HIBT founder Peter Fithian (right) congratulates Malibu Marlin Club angler Sam Spinello on his 567-pound catch Wednesday on Kailua Pier. (Photo courtesy of Current Events)

MEDIA RELEASE

Early in Day Three of the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, the Aussies from Fremantle Sailing Club A Team fishing aboard Real Pleasure hooked-up just outside Kailua Bay. 

Veteran angler and team captain Mark Maher, an IGFA representative, fought the good fight for nearly six hours before losing the fish estimated in excess of 400 pounds.  

“It was about the same size as the Pacific blue marlin boated yesterday. Those 400-pounders are very active this week,” HIBT founder Peter Fithian said.   

Before the mid-morning radio round-up, one of three daily team call-ins, anglers had tagged and released 12 Pacific blue marlin. With six more hook-ups announced over the airways before noon, anglers representing enthusiastic teams from around the world were on high alert. 

All but five of the 41 teams have now posted points on the HIBT scoreboard.  

The big fish story of the day belongs to Malibu Marlin Club, fishing aboard the 53-foot Maggie Joe captained by Mike DeRego. 

Angler and team captain Sam Spinello boated a 567 pound Pacific blue marlin, propelling the team into first place. 

“This was a beautiful fish. For more than 70 percent of the fight, we saw her jumping and we chased her round and round,” DeRego said. “Sam is an incredible 74-year old angler.”  

Malibu Marlin Club hooked up in Uniform, the fishing area way south near Hookena. 

“This was another very strong, tough fish. We had the drag on as high as it could go and she still gave us a tremendous fight,” angler Sam Spinello said. “We had her to the back of the boat at least a dozen times! But she was up for the fight – she was well fed and in excellent physical condition. The captain and crew did an amazing job with boating the fish. What a day.” 

The five-day Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament continues through Friday, July 24.    

— Find out more:

Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament: www.hibtfishing.com

 

Fishing boats line up in Kailua Bay, waiting to check in their anlgers after the first day of the 50th anniversary Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. (Hawaii247.com photo by Karin Stanton)