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The Lazy Marlin Hunt

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The first tournament of the season was so much fun and rewarding. Tournament fishing in Kona, Hawaii is not for the faint at heart! The highs and lows every day are challenging at best. The Lazy Marlin Hunt Marlin Tournament April 9th , 10th , and 11th started with a shotgun start in front of the Honokohau Harbor, in Kona Hawai’i. After a slight delay, Fire Hatt was on the hunt with Captain Chuck Wilson at the helm. 18 boats competed. On day one Fire Hatt had a tagged Blue Marlin at about 3:30 pm. Buzz Colton brought the Blue Marlin to the boat in 9 minutes estimated at 275 pounds. On day two, Fire Hatt had a hookup just three minutes into the day after the start fishing announcement was made. This time Mark Kirchen had a tag in his Blue Marlin in 5 minutes estimated at 120 pounds. We took prize money for the first hookup of the day. Day three was a long day with a hookup again at around 3:30PM. Linda Wilson fought that one with the fish coming off just 10 minutes into the fight…ouch! Team Sweet Sadie landed the Blue Marlin that won the big purse weighing in at 625 pounds!

Mark Kirchen, a Contractor and Operations Manager for SunAmericaSolar in Petaluma, CA and Buzz Colton, retired Golf Course General Manager from Indian Wells, CA featured with their release flags along with the Fire Hatt crew, Backup Captain Joe Schumaker and first mate Daron Castoro.

Fire Hatt Sportfishing is a proud member of AFTCO Pro Fishing Team.
Captain Chuck Wilson is an IGFA Certified Captain.

The Lazy Marlin Hunt

Living Right

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The “Allii Brothers Marlin Hui” is alive and strong and living right!  Today, Buzz Colton and his brother Father Gary Colton fished an action filled day aboard Fire Hatt.  They are both avid fishermen and purchased this trip through a donation we made to the IGFA Foundations Silent Auction.  Buzz has snagged this trip several times over the years.  We thank him for supporting the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) .

Using light tackle (for here) Two Shimano 50’s and two Shimano 80’s were their choice.  The day started with a nice rip on the stinger, we are Hooked Up!  Buzz was in the chair and after a few minutes the fish came undone.  A short time later, the long corner was hit and this time Father Gary is in the chair.  Father Gary successfully brings a nice Striped Marlin to the boat and the Crew on Fire Hatt released the fish.  And then not to be undone, we have another bite, Buzz is back in the chair and the fish again comes undone!  We had one more mystery bite to complete the day.  I think God has a favorite here!  Buzz and Father Gary have been fishing waters of Kona, Hawaii for over 50 years.  They have fished numerous Tournaments, won their share of trophies and have stories of a lifetime.  We are proud to call them friends.

Father Gary Colton

Born in Van Nuys, Calif., Father Colton and his family moved to Maui in the early 1950s because his father, a dentist, loved Hawaii and wanted his family to live in the islands. Later, the family moved to Oahu for the elder Colton to set up a private dental practice in Waikiki.

On Friday, June 2nd , 50 years to the day, St. Theresa Church in Kihei hosted an anniversary celebration with Colton serving as the main celebrant during Mass.

Father Gary continues to serve as a chaplain for the Maui Police Department. He’s a member of the advisory board for Catholic Charities Hawaii, Maui; a member of the Diocesan Board of Education for Hawaii Catholic Schools; and he’s one of the founding members and an ongoing member of the board of directors for Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resources Centers.

Fire Hatt is a proud member of the AFTCO  Pro Fishing Team.  You can go to AFTCO.com and AFTCO Logo 2read their amazing story.

Living Right