Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament opens in Kona
Advertiser Staff
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Malibu Marlin Club and Team Malaka each scored 600 points to tie for the lead in the first day of the 50th Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament at Kailua, Kona.
Two Japan teams — Grand Hilton Vacations Fishing Club and Tica Game Fishing Club — were tied for third with 400 points.
Sixteen Pacific blue marlin and five short nose spearfish were tagged and released and three ahi were boated on the first day.
The tournament runs through Friday.
Team Malaka and angler Steve Gunther took little more than 17 minutes to tag the first catch of the tournament, an estimated 200-pound Pacific blue marlin on 50-pound test line.
DAILY CATCH (Monday-Day One)
16 Pacific blue marlin tagged & release
5 Short nose spearfish marlin tagged & release
3 Ahi boated
LEADING TEAMS
Team Points
Malibu Marlin Club 600
Team Malaka 600
Hilton Grand Vacations Fishing Club – Japan 400
Tica Game Fishing Club – Japan 400
CAPTAIN STANDINGS
Captain Boat Points
Teddy Hoogs Kila Kila 600
Jason Holtz Marlin Magic 600
Kevin Nakamaru Northern Lights 400
Wayne Knight Playtime 400