It was another great and exciting year at the 58th Annual HIBT in Kailua-Kona wrapping up this weekend, with the Surfside Marina - Team Miss Behavin from the USA taking the win for 2017.
There was one Blue Marlin weighed tipping the scales at 486.6 pounds caught by Angler Buzz Colton, of the Malibu Marlin Club aboard the Rod Bender. It was a blessing that he was even able to participate considering he underwent quadruple bypass surgery just earlier this summer. Buzz was supposed to just be there for team support as the doctors had noted, but the fish had another plan in store for him.
He was helping clear lines because one of his other team mates was fighting a fish when another bigger marlin decided to come up and eat his lure. (*Note that IGFA rules DO NOT allow anglers to pass off the rod once he or she touches it) So into the fighting chair he went and the battle was on. The fight lasted four hours and twenty two minutes! Buzz came out on top and the points were on the board.
There were seventeen teams and boats that participated this year and the fishing during September did not disappoint participants either. With the tournament moving to September for 2017 instead of August, people were wondering if the fishing would still be any good. It proved itself to be another great year with every team getting points on the board. Next years HIBT will be held in August from the 4th-12th, 2018 and we are anticipating another great turnout.
Pacific Blue Marlin photographed by Captain Shawn Rotella in Kailua Kona, Hawaii
Congratulations to all participants. See you again next year!