The list recognizes the biggest fish caught on rod and reel (except opakapaka and onaga, for which we’ll accept hand line catches) in West Hawaii waters for 2013 in each of 22 categories. They are listed by species, weight, angler, skipper, boat and date.
The list is updated every Sunday throughout the year (copyright 2013 by Jim Rizzuto). If we have overlooked you, give us a call (885-4208) or send an email (rizzuto@aloha.net).
Blue marlin: 1,058, Salil Kharat, Capt. Chuck Wilson, Fire Hatt. March 25.
Black marlin: 678.5, Chris Whitmer, Capt. Jeff Heintz, Linda Sue III. Aug. 19.
Ahi: 258.5, Johnny and Radon Miles. July 2.
Bigeye tuna: 237.5, Peter Davey, Capt. Tracy Epstein, Last Chance. Dec. 10.
Striped marlin: 117.5, Ian Medeiros, Sean Kelly, Caristina. April 4.
Spearfish: 62.5, Peter Blake, TLC II. March 6.
Sailfish: 94, Andy Cho, Kayak, July 9.
Mahimahi: 46.5, Yohan Khosraw, Capt. Dale Leverone, Sea Strike. Aug. 23.
Ono: 76, Greg Low, Laakea, April 7.
Kaku (barracuda): 25, John Heinbokel, from shore, Aug. 16.
Kahala (amberjack): 150, Matthew Thayer, Capt. Kerwin Masunaga, Rod Bender. Nov. 27.
Ulua (giant trevally): 74, Richard Kaiawe, from shore. June 8.
Omilu (bluefin trevally): 15.5, Kai Hoover, Capt. Dave Unger, Nasty Habit. May 7.
Otaru (skipjack tuna): 21.5, Holly McElroy, Capt. Kent Mongreig, Sea Wife II. Sept. 12.
Broadbill swordfish: 40, Lukas Folk, Capt. Sam Choy, Salty Dog, March 12.
Ahipalaha (albacore): 79 (tombo), Robert Melnick, Capt. Bomboy Llanes, Vixen. Aug. 23.
Kawakawa: 13.5, Dave Wassel, Asa Suguitan, Crazy Ann, Nov. 12.
Kamanu (rainbow runner): 12.5, Danialle Moyal, Adam Hodgson, Lil Hooker, April 10.
Opakapaka (pink snapper): 13.5, Wesley Mattos, Mana Maru, April 10.
Onaga (ulaula koaie): 23.5, Bob and Conor McDonough, Oct. 18.
Uku (gray snapper): 34.5, Dylan Lucas, from kayak, Aug. 18.
Oio (bonefish): vacant
Catch report
Catch information courtesy of Shawna Haynes of the charter desk at Kona Marina (329-5735).
If you catch a fish on rod and reel in West Hawaii waters bigger than one on the list, take it to the fuel dock to be weighed and recorded.
If you weighed it somewhere else, call me at 885-4208 and leave a message. A complete list of June billfish catches will be in the August issue of Hawaii Fishing News.
Beasts of the week
None
Tag and release
Dec. 16: Blue marlin (250) Bob Holding, Capt. Gene Vanderhoek, Game Plan
Dec. 17: Bronze whaler (150) Jonathon Compton, Capt. Jeff Heintz, Linda Sue III
Dec. 17: Whitetip (450) Jonathon Compton, Capt. Jeff Heintz, Linda Sue III
Notable catches
Dec. 16: Blue marlin (183) Max T, Capt. Brad Demasco, Bite Me
Dec. 17: Blue marlin (30) George Wharry, Capt. Chuck Wilson, Fire Hatt
Dec. 17: Ono (10 fish 15 to 40 pounds) Daron/Joe Castoro, Capt. Dave Crawford, Kona Blue
Dec. 17: Ono (55.5) John Perry, Capt. Brian Phillips, Addiction
Dec. 21: Spearfish (29/48) Ethan/Mike Austin, Capt. Howard Whitcomb, Reel Class
Dec. 21: Spearfish (40) Dan Zimbleman, Capt. Jeff Heintz, Linda Sue III