Big-Fish List for 2016. 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 2016 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 2016 by Jim Rizzuto). If we have overlooked you, give us a call (885-4208) or send an e-mail (rizzutojim1@gmail.com).
Blue marlin, 625, Sunny Water & Marc Hembrough, Capt. Kenny Fogarty, Hula Girl. Jan 3.
Black marlin, (vacant)
Ahi, 227, Capt. Russ Nitta, Lepika. Jan 6.
Bigeye tuna, 173, Dave Remillard, Miles Nakahara, Puamana II. Jan. 11.
Striped marlin, 136.5, Mitchell Romero, Capt. Guy Terwilliger, High Flier. Jan 22.
Spearfish, 50, Ret Topping, Capt. John Bagwell, Silky, Jan 14
Sailfish, (vacant)
Mahimahi, 36, Larry Peardon, El Jobean, Jan 2.
Ono, 57, Monty Brown, Capt. Robbie Brown, El JoBean. Jan 23.
Kaku, (barracuda), (vacant)
Kahala, 70, Jessica Yell, Capt. Shawn Rotella, Night Runner. Jan 22.
Ulua (giant trevally), (vacant)
Omilu (bluefin trevally), (vacant)
Otaru (skipjack tuna), tie at 14 pounds: Karey George, Capt. Kent Mongreig, Sea Wife II, Jan 21, and Jake Icenhower, Tyson Fukuyama, Miki, Jan. 28
Broadbill swordfish, (vacant)
Ahipalaha (albacore), (vacant)
Kawakawa, (vacant)
Kamanu (rainbow runner), (vacant)
Opakapaka (pink snapper), (vacant)
Onaga (ulaula ko`aie), (vacant)
Uku (gray snapper), (vacant)
O`io (bonefish), (vacant)
Beasts of the week (marlin weighing 500 pounds or more).
None weighed.
Billfish releases
January 24: Blue marlin (450) Vern Hirsch, Capt. Don, Kona Spirit
January 25: Blue marlin (500) Al Dorn, Capt. Kenny Fogarty, Makana Lani
January 25: Blue marlin (200) Ed Mueller, Capt. McGrew Rice, Ihu Nui
January 25: Striped marlin (50) Jim Williams, (50) Carol Williams, spearfish (30, 30, and 35) Jim Williams, Capt. John Bagwell, Silky
January 25: Striped marlin (75) Kim Stevens, Capt. Bill Murtagh, Nainoa
January 27: Spearfish (30) Jesse Crane, Capt. Al Gustavson, Topshape
January 27: Spearfish (25, 35, and 45) Unknown, Capt. Neal Isaacs, Anxious
January 28: Spearfish (35) Mike Magnotty, Capt. Neal Isaacs, Anxious
January 29: Blue marlin (175) Doug Christensen, Capt. Neal Isaacs, Anxious
January 29: Blue marlin (400) David Holman, Capt. David Crawford, Kona Blue
January 29: Striped marlin (70) Mike Tucker, Capt. James Dean, Blue Hawaii
January 29: Blue marlin (450) Mike Miginty, Capt. Russ Nitta, Lepika
January 30: Blue marlin (425) David Bugau, Capt. Joe Schumaker, Fire Hatt
Notables:
January 26: Big Eye tuna (132) Lance Hooker, Capt. Bobby Cherry, Cherry Pit II
January 26: Striped marlin (76) Debbie Cummins, (97) Dale Cummins, Mike Nakahara, Puamana II
January 26: Spearfish (38) Dave Olson, Capt. Jeff Heintz, Linda Sue IV
January 26: Striped marlin (74) Jim Sooy, Capt. Pete Peterson, Pepe Luau
January 26: Ahi (121 and 128) Ray Jennings, Capt. Russ Nitta, Lepika
January 28: Aku (14) Jake Icenhower, Tyson Fukuyama, Miki
January 29: Spearfish (36.5) Wanda Haugen, Capt. Kent Mongreig, Sea Wife II
January 29: Ahi (212.5) Glen Wall, Capt. Bobby Cherry, Cherry Pit II
January 30: Spearfish (30) Mark Cronshaw, Capt. Kevin Hiney, Kuuipo