Pygmy Sperm Whale Sighting and First Mahi Mahi for Alaska Couple

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Pygmy Sperm Whale Sighting and First Mahi Mahi for Alaska Couple.  Considered a rarity in Kona waters, a pair of Pygmy Sperm Whales were sited just off  Kaiwi Point at about the 400fa ledge by Neal and Lauren Labrie visiting from King Salmon, Alaska.  We slowed the boat and cautiously circled and observed the whales while our guests were able to capture many delightful photos.  The one featured above was provided by the Labrie’s.  Our goal was to capture what would be the largest fish Lauren had ever caught.  Midway through the adventure, the stinger went off.  (It was not the whale)  A fighting, jumping Mahi Mahi ate what we call the “Easter Special Lure”.  Lauren was in the chair and brought in the fish weighing in at 22 lbs.  We did it!  Lauren’s biggest fish.  We filleted the Mahi and sent them to a local restaurant who prepared their fish for them.  Neil, the Public Safety Dir of Katmai National Park enjoyed an anti-tundra day on Kona’s warm beautiful waters.  Lauren also works for the Park Service too.

 

Family Fun with Fire Hatt

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This post is shared with you from one of our guests that posted their experience on TripAdvisor.

“What a great family fishing trip! We were initially a little hesitant about bring our 2 y/o girl and 4 y/o boy, but were assured that children were most welcome. The boat was absolutely beautiful, complete with drinks/snacks (which the children loved) and a lovely doggie, Abby!  We had an incident at the beginning of the trip where Captain Chuck showed such high integrity! He was informed by radio that another charter boat was in distress and needed a tow back into port.  Without a second thought, he immediately swung into action to help. He assured us that we would just extend our time out on the water to make up for the extra trip towing the boat back to port. We loved the extra time on the water and I was very impressed with his obvious involvement and support of the others in the fishing community.  Back to the fishing-their equipment was very obviously top notch. We had so many lines out for fishing, it was amazing. Even though we didn’t catch anything, we had a great time sitting in the “fishing chair”, sitting on the bow, up top with the Captain, etc. Chuck and Linda gave us great information about the waters, fish, geography, including info for the kids! We had also opted to take a couple of hours off from fishing to go snorkeling with our son-they had great gear for adults AND for him! He had his first snorkeling experience at Captain Cook Bay-he was squealing so loud underwater with excitement, you would have thought all sea life would have fled the area. To the contrary! As we left the area, a pod of spinner dolphins ran with the boat for around 5 minutes!! And I mean, RIGHT next to the boat. We could hear their blowhole breathing!  All in all, a fantastic trip. And the to travelers who fear the embarrassment of suffering from seasickness. Have no fear. We discovered our kids have this same ailment…both at the same time. Yuk. But Chuck and Linda handled it just like it completely the norm, even with a little cleaning having to be performed. And they both appeared to still love our children afterwards-God bless ’em!  Fire Hatt is truly a family business who can take you on a world-class fishing charter, and also modify their trips to suit a family. Thank you, Fire Hatt so much!”

We are humbled and honored by the feedback from our guests.  Our goal is for every guest to have a memorable experience to share with others.

Old Friends Unite and Celebrate a Three Marlin Day

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Old Friends Unite and Celebrate a Three Marlin Day aboard the Fire Hatt this week.  Pete Hooper, a United Airlines Pilot and longtime  friend Jim Elliott joined Linda and I along with old friend and past Crew Mate Adam Ludwig for a half day on the water.  Pete and Jim really wanted Ono.  We left the harbour and headed out for Ono Lane.  After an hour into the trip, no Ono.  We pulled out the Marlin lures and headed north.  Just minutes after the lures are swimming we are bit.  Pete fought the first Pacific Blue Marlin for 35 minutes and Jim successfully tagged the 190+ pound Marlin before Adam released it.  With lures back in the water, we are bit again.  Jim fought the second fish in an amazing 20 minutes.  Pete tagged this 170+ pound Marlin before Adam successfully released it.  While the two friends are congratulating each other and marveling that in all the years they have been fishing in Kona Hawaii, they never had a day like today, then we are bit again!  Pete jumps in the chair and the fight is on.  This one gives Pete a run for his money.  It jumps and charges for most of the fight.  Finally after a 45 minute battle, this fish is also released.  The score for today is three Pacific Blue Marlin releases in just over two hours.  I do believe in Karma.  Two friends uniting to fish and an old Crew Mate reuniting with us made for a special day on the water.

Fire Hatt on National Geographic TV Today

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Fire Hatt on National Geographic TVWe assisted National Geographic with a TV show in March of this year. The episode isn NOT about marling fishing but is about putting a submersible robot submarine down a few thousand feet into the ocean outside Kona. The episode is titled “DIY Robo-Sub” and is part of the National Geographic TV series called “How Hard Can it Be?”

It will be shown multiple times on Wednesday October 5th (today) at 8pm and 11pm Eastern Time, at 8pm PST, or and 2PM or 5pm (we think)here in Hawaii. Check your channel listings for “DIY Robo-Sub” or  “How Hard Can it Be?” on the National Geographic TV Channel in your area.

We will try and get a copy posted to the website as soon as possible.

Mahalo,

Captain Chuck Wilson

Florida Couple Celebrates 25th Anniversary and First Pacific Blue Marlin

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Mike and Sharon McAllister from Tampa Florida celebrated their 25 Anniversary and their first Pacific Blue Marlin while fishing in Kona Hawaii aboard the Fire Hatt .  Mike had his shot at a Marlin  on an early morning bite that did not stick.  After a long pause in activity, we are bit again.  This time the fight is on!  Sharon is in the chair this time and what a great job she did!  After a 25 minute fight, she has the fish to leader.  Captain Chuck leadered and held the Marlin so Sharon could get out of the chair and assist with the release.    We estimated the Marlin to be around 200+ pounds.  After we returned to the harbor Sharon commented that her adrenaline was still in high gear!  I’m thinking the adrenaline will last as long has that big smile.  We are looking forward to having them back so Mike can land his first Marlin.

Local Fire Fighter Fights His First Marlin

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Blair Howard, a local Fire Fighter from the Big Island fights his first Marlin.  Along with his Mom visiting from the West Coast, they boarded the Fire Hatt with anticipation of what they might hook into today.  Around 2:00pm the fish hit the short corner, ripped out line and was off!  It came back and took down the short rigger and the fight was on.  Blair had the 300+ pound Pacific Blue Marlin to the boat in about 25 minutes.  The fish was released in great condition.

This did not surprise us being that Blair recently underwent 11 months of intensive instruction and fieldwork. The first 5½ months involved fire and rescue training that included a nationally recognized fire science curriculum, wildland fire training, hazardous materials operations training, rescue operations familiarization, lifeguard certification, and driver training.  The remainder of his training was spent at the Emergency Medical Services Training Center where he earned his Emergency Medical Technicians Basic and Intermediate certifications.  This fish did not stand a chance!

Guest Video: Impressive Catch and Release

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This is a great video of a catch and release that Fire Hatt Sportfishing guests had in August 2011 fishing just outside Kailua-Kona. The marlin starts to appear around the 4 minute mark and you can watch Linda tag the big fish prior to compliment an impressive catch and release. Fire Hatt was featured on the TV show “Hawaii Goes Fishing” last April and you can see watch those episodes online.

A Big Day for Little Fishermen

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A big day for little fishermen Marley and Calin. Mike Williams and Gayle Thomas both Firefighters from Alameda, CA joined us for a day of snorkeling and fishing.  Although we were light on the side of catching fish today, we got to see many while snorkeling at Captain Cook Bay. This was Callan’s first snorkel and by the end of the day after instruction from Mike and Gayle, he was using his mask and snorkel like a pro. As we were leaving the bay porpoise appeared and swam beside the boat.  The children were able to ride on the bow and watch the porpoise weave back and forth in the wash.   With lines back in the water and the journey back to the harbor the little fishermen slept soundly.

 

Guest Video: Catching My First Marlin

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This is a video from one of our guests landing a big marlin while fishing aboard Fire Hatt on Sept. 1, 2011 in the waters just outside Kon, Hawaii. This video captures the excitement and thrill of the catch as well as how many people are involved in bringning in a big fish like this.

If you like this video, check out the videos on the blog post Hawaii Goes Fishing from earlier this year too.

World Class Hawaiian Fishing Adventure in Kona

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Saying “Welcome to Kona Hawaii” is just an understatement!  How about “Welcome to a World Class Hawaiian Fishing Adventure!”  Casey Jedynak’s family are newly transplanted locals from Richmond WA.  Imagine your family arranging for a day of fishing in the beautiful waters of  Kona for what turned out to be a battle with a estimated 500+ pound Pacific Blue Marlin.  Yes it was Casey’s first Marlin.  His largest fish until now was a 20 pound Salmon.   We were one for three today.  This was the second bite for the day.  Casey did a great job on the rod.  The strength and determination of youth was surely a factor in this fight!  I am proud to say it was taken on the Lucky Linda Lure by Bomboy Lures.  Lucky Linda has been on a brief vacation lately.  The current batch of marlin have not taken her seriously.  She is now back in business!