As sporting events falter around the country, with NCAA conferences pushing back fall sports and the MLB postponing games on a daily basis, Topshape Kona Charters has found a way to put on a marlin tournament thanking the Big Island’s first responders.
Owner Al Gustavson and his first mate John Bennett have volunteered their boat and their time to put on the Reel First Responders Fishing Tournament, pitting the Big Island’s police department and fire department in a two-month competition against each other.
“Basically, it’s a big mahalo for these first responders: the police and the fire department. We really appreciate what they do,” said Gustavson, whose businesses Queen K 76, Kona Marine Supply and Top Shape Marine Services have sponsored the tournament set to continue through October. “They’re risking their lives every day for us to live out here in the number one place in the world.”
Started on August 4, Gustavson and Bennett are taking out one team at a time every Tuesday and Thursday, with the police department’s teams scheduled for the month of August and the fire department’s teams following through September.
“It was open to anybody in the police department, anybody in the fire department,” said Gustavson. “Once the word got out, within 24 hours, they booked all the dates.”
Team Honey Badger, consisting of Jeremiah Hull, Erich Jackson and Bill Murtagh, has taken the early lead in the Four Flag tournament by landing a marlin to earn 300 points on August 6.
With the responsibilities of the pandemic weighing on first responders, Gustavson insisted on putting on the tournament as a way to show his appreciation. The opportunity was well received by Officer Tyler Prokopec and his teammates Clinton Lewe-Song, Aki Edmoundson and Adam Guzman from Team Virtus Inprimis after returning from their Aug. 11 trip.
“It means a lot, the support Captain Al’s had for the police department,” said Prokopec. “He’s been incredible. It’s really neat to get out and have a friendly competition with the fire department… Fishing was great. I’ve been out with these guys a lot over the last 12 years; it’s always nice. We had a few strikes, a little bit of excitement today.”
After all teams have had their day on the water, the team with the top score among the police department will compete in a fish-off against the top scorer from the fire department. The date of this fish-off to crown a champion is yet to be determined, but will likely take place in October. Those interested in keeping track of the tournament can do so at facebook.com/topshapekona.
In the meantime, Gustavson hopes his fellow members of the community will make a point to recognize the contributions from the Big Island’s first responders.
“Just tell them thanks,” said Gustavson. “They really appreciate it.”