The Suisan Fourth of July Fishing Ho’olaulea has a long history of popularity, and is Hilo’s largest boat tournament, where the anticipation of plenty of fresh catch is routinely fulfilled.
The Suisan Fourth of July Fishing Ho’olaulea has a long history of popularity, and is Hilo’s largest boat tournament, where the anticipation of plenty of fresh catch is routinely fulfilled.
It’s the third year of Suisan’s sponsorship of the most popular offshore fishing rod and reel “anything goes” tourney in Hilo, where six marlin, 13 full-sized ahi (with five over 150 pounds), 28 ono and 16 mahi mahi were caught last year.
Local fisherman Howard Hose started the tournament in the late 1990s, before another local, Eric Baptiste, took over and ran in successfully. Then, Suisan stepped in two years ago with generous prizes, including a gold reel (retail $1,300) and a reasonable entry fee.
“Howard started it because it was a nice thing to help the fishermen and community, and his son (Sashi) is one of the top captains,” weighmaster Craig Severance said. “He ran it for a long, long time. Because it’s associated with the Fourth of July, the tourney brings in a lot more boats, bigger boats. The real commercial fishermen come out for this one, and it’s more compeitive.
“It’s for the local guys who have their own boats, and there are money prizes like lures, and the last two years gold reels were awarded.”
Suisan Base has a new working VHF to call boats in to weigh their fish. There will be an independent weigh-in crew.
The tourney also has logistical support from Hilo Trollers and many members of the Trollers are expected to enter. There will be generous prizes for the largest fish in each of five categories: ahi, marlin, ono, mahi mahi and aku. There will also be prizes from a number of other sponsors.
Last year, 56 boats entered and two captains landed all four flag fish, which put them in contention for the grand champion award.
Severance recalls two years ago that one of the biggest fish caught was a 850-pound marlin. It would have made for a good fishing tale as one that didn’t get away, except that the big catch didn’t win a prize. The marlin was disqualified due to a time limit.
The best part for the community is it helps with fish prices at local supermarkets because of supply and demand.
“Our local fishermen provide Suisan with good fresh wholesome fish to process,” Severance said. “Those fish in turn help feed our community with reasonably priced truly local fish.”
Entry form deadline is 1 p.m. Tuesday. No late entries will be accepted. There will be a captain’s meeting on Friday, July 3.
Fishing will start at 5:30 a.m. and stop at 3:30 p.m. on July 4. All boats are required to be in the Breakwater before the start and stop to fishing. The weigh-in will be held at Suisan following the tourney.
After fish watchers check out the big catch, they can stick around for the county’s Fourth of July fireworks show at Coconut Island.
For more information, call Suisan’s Kyle Sumner at 938-4255 or weighmaster Severance 640-1670, severancecc@gmail.com.