We caught up with Connor Varney a few weeks ago, not long after he returned to Hawaii from college. He had just spent the past four years at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California and he was pretty stoked to be back in the islands for the summer. Connor's mom, Vivian Varney was the family owner and operator of Sundot Marine from 1997-2017 making him a major part of the Sundot Ohana.
Connor and the Varney Ohana, Big Island
We know your name, tell us how old you are.
My birthday is June 8, 1997, so that makes me 22.
Tell us a little about your fishing background.
I occasionally shoreline fish and troll from OC1s and OC2s. I enjoy the occasional spearfishing session too. I'm always on the water either paddling, surfing, bodysurfing or sailing so fishing is just a bonus activity for me. I have been getting more into it lately, as has my brother Bennett Varney. He has been getting super into spearfishing and is progressing quickly for being only sixteen.
Connor fishing off the coast of Raiatea, French Polynesia.
What is your favorite Fish Flag?
I’d say my favorite flag is the Cocktail Flag.
What is your favorite fish?
Uhu
Bennett Varney with his "Pole Bendahh" Catch, Tahiti
The boys on Poe Charter, French Polynesia
Who is your biggest fishing influence?
My biggest fishing influence is Mark Healey. I just respect him as an all around waterman.
Tell us about your job? Do you fish full time or do you have other money making specialties?
I work at Kukio Outdoor Pursuits at Kukio Resort on the Big Island. I take members of our exclusive resort fishing, paddling, surfing or on any ocean craft they feel like using. It’s a dream job and I love it!
Connor enjoys all types of ocean activities
Indonesia cause the surf is good too.
Quote or saying you live by?
Connor enjoying some time on Mauna Kea with Ohana
Connor in our Sailfish Sun Shirt
Why do you love fishing?
There's something about catching, cleaning and cooking a meal from scratch that makes it taste so much better.
What does Kailua-Kona mean to you?
Born and raised by the ocean. Living the island life.
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