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 2014 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 2014 by Jim Rizzuto). If we have overlooked you, give us a call (885-4208) or send an email (rizzuto@aloha.net).
Blue marlin: 1,211, Robert Steffens, Capt. David Unger, Nasty Habit, March 27
Black marlin: 212, Devin Hallingstad, Kayak, April 27
Ahi: 227.5 Kim Gardner, Capt. Ruben Rubio, Vixen, May 15
Bigeye tuna: 108, Matthew Bolton, Kehele, Jan. 16
Striped marlin: 114.5, John Dieckman, Capt. Tobin Hudgins, Silky, April 16
Spearfish: 49.5, Gwen Stutheit, Capt. Don Stutheit, Kona Spirit, Feb. 26; and 50, Jack Sampson, Capt. Dave Unger, Nasty Habit, April 20
Sailfish: 105.5, Peter Blake, TLC 2, Jan. 25
Mahimahi: 56.5, Mike Accattato, Capt. Sam Choy, Monkey Biz II, June 20
Ono: 75, Keith Olson, Capt. Kenny Llanes, Vixen, Feb. 13
Kaku (barracuda): 51, Kevin Shiraki, Grady-White, May 6
Kahala (amberjack): 56, Ryan Cintick, Capt. Jeff Rogers, Aloha Kai, May 16
Ulua (giant trevally): 100.5, Mitchell Izuno, Shoreline, Jan. 19, and Michael Ragas, Capt. Jeff Rogers, Aloha Kai, April 18
Omilu (bluefin trevally): 14.6, Bruce Lentz, Shoreline, April 16
Otaru (skipjack tuna): 28, Betsy Wheeller, Capt. Chad Contessa, Bite Me I, Feb. 28
Broadbill swordfish: 160, Michelle Amador, Capt. Mitch Latoff, Salty Dog, July 19
Ahipalaha (albacore): 36, Duncan Severance, Capt. Robert Beach, Reel Screamer, May 30
Kawakawa: 21, Mark Andrews, Donna Mae, Jan. 10
Kamanu (rainbow runner): 28.5, Lokahi and Kalani Aipia, Small Kine, May 22 Opakapaka (pink snapper): vacant
Onaga (ulaula koaie): 16.5, Charlie Bowman, Capt. Kerwin Masunaga, Rod Bender, May 4
Uku (gray snapper): 31, Victor Haanio, kayak, May 6
Oio (bonefish): 10, Brandon Lopes, Shoreline, Feb. 16
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
Marlin weighing 500 pounds or more
July 29: Blue marlin (622.6) Mari Arakawa, Capt. Tim Hicks, Illusions
July 31: Blue marlin (664.8) Ji Xinhua, Capt. Guy Terwilliger, High Flyer
Tag and release
July 28: Blue marlin (500) Carol Herren, Capt. Bruce Herren, Raptor
July 28: Blue marlin (350) Andrew Olson, Capt. Steve Tarbill, Kona Concept
July 28: Blue marlin (150 and 180) Ed Garret, Capt. Gene Vanderhoek, Sea Genie II
July 29: Blue marlin (250) Sten Ryall, Capt. Trevor Child, High Noon
July 29: Blue marlin (175) Justis Inscore, Capt. Mike O’Toole, Hula Girl
July 29: Blue marlin (170) John Adams, Capt. Marlin Parker, Marlin Magic II
July 30: Blue marlin (150) Brad Latcham, Capt. Steve Epstein, Huntress
July 30: Blue marlin (85) Pat Pooley, Capt. Marlin Parker, Marlin Magic II
Aug. 2: Blue marlin (150 and 350) Unknown, Capt. Boyd DeCoito, Foxy Lady
Aug. 2: Blue marlin (475) Janet Martic, Capt. McGrew Rice, Ihu Nui
Notable catches
July 27: Blue marlin (332) Smokey Hoopii, Pa-Pau K , Oh Right
July27: Mahimahi (43.5) E. Schwartz, Capt. Shawna Rotella, Night Runner
July 27: Ahi (206) Toby Giteon, Mac Minors, Sea Squirrel
July 28: Ahi (150) Scott Heart, Capt. Tracy Epstein, Last Chance
July 29: Ahi (225.5) Nic/Emiliano/Kai, Capt. Kai Hoover, Pacific Blue
July 29: Blue marlin (239.5) Jody Wolf, Tuna Tub
July 29: Blue marlin (403) Domonic Morris, Jr. Tabieros, Anela
July 30: Ahi (148) Race Gustafson, Billy Jones, Wai ‘O’Keola
July 30: Blue marlin (410.5) Bill Wheeler, Capt. Molly Palmer, Renegade
July 31: Ahi (180) Kelly Erlweind, Capt. Shawn Rotella, Night Runner
July 31: Ahi (158) Seran Tokumura, Asa Sugitan, Crazy Ann
July 31: Ahi (155) Bob/Mike, Mike Christopher, Miss Ruby
July 31: Striped marlin (60) Marinko Kag, Capt. Randy Llanes, Sundowner
July 31: Ahi (217) Jeff Bolton, Capt. Russ Nitta, Lepika
Aug. 1: Ahi (204.5) Ryan Magallanes, Kona Pearl III
Aug. 2: Ahi (185.5) Mikaela and Alton Matsuoka, Mokihana II
Aug. 2: Ahi (165) Rick Hubble, Capt. Steve Epstein, Huntress