Report by Mike House

The Hawaii and Waikiki Yacht Clubs began their 2000 fishing season on February 12 and 13 with a new set of rules which were put to the test right away.  Although the new rules calling for higher minimum weights and points for released Marlin was approved by majority vote at the skipper’s meeting preceding the event, not everyone agreed with the plan.  But change always raises questions, and it didn’t hurt the turnout any, as a club tournament record 27 boats entered the event over the weekend. 

Under a joint operating agreement between the Hawaii and Waikiki Yacht Clubs, now in its second year, participation has improved steadily.  Approximately once a month, the clubs alternate in hosting these fun tournaments which culminate in prizes, food and celebration.  Waikiki Yacht Club’s all but defunct fishing program has enjoyed a resurgence of late under the new format, and Rear Commodore for Power Rick Abille is largely to credit for the turnaround.  Many skippers from the sailing fleet have also joined in, and despite three regular Hawaii Yacht Club sailboats amiss, the tournament still received nine sailboat entries from the two clubs.   Added to the eighteen power boats, the first event of the year gathered twenty-seven to vie for the title and get themselves on the board for season’s points.

In addition to club boats, the tournament also received five entries from non-member skippers who recognize $20.00 is a great deal for an all-you-can-eat party on Sunday plus the chance to win prizes.  Both clubs thank non-member boats for participating which included Tim Moon’s Montana Dreamer, Mike Eby’s Bad Company, John Linhart’s Raven, Scott Minaldi’s Ruff Suspect, and the Florence M skippered by Lolo Vea.

The weather couldn’t have been nicer.  Most of the boats headed across Kaiwi Lake to Molokai in the two-day event and spent their evening in Hale’O’Lono harbor.  Some of the fleet returned home Saturday for the optional weigh-in, and at the end of day one, the leader was Bruce Matson’s Cormorant with a 28-pound Mahimahi.  In close second was Sea Verse with a 27 pound Mahimahi, and no billfish were recorded on the first day.

Sea Verse with Saturday's catch

Next in was Tuia, skippered by Russ Cunningham.  A couple of Mahimahi and a 21 pound Ulua added some points to the board, but didn’t earn enough for tournament consideration.  Shortly thereafter, Haleiwa’s Bob Goodman on the Akele came in.  Goodman relayed a night of working out Haleiwa way for some live bait, then heading to the Kaneohe side where he picked up a good load of Bigeye tuna, the largest at 82.5 pounds.  Holding first place for the moment, Sea Verse III with skipper Lee Severs came to the dock with a 34.5 pound Mahimahi and a tag flag flying.  Lee released a Striped Marlin, which was good enough for 100 points and the tournament victory.

Team Akele with a load of Tuna

10 boats caught a total of 31 fish, including one released Striped Marlin and 4 Bigeye Tuna over 40 pounds

1)        Sea Verse – Lee Severs – 100 points for released Marlin (280.5)

2)        Akele – Bob Goodman – 82.5 pound Bigeye (247.0)

3)        Cormorant – Bruce Matson – 28 pound Mahimahi (28.0)

Winners - Sail Division

Sail fleet received no prizes for fish (door prizes only)

Other boats earning season’s points:

Hawaii Yacht Club

Tuia (33)
Golden Marlin (26) – both clubs
Manawale’a (24)
Alele II (14)

Waikiki Yacht Club

Blue Diamond (115)

The next club tournament is the  No Alibi Spring Fishing Tournament on March 18th and 19th.

The crew of sailboat Mowee with the catch of the day