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. 

In a press release issued by the SIGFA on Saturday, the association said the event will be held from 19 April to 6 May 2023 which will see the country playing host to anglers from around the world. These include 30 boats with four vessels traveling in from American Samoa as well as local and international anglers from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand who will gather at the Apia Marina to showcase their skills and vie for the coveted national championship title. 

Registration will take place on Saturday 29 April 2023 between 1-2 pm at the SIGFA headquarters at the Apia Marina with a briefing for participants scheduled from 2.30 to 3 pm. The opening ceremony follows at 3.05 pm with a special guest, Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa who will officially open the tournament. 

On the first day of the fishing competition, which will start Monday 1 May 2023 participants will prepare for the shotgun start at 7.30 am. The open tournament will continue until Friday 5 May 2023 with weigh-in time set for 5 pm of 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 3 May 2023. 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.

This year's tournament is particularly significant, as it not only welcomes back international anglers after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it will also serve as a qualifying event for the 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," Mr. Simpson said. "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." 

"We are grateful to our main sponsors Apia Concrete Products (ACP), Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA), and Taula Beverages for their ongoing support in making this tournament possible. 

"Their contributions and the immense support of our local business community have been instrumental in ensuring that we can continue to host this event for local anglers and the international community. 

"We are excited to showcase Samoa's unique natural beauty and outstanding game fishing opportunities to the world, and look forward to welcoming participants and visitors to this special event.” 

In addition to the main sponsors, the SIGFA International Tournament 2023 is made possible by the generous support of the Samoa Tourism Authority, Samoa Commercial Bank, National Bank of Samoa, ANZ Bank, Pacific Forum Line, Ca'bella Construction, Swire Shipping, Penn and Co, BDO Samoa, Elaine's Quality Furnishings, and Troppo Fishing Adventures, Le Well, Tanoa Samoa Ltd plus so many more local entities. 

For more information about the tournament and the amazing sponsors please visit www.sigfa.ws or follow the official SIGFA Facebook page @Samoa International Game Fishing Association-SIGFA or contact Olivia Vaai via email: [email protected]