JEDDAH, 25 April — Jess Mondia’s catch, a bacoco (sea bream), weighed just 1.6 kilograms but it was enough to win him first place in the recent fishing competition organized by the Pinoy Anglers Club at Al-Hamra fishing grounds fronting United Doctors Hospital in Jeddah’s Corniche.
The catch was the best among 20 anglers. Allan Sarzosa took second place by catching another bacoco that weighed 1.3 kgs. Mohamed Fareed was third with a one-kg shahour.
Mondia said he had given up hope of catching anything, much more winning, after a night of futility. He was up all night, but had nothing to show. The contest started from 8 p.m. Thursday night and ended at 8 a.m. Friday. But as dawn was breaking on Friday, his luck came.
Fishing competitions are among the many activities of the Pinoy Anglers Club. Organized in 1996, with only eight members, the club is now thriving with more than 50 members, including 30 active anglers.
The club also aims to foster camaraderie among its members, aside from developing their skills in angling and fishing.
“We conduct monthly fishing competitions, usually on the first or second week of the month to keep our members on their toes. At the end of the year, we have our yearend competition. Last year, we had a successful competition, proceeds of which was donated to the Bantay Bata 163 Foundation of ABS-CBN,” says Jimmy Mendiola, the club’s secretary.
The Pinoy Anglers Club have the following officers: president, Roger Casillano; vice president, Mike Tambasen; secretary, Jimmy Mendiola; treasurer, Rico Arreglado; PRO, Jag Del Rosario; advisers: Ed Balois, Efren San Pedro, Castor Gonzales; coordinators: Andy Almonte, Willy Austria and Nonoy Villanueva.
Club officials said those who have a passion for angling or fishing are invited to contact Roger Casillano at telephone numbers 637-2591 or 682-1473, Jimmy Mendiola at 684-2949, 682-0030 extension 7790, and Jag Del Rosario at 632-2489.