Inaugural PanagSogod fishing tourney a huge success

CEBU, Philippines — Wanting to be part of a historic moment, bad weather did not dampen the spirits of local fishermen and avid anglers participating in the 1st PanagSogod Fishing Tournament in the municipality of Sogod in northern Cebu recently.

Organized by non-governmental organization Move Ko Aid, and Reels Events & Productions in partnership with the local government of Sogod, the ground-breaking event has attracted a total of 144 entries spread in three categories, 25 for local fisherfolks using traditional fishing methods or handline; 38 for casting, and 81 jiggers.

In the casting category, anglers cast their lines from the shoreline to catch fish.

Arnulfo Pierra Jr., Palms Global and Relix Nusanstara brand ambassador and a member of Cebu Anglers Club and Cebu International School Fishing Club, bagged the champion’s trophy with his 0.970kg grouper (Lapulapu).

Pierra, who ruled the 2022 Boaters Unlimited Fishing Tournament with his 12.65-kilogram mystic grouper (kugtong), was late when he checked-in, but still landed the winning fish in mere minutes, only in the port area, where others failed since morning.

Next to Pierra is angler Christopher Maratas with his 0.755kg needle fish, followed by a 0.433kg checkered snapper by angler Dayunyor Mag-asin.

In the jigging category, anglers must catch fish offshore onboard official tournament boats (local boats). A 4.450kg Coral Trout (Suno) was landed by angler Camelo Soroño who was declared the champion. The first runner up is a 2.650kg Rusty Jobfish (Malaguno) by angler Dindo Mondigo followed by Liloan’s pride Lenox Cebu with his 2.29kg Barracuda (Rumpe Kandado).

A day before, 25 local fisher folks competed amongst themselves using their traditional fishing methods, the manual handline.

The category was ruled by Vicente Precillas Jr. with his 8.800kg Dorado or Mahi-Mahi locally called Pandawan; followed by Roel Imfante with his 4.850kg Barracuda, and Jini Trangia’s 3.600kg Dorado.

The awarding ceremony was graced by Vice Mayor Richard Streegan representing Mayor Lissa Marie “Moonyeen” Durano-Streegan, Move Ko Aid President Lyn Morro and their treasurer Chuchay Verches.

Proceeds of the fund-raiser will go to the charity work of Move Ko Aid. — (FREEMAN)