PRESS  RELEASE

GO FISH KONA! is the marketing message presented to thousands of recreational fisherman and potential visitors next month in an effort to shore up Kona’s struggling charter fishing fleet. 

Dick Medve’s Go Fish Expos, LLC, is on a mission to bring fisherman and visitors to Kona with a promotional blitz March 25-29 at the annual Fred Hall Fishing Tackle, Boat and Travel Show at San Diego’s Del Mar Fairgrounds. 

The GO FISH KONA! exhibit will occupy 2,000 square feet and feature 20 Kona exhibitors. The exhibitors will surround a waterfront stage complete with tiki torches and Hawaiian foliage. A local hula halau will perform daily throughout the five-day exhibition pending sponsorship. 

GO FISH KONA! has replicated the 1,251 pound marlin caught last year in Kona for display and a photo op.

“I was recently told that some of the Kona charter boats had not had a charter in two or three months because of the economic downturn and the decline in the visitor market and immediately thought we have to do something,” event organizer Dick Medve said. “Fishing is the heart and the personality of the Kona community and one of the main reasons that Kailua Village is successful today.”

Medve said he is not doing anything that hasn’t been done before. 

“People will remember that Peter Fithian started the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament 50 years ago as a way to promote Kona and fill hotel rooms at the Kona Inn,” he said.

Peter Fithian has been offered complimentary exhibit space at GO FISH KONA! to recognize his efforts to promote sport fishing in Kona and to promote this year’s 50th Anniversary Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. 

With 35 years of tradeshow experience and as the first Exhibits Director of the International Game Fish Hall of Fame and Museum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Medve produced the “Papa” exhibition honoring Ernest Hemingway’s Centennial Celebration. 

The “Papa” exhibition was the first in 37 years to be allowed access to Hemingway’s personal effects. Medve traveled to Havana under the auspices of the US State Department to secure the treasured articles.  

Applications for GO FISH KONA! exhibit booth space are available by contacting Dick Medve at 889-1636, RichardMedve@gofishexpos.com or visit www.gofishexpos.com.