The 27th Samoa International Game Fishing Association (SIGFA) Tournament opened on Saturday, launching a week-long schedule of fishing events.

Samoa International Game Fishing Association president Trevor Meredith said the tournament, which began in 1996, remains an important event for Samoa.

“What makes this tournament significant for Samoa is our Faasamoa, hospitality and drive to be the best first and foremost,” Meredith said. 

“Our tropical waters offer plenty of fish, and especially the most sought-after gamefishing species that every hardcore angler wants to catch.”

This year’s programme began with late registration and a skippers’ briefing, followed by the opening ceremony and an event called Calcutta. 

Fishing officially starts Monday, followed by daily fishing days running through Friday. 

Weigh-ins are scheduled for 5 pm each afternoon, with daily prize giveaways held each evening. A spare day is set for Wednesday.

The tournament will conclude on Saturday with the final prize giving and closing ceremony from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Meredith said participation is slightly lower this year due to global economic pressures.

“We have slightly fewer boats this year. I think due to economic crises all over the world, especially with fuel and travel costs,” he said.

He added that international support has helped maintain strong competition.

“With Neptune Pacific onboard with us, we were able to ship over four New Zealand boats to compete,” Meredith said. 

“We will be looking at bringing in more from New Zealand next year, and there is talk about bringing in boats from the United States.”

A total of 21 boats are competing this year, including six overseas entries.

Anglers will target billfish such as blue marlin, black marlin, and sailfish, along with tuna, mahimahi, dogtooth tuna, and wahoo. 

Meredith stressed the focus on sustainable fishing through tag-and-release practices.

He said his message for this year’s competitors is to always be safe out on the water, look after each other, and always lend a helping hand.