Anglers to Compete at 2018 International Billfish Tournament in Kona

2017 HIBT champions Team Miss Behavin of Surfside Marina. Courtesy photo.

The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT) will return during Kona’s summer fishing season starting Saturday, Aug. 3, and continuing through Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018.

Founded in 1959, the HIBT is the second oldest big game sport fishing event in the world. Guided by strict International Game Fish Association (IGFA) rules, the event attracts fishing enthusiasts from around the world. Since its inception, the tournament has spotlighted Kona as a fishing destination and more recently, encouraged fish conservation by implementing its tag and release program and satellite tagging.

Competitors will angle for the HIBT’s prestigious Governor’s trophy during the tournament, which will begin at 7:30 a.m. each morning at Kailua Pier. Spectators can expect to see teams weighing in their catch at the end of day around 4:30 p.m. The event will be headquartered at Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach.

Last year, Team Miss Behavin of Surfside Marina claimed the win and the HIBT’s prestigious Governor’s trophy with 1,300 points. The three-person team will return again this year to defend the top spot. Japan’s Core Marlin Club hooked second place and Old South Marlin Club ­- International captured third place. New Britain Game Fishing Club climbed the leaderboard to finish fourth.

For more information, including complete team registration forms, IGFA world-record rules and a look at last year’s tournament winners, visit www.hibtfishing.com.