No Grand Prize Hooked at 32nd PSFA Derby, but the Thrill Was Real
KOROR, Palau— The ocean had her own plans this weekend as the 32nd Annual Palau Sportfishing Association (PSFA) Derby cast off on May 3–4 at Drop Off, with rods high, spirits higher, and plenty of fish tales waiting to be told. Although no team reeled in the elusive $25,000 grand prize, the derby delivered a weekend full of excitement, competition, and camaraderie worthy of the Etpison Cup.
Dozens of teams took to the water armed with baited lines, bold strategies, and hopes for a record-breaking catch. While the top prize fish remained out of reach, several teams still landed impressive hauls that had the docks buzzing.
Marlin Madness
Team REEL Treat stole the show in the marlin category with a 427.51-pound blue marlin — the largest catch of the weekend and a crowd favorite at weigh-in. Team PIDC followed with a solid 203.51-pounder, while Team Salty Boys secured third with a 189-pound marlin, proving their skills in the billfish battleground.
Tuna Turn-Up
The yellowfin was biting. Team Local topped the leaderboard with a 100-pound slab of tuna. Team OAB was close behind at 93 pounds, and Team Melairei followed with an 89-pounder. The battle for tuna supremacy was tight — just the way anglers like it.
Speedster Class: One and Done
In the wahoo, barracuda, and mackerel category, Team Erker landed the only qualifying catch — a sharp-toothed, 30-pound Spanish mackerel. It wasn’t a crowded field, but it was enough to earn them the top spot in this sleek and slippery category.
Catch-and-Release Bragging Rights
Giant trevally (GTs) made a strong showing in the catch-and-release division. Team Kesi claimed first place with a 39.2-inch fighter, followed by Team GoGo Fun with a 36-incher, and Team Aqua Anglers with a 35-inch catch. Though these bruisers didn’t come home in coolers, they left their mark on the measuring board.
Junior Anglers Reel It In
The next generation of fishers made waves in the Junior Anglers Catch & Release Derby. Khol Mesebeluu took first place with a total of 8.1 pounds of fish. Kazuo Remeliik came in second with 7.36 pounds, and Russel Nabeyama placed third with 3.06 pounds. These young anglers proved the future of Palau fishing is in good hands — and strong casts.
No Grand Prize, but Plenty of Glory
Although no team landed the grand prize, the energy at Drop Off was electric. From sunrise bait prep to dockside stories after dark, the spirit of the PSFA Derby was alive and well.
With sunburns, sea stories, and maybe a few tangled lines behind them, the teams packed up and headed home, already dreaming of bigger catches and bigger glory in 2026.
By: Eustoria Marie Borja