The Samoa International Game Fishing Association (S.I.G.F.A) said the 2025 International tournament will be an expanded tournament and part of a circuit, a first of its kind.

The tournament which has been an international event garnering international interest will kick off in April next year. It will be their first-ever event of its kind for the Pacific region and it is called the Neptune Pacific Direct Line Pacific Island tournament.

SIGFA President Vaughan Simpson expressed his excitement about this historic milestone.

"This tournament will be the biggest one yet. It’s a dream come true and an honour for Samoa to drive the expansion of sustainable game fishing in the Pacific. This event will not only bring anglers from all over the Pacific and beyond but will also showcase the beauty and unity of our region," he said.

"We hope this is just the beginning as talks are underway to include more Pacific nations like the Cook Islands and Fiji in the future. We are deeply grateful to our partners, the Pago Pago Game Fishing Association (PPGFA) and the Puataukanave Hotel in Vava’u, Tonga, for their invaluable support. Without them, this shared vision of bringing the Pacific together through game fishing would not have been possible.”

The NPDL Pacific Island Tournament is an ambitious multi-island competition that will see anglers compete across three locations in the Pacific. After the Samoa tournament, participating teams will head to Pago Pago, American Samoa, for the next leg from 20 April to 26 April, followed by the final leg in Tonga from 5 May to 10 May 2025.

Cumulative points from all three tournaments will determine the overall winners of the NPDL Pacific Island Tournament. The Samoa and American Samoa tournaments are both qualifying events for the prestigious Offshore World Championship held in Costa Rica, making it an unmissable opportunity for Pacific anglers to shine on the global stage.

This epic new tournament format is expected to attract a record number of international boats and anglers, with teams already showing interest from New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, and American Samoa. 

Mr Simpson emphasised the importance of sustainability and regional collaboration in game fishing. 

“Without the support of NPDL, this Pacific tournament would not be possible. Their commitment to the sport and the Pacific region is helping us grow this tournament while boosting destination marketing for all participating Pacific Island nations. Together, we’re creating a unique adventure that will generate significant interest and engagement among anglers worldwide.”

Michelle Brunt, NPDL’s Senior Sales Manager and Apia Agent at TransAM, speaking on the tournament’s significance said that bringing together the Pacific through events like the NPDL Pacific Island Tournament aligns with NPDL’s values and goals. 

"As a company deeply invested in the region, we are proud to support initiatives that not only promote sustainability but also strengthen connections between Pacific nations.”

“This tournament is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible talent, culture, and natural beauty of our islands to the world. We are excited to be a part of this journey and look forward to the impact it will have on communities across Samoa, American Samoa, and Tonga.”