samoa and international anglers hailing from the United States, Australia and New Zealand will gather at the Apia Marina to showcase their skills and vie for the coveted national championship title.

On the first day of the fishing competition, set to begin on Monday, 01 May, participants will gear up for an exhilarating experience with a shotgun start at 7:30 am. The open tournament will continue until Friday, May 5th, with weigh-in time set for 5 pm each day. Daily prize-giving ceremonies will take place between 7 pm and 8 pm.

Women will also play an integral role in the tournament, with a ladies-only competition scheduled for Wednesday, May 3rd. While the event is primarily focused on the competition, it also provides an opportunity for anglers to build friendships and connections within the international fishing community.

Past winners of the 2019 SIGFA International Tournament Team Stevensons at Manase hold up the highly coveted Championship Trophy.

““This year’s tournament is particularly significant, as it not only welcomes back international anglers after a three year hiatus due to the pandemic but it will also serve as a qualifying event for the prestigious Offshore World Championship Tournament (OWC) in Costa Rica.” The winners of the SIGFA 2023 International Tournament are invited to apply to register their team to compete in the 2024 OWC tournament.

The recently elected President of SIGFA, Vaughan Simpson said the association is looking forward to welcoming all the participants and supporters to Samoa next week for the event.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the 2023 SIGFA International Tournament in Samoa, one of the best fishing grounds in the world,” said Simpson.

“This annual event is not only significant for the local anglers as our national championship, but also for the international anglers who come from all over the world to participate. We’re especially excited to have the tournament serve as a qualifying event for the Offshore World Championship Tournament in Costa Rica, and we can’t wait to see who will come out on top this year.”

Main sponsors are Apia Concrete Products (ACP), Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA) and Taula Beverages.