KAILUA PIER — After a three-year hiatus from the world-renowned Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, the anticipation was well worth the wait, as Kailua-Kona welcomed 13 teams from across the globe in the five-day outing — 12 of which scored points on the cumulative board. The tournament took place from Aug. 7-11.
Japan’s Kona Game Fishing Club Taiyo secured the Governor’s Trophy as the team with the most points during the week, tallying 1,300 total. Ohana Fishing Club from Japan placed second with 1,200 points, and Mission Bay Marlin Club (U.S.) collected 900 points coming in third.
The tournament also featured the most women participants in its history — making up 25% of the participating anglers. Heidi McBride from Mission Bay Marlin Club (U.S.) snagged two Pacific blue marlin, Hannah Dunlea from Dun Deal (Australia) additionally reeled in two Pacific blue marlin and Leanne Kalpus from Tag and Brag (Australia) and Brooke Pullan from Bay of Islands Swordfish Club (New Zealand) caught one Pacific blue marlin each.
Captain Kevin Hibbard made HIBT history for capturing a second straight Henry Chee Memorial Award — given to the charter boat captain collecting the most points during the week. Hibbard won comfortably with 1,600 points.
HIBT’s 62nd annual competition was also announced during the week, which will take place July 29 to Aug. 2, 2024. Interested participants are invited to apply as soon as possible on the tournament’s official website.
The final standings for this year’s tournament can be found here:
Team standings (bonus points included):
Kona Game Fishing Club Taiyo, Japan – 1,300 points
Ohana Fishing Club, Japan – 1,200 points
Mission Bay Marlin Club, USA – 900 points
Dun Deal, Australia – 850 points
Kona Game Fishing Club Osaka, Japan – 700 points
Bay Of Islands Swordfish Club, New Zealand – 600 points
Tag & Brag, Australia – 500 points
41 Degrees South, Australia – 500 points
Australian Adventure Charters, Australia – 400 points
Laguna Niguel Billfish Club, U.S.A – 400 points
New Britain Game Fishing Club, Papua New Guinea – 300 points
Poco A Poco
Henry Chee Memorial Award standings (boat and bonus points included):
Kevin Hibbard (2nd Offense) – 1,600 points
Nick Durham (Tantrum) – 1,000 points
James Bach (Maverick) – 900 points
David Borges Jr. (Kona Dream) – 900 points
Chuck Wigzell (Hooked Up) – 850 points
Rob Ellyn (Lightspeed) – 800 points
Teddy Hoogs (Bwana) – 700 points
Cyrus Widhalm (Kraken) – 300 points
Mike Dakil (Beastmode) – 300 points
Al Gustavson (Topshape) – 300 points
Randy Parker (Legend) – 100 points
Sam Choy Jr. (Siesta) – 100 points