KAILUA-KONA — On most days, the imagery that comes to mind when thinking of the Wild Wild West is of cowboys and indians, tumbleweeds and high-noon desert duels.
But at least for a few days, some Wild West women will trade in horses for fishing boats and six-shooters for fishing poles at the 21st annual Huggo’s Wahine Fishing Tournament.
Fishing starts today at 8 a.m. at Kailua Bay, but the all-women angler teams got into the swing of things Friday night at Huggo’s On The Rocks with some opening festivities.
“It’s really not even about the fishing,” tournament director Sue Vermillion said. “It’s about all the girls coming together and having a good time.”
The wahine teams are of all ages and backgrounds. Some are perennial contenders in the tourney, while others, like the Once in a Blue Saloon Girls, are making their debuts.
“This was on the bucket list for us,” Blue Saloon Girls angler Debbie Stednick said. “We have been wanting to go for a long time. It’s very exciting.”
Louise Weidner, Sharon Smockffmann and Susan Sutch make of the rest of the Blue Saloon Girls that will be aboard Reel Class. They will be one of more than 60 teams in the tournament.
Prizes will be awarded for best decorated boat and best costumed team. The teams also compete for cash prizes which are awarded to the those with the biggest marlin/billfish. Stop fishing is a 4 p.m. and weigh-ins will be at Honokohau Harbor.
The event leaves a mark on the community as well, serving as a benefit for Family Support Hawaii. This year $10,000 will be donated to the organization.