Annual Steinlager I'a Lapo'a Fishing Tournament bigger & better than ever

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 22nd Annual Steinlager I'a Lapo'a Fishing Tournament, which welcomed anglers from Samoa and New Zealand, officially concluded last Friday. The event culminated in a prestigious Award & Closing Ceremony Banquet at DDW Cafe on Saturday evening, marking the end of a thrilling week of competitive fishing.

Organized annually by the Pago Pago Game Fishing Association (PPGFA), this year's tournament held special significance as it formed the second leg of the Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL) Pacific Island Tournament Series — a premier multi-island game fishing competition for anglers from Samoa, American Samoa, and Tonga.

The 2025 tournament series kicked off in Apia, Samoa (April 5-12), then moved to Pago Pago, American Samoa (April 20-26), and will conclude in Vava’u, Tonga (May 5-10). The overall winners will be determined by the cumulative points earned across all three tournaments.

The regional tourney serves as a qualifying event for the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica, offering four entries to the prestigious global competition.

A fleet of 19 boats participated in the tournament, including 11 local boats, three from Samoa, and five from New Zealand.

Before heading out to sea, the anglers and boat crews were officially welcomed in an Opening Luncheon at DDW Cafe, hosted by the American Samoa government through the Office of the Governor.

During the event, Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae, Jr., who spoke on behalf of Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula, affirmed the government’s enthusiasm for supporting the tournament, warmly welcoming participants from Samoa and New Zealand.

"The government of American Samoa fully supports the Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Tournament, recognizing its role in promoting the territory on the international stage," Lt. Gov. Pulu stated. "Events like this not only showcase our islands' rich marine resources but also strengthen cultural and sporting ties with neighboring island nations in our region. On behalf of Governor Pulaalii, I wish you all a successful and enjoyable tournament. May the best fisherman win!"

At daybreak on Monday, April 21st, 2025, Lt. Gov. Pulu took to the waters aboard a Marine Patrol vessel, positioned at the starting line inside Pago Pago Harbor. He fired the traditional opening flare, officially launching the tournament, prompting the fleet to surge forward at full throttle, racing toward the open seas in pursuit of victory.

The 22nd Annual Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Fishing Tournament saw fierce competition, with every boat returning to shore with a catch. Despite the challenges posed by rough weather, anglers showcased unwavering determination, resilience, and skill, with daily catches that added up to 2,200 lbs of landed fish.

As the second leg of the Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL) Pacific Island Tournament Series, the stakes were high, with teams eager to improve upon their first-leg performances in Apia, Samoa, earlier in the month. The pressure was especially intense for the top five boats in the standings, all striving to gain a crucial edge heading into the final leg in Vava’u, Tonga.

In Apia, Pure Indulgence (operated by Team Troppo Samoa) secured 1st place, overtaking Fu’a II on the final day with their third tagged marlin. Fu’a II finished 2nd, narrowly missing the top spot. New Zealand's Sealord delivered a strong performance to claim 3rd place, while American Samoa’s De Rottie 2 and New Zealand’s Double Hooked rounded out the top five.

Throughout the tournament, the Malaloa Marina became a lively hub, drawing crowds eager to witness the impressive catches brought in each evening. But the final night belonged to Yellowfin — an underdog story for the ages. Captain Seiuli Roy Lee and his crew pulled off a stunning victory, securing 1st place in a thrilling comeback that redefined their tournament journey.

Just weeks earlier, Yellowfin had struggled in Leg 1 in Apia, Samoa, finishing last out of 28 boats in the 26th Samoa International Game Fishing Association (SIGFA) Tournament. However, rather than accept defeat, Captain Seiuli rallied his team, fueling an extraordinary turnaround that saw them snatch victory from the heavily favored Fu’a II.

American Samoa’s Brave Hart, captained by Clyde Fraser, put up a strong fight but had to settle for 2nd place, while Fu’a II from Samoa finished 3rd, slipping one position from their runner-up finish in Apia.

Rounding out the top five, Grandee, with Captain Mike Randrup at the helm, secured 4th place, while New Zealand’s Double Trouble, led by Chris Banse, registered at 5th place.

PPGFA Secretary Melissa Pu’e expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the American Samoa government and the Marine Patrol Division of the Department of Search and Rescue for their invaluable assistance in ensuring the success of this year’s tournament.

"The financial assistance of $10,000 from our government has certainly helped our association host the tournament," Secretary Pu’e acknowledged. "I would also like to make special mention of the management and staff of the Marine Patrol Division for their collaborative efforts, which have been instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation and overall success of this year's tourney."

She also extended her gratitude to Steinlager, the tournament’s naming sponsor, recognizing their generous and unwavering support over the years. Pu’e expressed her optimism that their strong partnership will continue to flourish in the future.

The 22nd Annual Steinlager I'a Lapo'a Fishing Tournament concluded in spectacular fashion with a Closing Banquet & Awards Ceremony at DDW Cafe on Saturday night, April 26th, 2025. The event celebrated the tournament’s success, with nearly $40,000 awarded in prizes, including daily awards and overall tournament honors.

Tournament Highlights:

The largest catch of the tournament was a 222.60 lb blue marlin, landed by angler Simon Parker aboard Da Rottie II, captained by Jon Bain of New Zealand. Simon’s impressive feat earned him the "I'a Lapo'a of the Tournament" award.

The Top Angler of the Tournament prize was claimed by Ryan Simpson of Fu’a II (Samoa), securing a total of 856.80 points.

The Sportsmanship Award was presented to Captain Seiuli Roy Lee of Team Yellowfin (Samoa), recognizing his remarkable leadership and resilience throughout the competition.

Reflecting on the tournament’s growing popularity, PPGFA Secretary Pu’e noted that this year’s event saw an increase in participation, expanding from 15 boats to 19 and 53 anglers to 83, further solidifying the tournament’s status as a premier regional competition.

In addition to fierce competition, the tournament continues to champion marine conservation efforts through its "catch & release" category, promoting sustainable fishing practices and safeguarding billfish populations.

Billfish are large, predatory fish known for their elongated, spear-like bills, which they use to slash at and stun prey. They are highly migratory and found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. The billfish group includes species such as marlin, sailfish, swordfish, and spearfish.

When these fish species are caught and confirmed to be underweight, anglers are encouraged to release them back into the ocean. The process begins with 'catch,' photograph with a flag if 'confirmed to be underweight,' and 'safely released back into the ocean,' ensuring their survival and continued contribution to ocean ecosystems.

They are prized in sport fishing due to their speed, strength, and acrobatic leaps when hooked. Some species, like the Pacific blue marlin, are a species of billfish found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its deep cobalt blue coloration, long, spear-like bill, and impressive size, with some individuals growing over 12 feet long and weighing up to 2,000 pounds.

The PPGFA Secretary announced that a total of 35 billfish were counted under the catch & release category in this year's I'a Lapo'a Tournament. This was a significant decrease in the number of underweight fish compared to last year's tourney, which yielded 49 billfish.

With another successful tournament in the books, anticipation is building as the series heads to its final leg in Vava’u, Tonga, where the NPDL Pacific Island Tournament Series champions will be crowned.

PPGFA Secretary Melissa Pu’e proudly announced that the Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Fishing Tournament has secured a major sponsorship from the internationally acclaimed Marlin Magazine — a partnership that further elevates the tournament’s global prestige.

As part of the sponsorship, Marlin Magazine has awarded three exclusive invitations to the top three teams, granting them the opportunity to compete in the Offshore World Championship (OWC) in Costa Rica, one of the most prestigious game fishing events in the world.

"Participation in the OWC is strictly by invitation," Pu’e explained. "Normally, only the winner of a recognized international tournament earns a single coveted entry. However, the PPGFA has been awarded three invitations, making the Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Tournament one of the few qualifying events with multiple entries into the championship. This is a huge honor and a testament to the reputation and competitive spirit of our tournament."

With two thrilling legs completed in Samoa and American Samoa, the race for the Pacific crown is reaching its peak! Here are the current standings in the NPDL Pacific Island Tournament Series after Legs 1 & 2:

1st – Fua II (Samoa): 787.7 points
            

2nd – Yellowfin (Samoa): 592.4 points
     

3rd – Double Hooked (American Samoa): 564.1 points
  

4th – Grandee (New Zealand): 509.7 points
       

5th – Brave Hart (New Zealand): 500.0 points

In an interview with PPGFA President Emanuele Pu’e, he expressed deep gratitude to the American Samoa government, as well as the many local and international sponsors, whose support played a pivotal role in making this year’s I’a Lapo’a Tournament a resounding success.

He also commended the tournament organizing committee and PPGFA members, applauding their dedication in ensuring that participants and spectators received VIP treatment throughout the event. Pu’e proudly shared that off-island participants and spectators provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, further solidifying the tournament’s prestigious reputation.

Pu’e emphasized that anglers and teams praised the seamless execution of the tournament, emphasizing the crucial role played by Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae, Jr. and the Marine Patrol Division. Their coordination of logistical assistance proved instrumental in ensuring that operations ran smoothly, from the opening ceremony through the intense days of competition, to the grand awards ceremony.

As the conversation shifted to tournament awards, President Pu’e clarified a surprising twist — the widely reported largest catch of the tournament was not accurate. While official tournament records listed a 222.60 lb blue marlin, he revealed that the true largest catch was a 285 lb blue marlin, reeled in by his 18-year-old son, Andrew Pu’e.

Pu’e explained that Andrew, an avid junior angler, had originally requested permission to compete in the tournament. However, Pu’e declined, prioritizing his son’s education, as the competition’s schedule would require missing several days of classes.

To compromise, Pu’e took Andrew out fishing on Sunday, April 20th, 2025, the day before the tournament’s official start on Monday, April 21st. He vividly recounted the unforgettable moment, not long after they had ventured into open waters, when Andrew’s reel 'screamed' as the line tightened instantly.

The raw force and speed at which it was being dragged in the opposite direction left no doubt—this was no ordinary catch. It was a fierce, unrelenting fighter, the kind that refuses to surrender easily, promising a grueling battle that would demand every ounce of strength and skill from the young angler.

The young angler was not in the least intimidated and like a seasoned veteran, he braced himself and met the opposing force head-on. The tug-of-war continued with increasing intensity for nearly three hours until, after one and a half hours, the stubborn fish's strength slowly started to diminish. When the humongous fish finally hit the deck, two hours and 45 minutes had gone by.

An exhausted yet exhilarated Andrew Pu’e expressed both pride and joy after emerging victorious from an intense, nearly three-hour battle of wills against his formidable opponent—the 285lb blue marlin.

"It was quite an experience, and that marlin has truly earned my respect. He gave me a serious run for my money!" Andrew admitted, still riding the adrenaline of the fight.

Upon arrival at Malaloa Wharf, the final weigh-in results confirmed that Andrew’s blue marlin tipped the scales at 285 pounds, making it the largest fish caught overall — but with one unfortunate caveat. Since the catch occurred on Sunday, April 20th, 2025, a day before the tournament officially began, it could not be counted in the competition.

Despite this, Andrew’s achievement made history, as the marlin was officially registered as the second-largest fish caught by a junior angler. The current record for the largest billfish caught by a junior stands at 296 pounds, set in 2022.

Although his catch didn’t qualify for the tournament standings, PPGFA President Emanuele Pu’e ensured it still served a meaningful purpose. The marlin was prepared into three regional delicacies—Samoan Oka (fresh raw fish cubes marinated in coconut cream), Hawaiian Poke (fresh raw fish cubes mixed with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds) and Sashimi (fresh raw fish thinly sliced) — providing a delicious treat for participants and officials.

With the completion of the 22nd Annual Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Fishing Tournament, PPGFA President Emanuele Pu’e announced that plans to compete in the third and final leg of the NPDL Pacific International Series in Tonga (May 5-10, 2025) have been canceled due to safety concerns.

He explained that adverse weather conditions had prompted several boats to withdraw, making participation increasingly risky.

Pu’e shared that the teams had originally planned to travel to Tonga yesterday, with a scheduled refueling stop at Niuatoputapu, an island in the northernmost part of Tonga, approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) south of Samoa. From there, they would have continued to Vava’u, the designated venue for the final leg of the tournament.

Despite the cancellations, three boats have proceeded to Tonga and will compete:
           

- Yellowfin (Samoa)


- Fu’a II (Samoa)
           

- Da Rottie II (New Zealand)

However, Pu’e confirmed that the remaining boats will not be joining them, citing safety concerns stemming from unstable weather conditions. He explained that this is the result of seasonal changes, as the Southern Hemisphere transitions toward winter, while the Northern Hemisphere moves into summer, unpredictable weather patterns emerge, increasing the risks for long-distance sea travel.

"It was a very difficult decision to make, especially considering all the planning, effort, and energy invested in the first two legs of the NPDL Pacific International Series," President Pu’e acknowledged.

"Many of our competitors, particularly those from New Zealand, had carefully scheduled their annual leave specifically for these tournaments. The unexpected turn of events has unfortunately forced us to cancel all the preparations and plans we had in place."

Despite the disappointment, Pu’e emphasized that the spirit of camaraderie and adventure remains strong. "Rather than dwell on what we can’t control, we’ve all agreed to head out to the big island of Savai’i to fish, enjoy the ocean, and make the most of the remaining days before our competitors return home. It’s all about embracing the experience, even when things don’t go as planned."

Reflecting on the tournament’s success, Pu’e extended his heartfelt gratitude to all those who made the 22nd Annual Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Fishing Tournament possible.

"Once again, I want to express my deepest thanks to all our participants, the American Samoa government, our sponsors, and everyone who contributed to this year’s tournament. Your support has been invaluable, and I look forward to an even greater event next year, God willing."

In closing, he sent his best wishes to those continuing the competition in Tonga.

"Last but not least, I wish the best of luck to all participants in the third and final leg of the NPDL Pacific International Series in Tonga. As Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae, Jr. so perfectly put it: ‘May the best fisherman win! May your reels scream and your lines tighten!’"