Fire Hatt Renewed!

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Fire Hatt Renewed!  Our beautiful Hatteras, FIRE HATT is hauled undergoing massive maintenance and refreshing.  Linda and I hauled on Monday and will splash again on Friday.  The Shimano Rods and Reels are at Grander Tackle being serviced and having all new 130lb Amilon line replaced fresh for the season.  All the “battle scars” from fighting fish, the climate and just wear and tear are being addressed.  Inside, seven pumps have been replaced in various systems…..yes, seven pumps.  It was time! A new instant hot water heater was installed and all the cushions are being replaced.   Right down to replacing the anchor with the new Manson Supreme stainless steel all bottom holding style.  The wonderful craftsmen at the Honokohau Yard are using their talents grinding, painting and polishing to give us back the luster we are known for.  A big thank you to our crewman, Adam for supervising the project.  I heard him mention he couldn’t wait to get back to fishing instead of fixing… While we are out of service this week, we have referred charter inquiries to another boat and captain that we love (he also owns a Hatteras) that will give the guests a fabulous fishing experience.

Wahoo! Fishing in Kona Hawaii

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Wahoo! Fishing in Kona Hawaii. One word sums up today.  Textbook.  Rick and his family from Massachusetts boarded the Fire Hatt for a fun filled day of fishing down to Captain Cook Bay, getting in the water for a little snorkeling adventure and then fishing back to the harbor.  On the way down the coast, one line goes down, then another, then another.  J.T. is in the chair, Mom Peggy and Rick are fighting theirs out of the gunnells.  We call this “Controlled Chaos”.  Three lines hooked up, three fish landed.  Everyone is still excited about their morning catch as they are getting into the incredibly clear pacific blue water to snorkel.  With much anticipation about the trip back up the coast, and Suzie the only one that has not caught a fish, we leave the cove and put lines back in the water.  Heading offshore this time to hopefully find a Blue Marlin, we are hooked up again, Suzie is in the chair and she brings in her prize.  Her first Wahoo! (Also known as “Ono” here in Hawaii)Suzie’s parents now realize they have just created a fishergirl for life!  She couldn’t get enough and her excitement was a sheer joy to watch.  I think we will see this family again….

Father and Son Tag Team Releases 500+ lb Blue Marlin (VIDEO)

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Father and Son Tag Team Releases 500+ lb Blue Marlin.  As the Froehlich Family boarded the Boat it was evident that the avid fisherman of the group was Mike’s son, Cole.  Dad and the family was along for the ride.  Cole’s largest fish to date is a 20 lb freshwater species.  The family had never been fishing in Kona Hawaii.  Once we left the harbor for todays adventure we had Cole in the fighting chair giving him the rundown on the do’s and don’ts on bringing in these fish.  Now the morning had passed without a single bite.  It was starting to weigh on all of us.  As we cruised in the warm tropical sun, lures had been changed out, we changed depths and direction, still nothing.  Then we made the turn and headed back to the harbor.  As we passed another boat that is skippered by Lure Maker Bomboy Llanes the short corner lure just exploded! We are hooked up!  A big Blue Marlin hit a “One on One” lure ironically made by Bomboy!  Karma!  The fish jumped 6 ft out of the water and put on quite a show.  Cole is in the fighting chair giving it all he has when shortly into the fight it is evident that he needs a little help.  Dad steps up and helps bring in the fish.  Earlier I had explained to our guests that the fish here, especially the Blue Marlin are “World Class Athletes” and are difficult to stop.  It is not uncommon for more than one angler to take a turn at fighting the fish of a life time.  This is a prime example of the sheer strength of the Blue Marlin.  After a 53 minute fight on a custom 50lb Marsuura Reel, Mike has the fish to the boat and Adam quickly grabs the leader and gently brings the fish to the side.  It was another textbook tag and release.  The fish is tired but is revived and swims away.  The wonderful memories shared by this Father and Son Tag Team duo hopefully will be remembered and shared for a lifetime. After all, It was Cole that was at the helm with me being given an opportunity to see what it was like to steer a boat when the fish hit.

The Ono Are Here In Numbers

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The Ono Are Here In Numbers.  This family from Wincote, PA chose the perfect time to come fishing in Kona Hawaii!  We will start with Ben.  All Ben wanted was to catch a fish.  Our intention was to put in the Ono Lures and head to Captain Cook Bay so the family could snorkel.  We got some information about a “floater” that was holding Mahi Mahi so we diverted from the plan and headed out to look for it.  We spotted the floater and no kidding, at least 15 other boats that got the same information.  After just a few passes we managed to hook a small big Eye Tuna for Ben.  Ben made nice work of the light tackle and had the fish to the boat in moments.  As we studied the area and saw that only small baits were being caught, we decided to head back to our original destination.  After a wonderful snorkel in the bay, we are back on patrol.  We have trolled for about an hour and Adam is changing the pattern.  He asks Ben to choose a lure.  Ben chooses an Aloha Lure called the “Gully Boy” and Adam puts it on the long rigger.  After just a rew minutes, Wham!  Tthe long rigger line is down, we are Hooked Up!  Ben is in the chair once again and bringing the Ono to the boat effortlessly.  He is stunned at the sight of the Ono.  This is Ben’s biggest fish by far.  Now the lines are back out and we are hooked up again….now Kevin, Ben’s dad is in the chair and while we are clearing the other lines, the stinger goes down.  A double!.  Ben’s Sister, Emily is now fighting a fish too.  Emily begins to show a little fatigue so Ben steps in and takes over so she can rest her arm.  Emily gets a second wind and Ben reluctantly gives her back the rod…. both fish are landed.  What a fun time.  In the end, Dad’s fish was the biggest, 27 lbs.  We will have Ben choose lures any time.  The family was also traveling with a Flat Mason.  Mom is a teacher so she brought him along for one of her students.  The luckiest Flat Mason in that class room!