Team Fish Lady made history at the 2023 Samoa International Game Fishing International Tournament, breaking barriers and making waves on the Fiauli boat.
Led by their fearless skipper, Measina Meredith, who captained the smallest boat in the competition, Team Fish Lady became the first all-female angler team to take on the open tournament at the major annual event.
The team consisted of seasoned anglers and also those who were new to the sport but come from fishing families with generations of experience earning a living off the ocean.
“For some of us, fishing is in our blood” said Measina. “Regardless of experience level, our goal was not only to catch big fish and make it to the podium but also to engage with our marine environment and be self-aware of the risks associated with fishing competitively and recreationally”.
As a skipper, Measina was responsible not only for catching fish but also for ensuring her team had a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
“We want to have fun, but we also want to do it in a way that gets us back home to our families at the end of the day,” she said.
Fishing is more than just a sport or a way to make money for Measina. It’s a way of life that has been passed down through her family for generations.
“Being an angler is in my blood,” she says. “It’s not just a hobby or a sport – it’s a way of connecting with the ocean and the environment in a meaningful way. And, of course, it puts food on the table for our families.”
“I remember my father taking me and my brothers out on the water, and naturally, my husband got into it too. He invested in a small boat and now I have the opportunity to not only be an angler but also a skipper, and it’s a responsibility that I take very seriously.”
The 5 day SIGFA International tournament kicked off on May 1st, 2023. During the week there were many challenges due to severe weather conditions just as Skipper Measina predicted.
“It was always going to be a tough one but also a very fun and rewarding experience in terms of prizes and friendships” she said.
“I think the challenge across all boats is that it doesn’t matter if you’re a woman or a man; fishing is dependent on the weather. Everyone was exposed to the environment, the harsh sun and the waves. “
“The weather forecast during the tournament was up and down, so it wasn’t going to be a picturesque or a calm day kind of setting, it was all over the place.”
Even though the competition was tough, Team Fish Lady was grateful for the support of their families, SIGFA and generous sponsors.
“We’re grateful to have the support of our families, who understand the importance of this event for us,” said Measina.
“We’re also thankful for SIGFA, which is an inclusive and supportive club that encourages participation from anglers of all backgrounds and skill levels.”
“As the under dogs of the competition, we received a lot of love and we are very thankful to our sponsors, Bluebird Construction, Tamashi Spots, Eveni, Matniel Printing, Seafood Gourment and the Hunting and Fishing Dunedin Branch.”
Measina is passionate about encouraging individuals from all backgrounds and experience levels to explore the world of fishing. With fishing deeply ingrained in her family’s heritage for generations, she is also excited about engaging young children in the sport of game fishing.
“We have an active youth and kids engaged in fishing at the club. They often compete in the monthly kids’ tournament so we have a pipeline of new talent coming through, for young children turning into competent seafarers able to fish and navigate on the water.”
“Like any sport, you should just give everything go in this life, and see if you like it. For some women it’s more accessible with their families or friends that own boats so they can hop on and that shouldn’t be the limiting factor.”
“This club is inclusive, we’re always looking for more women to join the lady’s day event, to come and experience it for themselves before they really get into it.“
“It’s not just the catching, you’re learning maritime safety skills, and you’re learning navigational skills. A lot of people like to eat fish but they don’t know about how it’s caught, what it takes to go out there every day for people that do fishing charters.”
For Team Fish Lady, the 2023 SIGFA International tournament more than just a chance to win a prize. It was an opportunity to make their mark in the world of Game Fishing and inspire others to pursue their passions, no matter how challenging or unconventional they may seem. They are ready to take on the world, one catch at a time.
Adel Fruean is a 28-year-old journalist from the villages of Vaimoso and Magiagi in Samoa. With four years of experience in journalism, Adel has become a specialist in human interest feature stories, exploring the stories of individuals and communities that often go unheard.
Adel’s dedication to her craft has earned her a reputation as a compassionate and skilled journalist. Her ability to connect with people and share their stories with the world has made her a valuable asset to the Samoan media landscape. She is committed to continuing to use her platform to uplift marginalized voices and share the diversity of Samoa with the world.
