| The Kona coast on the Big Island of Hawaii is | | | | that most boats do not include food or drink. So, |
| renowned for Pacific blue marlin fishing. Considered | | | | take a lunch and something to drink. And don't |
| the marlin capital of the world, it is home to the | | | | forget the sunscreen. |
| blue marlin, a spectacular sword-billed fighting fish. | | | | The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, held |
| The largest marlin ever caught here weighed over | | | | annualy in Kona, however, is a different story. |
| 1,800 pounds!! | | | | This is the premier event in the world for deep |
| Besides marlin, Kona waters are rich with | | | | sea sports fishing, with competitors from all over |
| ahi--yellowfin tuna, sword fish, mahimahi, spearfish, | | | | the world. It may not be the best week for a |
| aku--skipjack tuna, and ono (wahoo) one of the | | | | novice fisherman to find a boat for hire, but it is |
| fastest fish in the ocean. Fish are plentiful | | | | an exciting time. In addition to the competitions, |
| year-round but are more numerous in the | | | | other festivities occur throughout the week. This |
| summer months. | | | | is the highlight of the year for Hawaii charter |
| Kona has more than 100 charter fishing boats,and | | | | fishing. |
| 300 days of sun, making it an excellent place for | | | | 2006 marks the 47th year of this non-profit |
| sports fishing. Most boats leave from Honokohau | | | | tournament. From July 24-28, competitive teams |
| Harbor, just north of Kailua-Kona. In addition to | | | | willgather, lured by the thrill of hooking a prized |
| sunny skies, these fishing grounds boast warm, | | | | Pacific blue marlin. For five days, Kailua pier will be |
| deep waters, and the ability to hook up a marlin | | | | the hub of activity. Each day, dozens of boats will |
| just a short ways from shore. | | | | line up just outside Kailua Bay awaiting the 7:00 |
| If you go down to the docks, you can see | | | | a.m. signal to begin fishing, as a sea of anglers |
| charter boats returning around 11 a.m. from the | | | | prepare for the thrill of big game tournament |
| morning charters and again around 3:00 in the | | | | fishing. |
| afternoon. Most boats will fly flags indicating their | | | | In order to assure an ongoing supply of these |
| catch. White flags indicate ahi, blue flags marlin, | | | | large fish, most Pacific blue marlin are returned to |
| and inverted flags indicate a catch-and-release trip. | | | | the sea. Thanks to the tournament's |
| Mornings generally offer the best conditions. Most | | | | tag-and-release rules, which were implemented in |
| deep sea fishermen chartering out of Kona are | | | | 1986, most catches are tagged with a |
| novices, and most charter fishing boats will | | | | transponder and then released. The Billfish |
| provide all the necessary fishing gear included in | | | | Association and the Pacific Ocean Research |
| the cost. You can join a charter with others,or, if | | | | Foundation have been working together to make |
| you have a total of six people in your party, you | | | | sure that future generations can enjoy the thrill of |
| can charter the boat for yourselves. Remember | | | | deep-sea fishing with an adequate supply of game. |