Day eight of the 48th National Fishing Game Title in Kokopo proved to be a challenging one for most anglers, as the waters offered little reward apart from one standout performance. The crew aboard Witch Doctor delivered the day’s best results, hauling in four marlin and a barracuda, earning top marks in an otherwise average day for the fleet. However, the day wasn’t without drama. Several marlin were lost to opportunistic sharks—referred to by Fishermen as “the taxman”—who intercepted catches before they could be brought aboard. The incidents were met with frustration from crews who had worked hard for their hook-ups, only to see them vanish in the final moments. As the tournament heads into day nine, anticipation is high. With conditions unpredictable, anything can happen on the open water. And with the action shifting nearing end of the tournament, all eyes will be on the boats as they return to sea. Day nine promises more excitement.