At just 11 years old, Jenry Said Vera Meza became the star of the “Maja El Grande” sport fishing tournament, part of the state-run Fishing in the Five series, after catching a 44.3-pound dorado, giving his team victory and a prize of 400,000 pesos, in addition to the jackpots.
The competition, organized by the state government through FONMAR and the Maja Sportswear brand, brought together dozens of teams in South California waters.
Said, accompanied by his father and the crew consisting of Juan Carlos Gaxiola Puppo “Cali,” Gil, Aarón, and Andrés “Junior,” made the winning catch at 9:40 a.m., just three hours after setting sail.
“I felt very happy; it was fun because we didn’t have to fight that hard. The dorado jumped, but didn’t go far,” he recounted excitedly.
A champion with a history
Said began fishing at the age of six, when he caught his first sierra. Since then, sport fishing has become an essential part of his life. “I like it because I see so many experiences, spots of tuna and dorado, how they jump, how they pull,” he said.
His passion has led him to participate in various tournaments, including some in Bisbee, where in 2024 he caught a 141-pound tuna. Although he’ll only be in sixth grade, he divides his time between school, soccer, and fishing. His school presentations always revolve around the sea and fish: “All the homework I get is about fishing,” he confessed with a laugh.
The dream continues
The young fisherman makes no secret of his goals: “Just getting to the scales makes me happy, but I’d like to win a Bisbee or catch a marlin in Piña Bay, Panama,” he shared. Part of the prize money won in the tournament will be allocated to future competitions. “In two weeks, we’ll go to Bisbee again, with the same team,” he excitedly announced.
His mother, Nadia, recognizes the effort and discipline that have brought him this far: “At first, I thought it was temporary, but it’s his passion. I’m worried about the risks of the sea, but I support him because it makes him happy,” she said.
For her, seeing Said’s smile upon receiving the giant check is a source of pride: “Now he’s recognized everywhere; even the municipality told him he was the kid who won the Maja.” Said encourages more girls and boys to try sport fishing: “As a hobby or a sport, it’s a lot of fun to try it,” he asserts.
Meanwhile, his room displays trophies, photos, and last year’s check, reminders that passion for the sea knows no age.
With this victory, the “Said” team made history in the state series, defeating highly experienced rivals and consolidating a young angler who promises to be a household name in the waters of Baja California Sur and beyond.
Tournament Results and Upcoming Events
The “Maja El Grande” tournament, held in La Paz as part of the state-run Fishing in the Five series, awarded a prize pool exceeding one million pesos, including base prizes and jackpots.
In addition to the victory of the “Said” team, second place went to the “Kingfish” team, which presented a 41.7-pound dorado and earned 300,000 pesos, while third place went to “La Purina” with a catch of 39.4 pounds, earning 200,000 pesos.
In the catch & release category, the “Baja Souvenirs” and “Hoy se Pesca” teams were recognized with prizes awarded to those who successfully released a marlin, reinforcing the practice of responsible fishing.
This tournament, sponsored by the Government of Baja California Sur through FONMAR and sponsors such as MAJA Sportswear, is part of a series that seeks to consolidate the state as a national benchmark in sport fishing. The next major event will be Bisbee’s, where young Said Vera will compete again with his team.
Source: oem
