Fishing Enjoyable, Custom, and Competitors!

Fishing is a core a part of our tradition, custom, and technique for gathering meals within the Pacific Islands area. In reality, many locals want the time period “non-commercial” fishing, as a result of “recreational” implies we’re merely enjoying with our meals.

In our island communities, the ocean is our icebox. Its fish and ecosystems maintain us, and we deal with them with that degree of respect.

But there are occasions after we do play for our meals—throughout fishing tournaments!

Fishing tournaments in Hawai‘i can vary from bamboo handpoles on the shoreline to 45-foot constitution boats chasing blue marlin—and every part in between! While the big-game contests usually get the headlines, lots of our most significant native occasions give attention to group, conservation, and our keiki.

Hear from the fishers, devoted group organizers, and next-generation champions who share their tales and successful ideas from these particular occasions.

Eat the Invaders Fishing Tournament – Maunalua, O‘ahu

Mālama Maunalua’s “Eat the Invaders” match turns fishing and reef conservation right into a group celebration. By concentrating on invasive species like taʻape, toʻau, and roi, fishers assist stability native reef ecosystems whereas supporting consuming native. 

Champion Spotlight: Henry Ta

Henry and his small-boat crew just lately claimed the highest spot. Here’s what he needed to say concerning the expertise.

Why did you select to fish this explicit competitors? Was this your first time fishing in an invasive species match?

I fish in lots of tournaments annually, however this was my first invasive species match. I’ve been lucky to win a number of tournaments over the previous few years and was honored to obtain Wailua Boat Club Fisherman of the Year in each 2023 and 2024. My crew and I needed to present again to the ocean and convey consciousness to the invasive state of affairs. 

As you had been headed again to shore, did you assume you had sufficient to win?

Our crew caught 278.15 kilos of invasive fish. Honestly, I believed we’d place, however didn’t really feel assured as there have been different very expert fishermen that entered the match.

Would you suggest this match to others, and would you enter it once more? Also, what’s your perspective on consuming invasive fish?

I might extremely suggest this match for many who have a ardour to wash the reef. Yes, undoubtedly wanting ahead to a different match that promotes consuming invasive fish.  

I feel invasive fish are a extremely underrated meals supply. Part of which may be as a result of they appear extra like aquarium fish than the fish most individuals are used to consuming. I hope extra folks perceive that by consuming these invasive species, we will help scale back stress on harvesting native fish populations.

Many folks take pleasure in consuming fish like menpachi, however personally, I want taʻape and toʻau as a result of they’ve fewer bones. Their eating regimen primarily consists of crustaceans and mollusks, which supplies them a flexible, clear chicken.

My favourite methods to arrange them are fried complete so I can snack on the crispy fins, steamed Chinese-style, made into ceviche, or served as fish tacos.

Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament – Punalu‘u, Hawai‘i Island

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou hosted their annual Keiki Fishing Tournament in February 2026. Kids lined the shoreline outfitted with handpoles, barbless hooks, bait, and a bucket. A bit little bit of rain and a few waves didn’t cease the children from mentioning quite a lot of fish!

Organization Spotlight: ʻO Kaʻū Kākou

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou is a non-profit group service group with targets to advertise a wholesome Kaʻū group by means of actions resembling well being initiatives, housing initiatives, and group occasions—like fishing tournaments. 

What tip or recommendation would you give to somebody who’s by no means fished earlier than?

I might say it would require some persistence, however attempt to have enjoyable with it! Fishing will be irritating in the event you aren’t catching something, however preserve making an attempt, and ultimately you’ll catch one thing!

What about somebody who’s all for match fishing?

Tournament fishing is usually a little extra aggressive, so perhaps begin with some smaller tournaments or get some follow in beforehand.

Is there a distinction between fishing in a match vs. an odd day of fishing?

A fishing match has a time restrict and might need restricted varieties of fish you possibly can catch.  Sometimes it may not be as enjoyable as an odd day of fishing, until you occur to catch an enormous one!

What do you assume attracts folks to play within the match?

Some folks wish to enter only for the enjoyable of fishing and the journey. Others could enter as a result of there are good prizes or is likely to be in a location they have not fished at earlier than.

What facet of a fishing match is thrilling and enjoyable for you?

What’s thrilling and enjoyable to me is the adrenaline of not figuring out what is going on to occur…questioning how a lot competitors there might be, how the water might be that day, and whether or not the fish might be biting.

‘Ō‘io Invitational Tournament – Island-Wide, O‘ahu

The Kaka‘ako Kasting Club’s ‘ō‘io (bonefish) tournament is a true test of a shore-based angler’s talent. Participants are restricted to spots reachable by foot—no boats or flotation units allowed. While ‘ō‘io are popular gamefish worldwide, they hold a unique status in Hawai‘i: They’re prized not only for the problem of the catch, however for his or her excessive worth as native desk fare.

Champion Spotlight: Keith Kamikawa

Keith took the highest spot within the 2026 ‘Ō‘io Invitational Tournament on O‘ahu. As a lifelong fisherman and one of NOAA’s very personal sustainable fisheries staffers, Keith shares his perspective on the win.

Was there a second you thought you would possibly lose “the big one?”

I misplaced an enormous ‘ō‘io at the same spot during a previous tournament, so I was super anxious the entire fight, not just one moment. I actually lost that big ‘ō‘io at my feet—it was so close I could’ve virtually grabbed it. But on the identical time, I like to inform myself to benefit from the second after I’m linked to the fish. So, after I acquired this fish near shore I used to be tremendous cautious and taking note of every part.

Did you assume it was a successful catch?

When I pulled the fish up on the seaside, I undoubtedly knew it could place, particularly since there’s a 1st by means of eighth place for the ‘ō‘io category. It’s not on a regular basis you get to catch an ‘ō‘io of that caliber, especially during a specific finite amount of time like a tournament. It ended up being 12.26 pounds—for those that are familiar with bonefish, that’s a fairly large one!

Can you describe the second you first introduced the fish up?

I knew it was going to be a decent-sized ‘ō‘io based on how long the fight was and how heavy it felt on the rod, but I didn’t assume it was going to be that large. I used to be tremendous excited and grateful all on the identical time. After I took a few photos, I just about began packing up my stuff to go house. I knew there was no method I’d catch an ‘ō‘io close to that size, not during that tournament, or maybe not ever. It’s kinda like when a hunter is grateful for the animal they only harvested, I used to be appreciative of the fish, the battle, and the fish ended up offering a ton of meals for a household social gathering. 

Tournaments take numerous time, work, and dedication to tug off. But finally, they’re much extra than simply a chance to win prizes—they’re a time to spend with household and buddies, catch meals, and join with our particular locations.