The scenic Apia Marina came alive on the weekend with excitement and camaraderie as the 26th Samoa International Game Fishing Association (SIGFA) International Tournament officially opened at the SIGFA Headquarters in Matautu. 

This year’s highly anticipated tournament marks a significant milestone with the introduction of the inaugural Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL) Pacific Island International Tournament, the first of its kind in the region.

The opening ceremony drew a record number of registered anglers from Samoa, American Samoa, New Zealand, and Australia, highlighting the growing reputation of the tournament as a premier event on the regional game fishing calendar. The competition in Samoa marks Leg 1 of a three-country circuit, with teams set to travel next to American Samoa before culminating in Vava’u, Tonga for the final leg.

The event was officially opened by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa who welcomed all international and local participants. 

“This year we are honoured to host an impressive overseas representation of boats – including five from New Zealand, six from American Samoa, and one from Tonga – not to mention a very strong local showing with 17 boats proudly flying the Samoan flag. Unlike last year, this tournament doubles as the inaugural Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL) Pacific International Tournament – a first of its kind. Over the next week of competition, friendships will be forged and stories will be told over a few cleansing ales – stories of how you landed the big one, and stories of how you dropped the big one,” said Fiame in her remarks.

SIGFA President Vaughan Simpson also addressed the crowd, thanking the many individuals and organisations who made the event possible.

“On behalf of SIGFA, I want to extend a warm welcome to all anglers and supporters joining us for this historic tournament. Hosting both the 26th SIGFA International Tournament and the inaugural NPDL Pacific Island Tournament is a huge milestone for us and for game fishing in the region," he said. 

"A tremendous amount of planning has gone into bringing together teams from across the Pacific and ensuring everything runs smoothly—from logistics and boat registrations to safety protocols and daily weigh-ins. I want to sincerely thank the SIGFA executive, our volunteers, and partners who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. We’re excited to see some top-tier fishing over the next week and we wish all teams tight lines, good luck, and most importantly—safe and enjoyable days out on the water.”

Simpson also extended heartfelt thanks to the tournament’s major sponsors whose continued support has helped make the event possible: Neptune Pacific Direct Line, Apia Concrete Products, Taula, Samoa Ports Authority, Samoa Tourism Authority, Samoa Commercial Bank, and Tanoa Hotel Group.

The NPDL Pacific Island Tournament is an ambitious multi-island competition that will see anglers compete across three iconic Pacific locations. Following the Samoa leg, teams will head to Pago Pago, American Samoa for the second leg from April 20–26, and then onto Vava’u, Tonga for the final leg from May 5–10, 2025.

Cumulative points from all three tournaments will determine the overall winners of the NPDL Pacific Island Tournament. In addition, each leg is a qualifying event for the prestigious Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica, making this a highly sought-after opportunity for Pacific anglers to showcase their talent on the global stage.

With lines in the water over the next week, the stage is set for unforgettable fishing, fierce competition, and lasting friendships in what promises to be a truly Pacific celebration of sport, community, and shared passion for the ocean.