Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament
Reel ‘Em In
The 47th Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament
July 24 - 28, 2006
The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT) is known around the world as the “Grandfather of All Big Game Fishing Tournaments”. This 46-year-old non-profit tournament was founded by Peter S. Fithian and six others to publicize Hawaii’s Kona Coast through the medium of a big game fishing contest. The HIBT has become a tradition in the coastal town of Kailua-Kona, located on the Big Island of America’s 50th State.
Internationally recognized, the HIBT has attracted world famous celebrities like Richard Boone, Duke Kahanamoku and the Duke of Manchester. It has set the precedent for similar tournaments worldwide. The HIBT has brought anglers to Hawaii from around the world including: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Philippines, Africa, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Tahiti, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Canada and the Mainland U.S.
The five day fishing tournament begins with the team registration and a tournament briefing for all anglers and boat skippers; followed by a “Boat Draw” in which team captains draw the names of the five different boats from which they will be fishing each day. Later that evening anglers get together for our fabulous Chef’s Night Meet-the-Teams Party, where the boat captains will meet the teams they will be fishing with.
A variety of activities including island tours, historical trips and other exciting activities are scheduled for the wives, families and friends while the anglers are offshore seeking their thousand pound marlins (“Granders”). Five days of fishing and events for the anglers during the week include the Meet-the-Teams Party, a daily HIBT Raffle, the Crying Towel Party and finally the Awards Banquet at the beautiful Kona Village Resort.
The HIBT has one of the best marlin hookup ratios of any tournament on earth. Come fish the flat waters of Kona and find out what World Class Big Game Fishing is all about!