Overview:
Rough seas made for a challenging day on the water, but Team SO emerged on top at the 2026 Lmall ra Belias Fishing Derby in Airai with a 33-pound barracuda.
AIRAI, Palau — Rough seas tested anglers at the 2026 Lmall ra Belias Fishing Derby on Aug. 8, but Team SO powered through the conditions to claim the Barracuda Category title with a 33-pound catch.
The Palau Sport Fishing Association partnered with Airai State to host the derby at the Airai Marina, drawing anglers and community members for a day of competition, food, music and camaraderie.
Team SO, captained by Scott Chiokai, topped the barracuda field with 33 pounds. Team Misaker, led by Captain Techeboet Eberdong, finished second with 22 pounds, while RK2, captained by Ralph Kanai, took third with a 21.5-pound catch.
Barracuda Category results:
- 1st — Team SO, Captain Scott Chiokai: 33 pounds
- 2nd — Team Misaker, Captain Techeboet Eberdong: 22 pounds
- 3rd — RK2, Captain Ralph Kanai: 21.5 pounds
Challenging sea conditions kept the competition tight and prevented anglers from landing qualifying fish in the Tuna and Marlin categories.
Despite the rough water, anglers stayed in the hunt and returned to shore to a festive atmosphere at the marina. Community members gathered for local food, live music and fellowship while waiting for the fishing teams to come in.
The event also served as a trial run for Airai’s planned comeback night market later this month, bringing residents and visitors together along the marina and showcasing the state’s community spirit.
Organizers thanked Airai State and the Airai community for hosting the derby and supporting the event. OneReef was also recognized for partnering with the association and sponsoring the Junior Anglers Derby, giving young fishermen an opportunity to take part in the day’s activities.
The derby combined competitive fishing with community celebration, providing a strong kickoff for Airai’s upcoming night market and another opportunity for Palau’s fishing community to come together.
Lmall – A blel tibir a rubak er a Belias el chad er a omenged. A belkul tial tekoi: Lmall a sel temel tuobed a ngikel er a chelmoll el mo mdechii a laok ra bedengel. A lmall er a Belias a sel rechad er a Belias a tuobed er a temel a lmall e sel mei te merous a ngikel el mo er a rechad er a beluu er a Belias e le te medengei el kmo Lmall a ungil taem er a omenged.