KAILUA-KONA — Despite a lack of big bites, there’s still plenty of drama brewing at the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament as the prestigious event heads into its final day.
Two New Zealand teams managed to make their mark on Day 4 of the tournament, causing a logjam on the leaderboard.
Ahipara Game Fishing Club, led by captain Robbie Matthews, pulled into a three-way tie for first after recording a 175-pound tag and release on a Pacific blue marlin aboard the boat Northern Lights.
“The fish came out of nowhere and probably came up to the boat within 10 minutes,” Matthews said. “It was a bit too frisky and got down again so we had to wait another 10 to 15 minutes. We slowly started to make ground and got it back to the boat.”
With the added 300 points for the tag, Ahipara is now tied with Old South Marlin Club – International and Malibu Marlin Club. All three teams have 900 points each.
“While we do have a three-way tie, it’s important to note that 21 of our 28-team roster have points on the board. I can assure you that every HIBT team knows exactly how close the standings are and what it will take to win this tournament tomorrow,” HIBT Founder Peter Fithian said. “Every boat captain and angler will tackle the final day of fishing with everything they’ve got.”
Several teams are in striking distance of first place as the tournament enters the final day. At 800 points, Mermaid Anglers Club, of Japan, is only 100 points back, followed by Perth Fishing Club (Australia, 800), Geraldton &Districts Offshore Fishing Club (Australia, 600), Port Moresby Game Fishing Club (Papua New Guinea, 600) and Tsinghua University Team (China, 600).
“It is neat to be right up with the leaders with one day to go and if we can do it for New Zealand we will be over the moon.” Matthews said. “We will have to tag at least one, and we would like one over 300 pounds. That would make a big difference. We are doing marlin chants and giving offerings to the sea gods. It seems to be working at the moment.”
Only one fish was weighed on Thursday — a 101.2 pound ahi caught by New Zealand’s Tatapouri GFC on the boat Maverick. Ahi catches don’t count towards the team totals, but there is a separate award for the largest caught during the week. The tournament also has a 100-pound minimum on ahi, so the catch by angler Peter Davis just slid in over the requirement.
“We were just cruising along and I happened to look out the window and saw the fish strike,” Davis said. “It seemed like it took 10 minutes to reel in but probably took about 20. This is my first time in Hawaii, my first time in the tournament and this was the first big fish I ever caught. It is a real privilege.”
Boats leave the dock today at 8 a.m. for the final day of fishing. Weigh-ins will be at 4 p.m. at Kailua Pier.
