The 57th annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament held opening ceremonies Sunday evening at Kailua Pier. The one-hour affair introduced the public to anglers from all over the world, while also producing entertainment by Halau Kaeaikahelelani and taiko drummers.
The 57th annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament held opening ceremonies Sunday evening at Kailua Pier. The one-hour affair introduced the public to anglers from all over the world, while also producing entertainment by Halau Kaeaikahelelani and taiko drummers.
The Hawaii County Band recognized the various teams from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Papua New Guinea, China and South Africa by playing the national anthem for each country.
The HIBT has a long tradition of drawing anglers from all over the world. The tournament gets its fare share of newcomers, but also reels in the same teams over and over again despite actually not offering any monetary winnings.
Teams compete for pride, as well as one of the stunning trophies to display proudly back home.
Ahipara Game Fishing Club, out of New Zealand, is one of the returning teams to this year’s tournament, having competed in 2015 where team member Darryl Bradly won the Edward D. Sultan Award for reeling in the heaviest billfish on an 80-pound test line.
“Last year we were able to get three blue marlin and two spearfish and we have the same team back this year,” said Bradly, who added that the team’s expectation this year is to catch the biggest fish.”
The United States team of Mission Bay Marlin Club is also returning this year, having competed in the HIBT in 2013. Three years ago the club did not do so well, but this year the group expects to turn its luck around.
“We had one marlin last time we fished, but I am really excited about this year because we drew some good boats,” angler Brad McBride said. “The fish are biting right now and that is all we can hope for. I hope it carries over through the week.”
Both clubs thoroughly enjoyed the opening ceremonies at Kailua Pier, especially the entertainment by keiki which included dancing and drummers.
“It was great and the hula dancers were a good addition, they were not here last time,” McBride said. “The local crowd was astonishing. It is getting bigger and bigger every year and it is good for them and good for us. We love coming out here and participating.”
Fishing for the HIBT starts from Kailua Pier today at 8 a.m. and weigh-ins will be held at 4 p.m. The tournament runs through Friday with the schedule the same except for Wednesday when the tournament will start at 7 a.m. The public is invited to watch the weigh-ins as well as the daily roundups, which will take place at the pier at 10 a.m., noon and 3 p.m.