Kona Hawaii fishing report - Archive -

Kona Hawaii fishing report 7/24/02

Once again Kona proves the claim as the "blue marlin capital of the world". The World Cup tournament pits anglers from around the world for a one day, biggest blue marlin (500 lb. minimum), winner take all event. Kona boats have won this event more than any other place in the world. Congratulations go to the "Marlin Magic". Winner of this years World Cup with their 617 lb. pacific blue marlin and for winning the $250,000 prize (spare a dime?). A little over a week later in the "skins" tournament the "Ihu Nui" looked like they had the winning fish at 705 lbs. only to be beat out near the end of the day (OUCH by 8 pounds) when the "Chiripa" landed a 713 pounder. The Kona fishery is one more of size than of quantity. For reference, there were 35 boats from Kona entered in the "World Cup". Only one qualifying fish was caught, most caught nothing. You could get lucky and bag a marlin your first time out but if you serious about getting one, plan on fishing 3 to 4 days.

The yellowfin tuna (ahi) bite is good this year. Some days the tuna bite has been better than the marlin bite. Kona's biggest ahi was landed June 30th and weighed in at 212.5 lbs.

There's been lots of other fish added to Kona's big fish list since my last report. A broadbill swordfish weighing in at 210.5 lbs., a black marlin weighing in at 279.5 lbs., a sailfish weighing in at 67 lbs. and a barracuda weighing in at 70 lbs. The biggest seen in Kona in a long time. Some big mahi mahi were landed this month also. 50+ pounders! Here again, the quantity of fish hasn't been so hot but the sizes are good.

The bottom fishing bite has followed suite with a bite of size rather than quantity. I released another 100 lb. amberjack last week. It's my 5th 100 pounder of the year. Prior to this year, my biggest was 77 lbs. Last week we released a 700 + lb. tiger shark. Also the biggest ever for me. We also tagged and released a giant trevally estimated at 80 lbs. 10 lbs. lighter than Kona's biggest of the year caught wile fishing with me last January.

See 'ya on the water,
Capt. Jeff Rogers
http://FISHinKONA.com