Welcome to the HIBT!
Last year, teams gathered from around the world, including Australia, Bahamas, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Africa and throughout the US including California, Florida, Hawaii and North Carolina, lured to sport fishing's famous Kona Coast in search of a prized Pacific blue marlin and their chance of capturing the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament's prestigious Governor's trophy!
Kona's fishing reputation was built 48 years ago when Peter S. Fithian founded the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT). Since then, HIBT has earned its iconic status in big-game fishing tournaments and is known as the grandfather of all big game fishing tournaments. This invitational tournament is built upon honor, prestige and strict adherence to International Game Fish Association rules for world records.
Why is the Kona Coast so famous in elite fishing circles? These fishing grounds boast warm, deep waters, sunny skies, Aloha Spirit and the ability to hook up a marlin just five minutes after the tournament starts!
---Mahalo and Aloha
Photo of at top left of Hawaiian Skipper Teddy Hoogs leadering 1,000#+ Black Marlin, courtesy of Fred Cameron.
