HIBT casts off today at Kailua Pier

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The 56th annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament held its opening ceremonies at Kailua Pier on Sunday. This year 31 teams will represent nine countries for a week of fishing off the Big Island coast for bragging rights and a chance to catch one of Kona’s elusive granders. Only two granders have been caught in the tournament.

The 56th annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament held its opening ceremonies at Kailua Pier on Sunday. This year 31 teams will represent nine countries for a week of fishing off the Big Island coast for bragging rights and a chance to catch one of Kona’s elusive granders. Only two granders have been caught in the tournament.

Countries represented in this year’s tourney include Australia, China, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Vanuatu and the United States.

Fishing begins at 6 a.m. Monday and will continue through Friday with weigh-ins at Kailua Pier at 4:30 p.m. except for Wednesday when weigh-ins will be at 4 p.m.