Fishing fun, tradition and competition

Fishing is a core part of Hawai‘i culture and tradition, as well as a method for gathering food. In fact, many locals prefer the term “non-commercial” fishing because “recreational” implies they are simply playing with their food.

The ocean is the icebox for island communities. Its fish and ecosystems sustain the people, and they treat them with that respect.

But there are times when lawaiʻa, the fishermen, do play for their food — during fishing tournaments!

Fishing tournaments in Hawai‘i can range from bamboo handpoles on the shoreline to 45-foot charter boats chasing blue marlin — and everything in between.

While the big-game contests often get the headlines, many of the most meaningful local events focus on community, conservation and keiki.

Henry Ta and his small-boat team recently claimed the top spot in the Mālama Maunalua’s “Eat the Invaders” tournament in Maunalua, O‘ahu, which turns fishing and reef conservation into a community celebration.

By targeting invasive species such as taʻape, toʻau and roi in the tournament, fishers help balance local reef ecosystems while supporting eating local.

Here’s what Ta had to say about the “Eat the Invaders” experience and fishing in general, including tips for first-time fishers.

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Why did you choose to fish this particular competition? Was this your first time fishing in an invasive species tournament?

I fish in many tournaments each year, but this was my first invasive species tournament. I’ve been fortunate to win several tournaments over the past few years and was honored to receive Wailuā Boat Club Fisherman of the Year in both 2023 and 2024. My team and I wanted to give back to the ocean and bring awareness to the invasive situation.

As you were headed back to shore, did you think you had enough to win?

Our team caught 278.15 pounds of invasive fish. Honestly, I thought we would place, but did not feel confident, as there were other very skilled fishermen that entered the tournament.

Would you recommend this tournament to others, and would you enter it again? Also, what’s your perspective on eating invasive fish?

I would highly recommend this tournament for those who have a passion to clean the reef. Yes, definitely looking forward to another tournament that promotes eating invasive fish.

I think invasive fish are a highly underrated food source. Part of that may be because they look more like aquarium fish than the fish most people are used to eating. I hope more people understand that by eating these invasive species, we can help reduce pressure on harvesting native fish populations.

Many people enjoy eating fish like menpachi, but personally, I prefer taʻape and toʻau because they have fewer bones. Their diet mainly consists of crustaceans and mollusks, which gives them a versatile, clean white meat.

My favorite ways to prepare them are fried whole so I can snack on the crispy fins, steamed Chinese-style, made into ceviche or served as fish tacos.

What tip or advice would you give to someone who’s never fished before?

I would say it might require some patience, but try to have fun with it! Fishing can be frustrating if you aren’t catching anything, but keep trying and eventually you will catch something!

What about someone who’s interested in tournament fishing?

Tournament fishing can be a little more competitive, so maybe start with some smaller tournaments or get some practice in beforehand.

Is there a difference between fishing in a tournament vs. an ordinary day of fishing?

A fishing tournament has a time limit and might have limited types of fish you can catch. Sometimes it might not be as fun as an ordinary day of fishing, unless you happen to catch a big one!

What do you think draws people to play in the tournament?

Some people like to enter just for the fun of fishing and the adventure. Others may enter because there are good prizes or might be in a location they haven’t fished at before.

What aspect of a fishing tournament is exciting and fun for you?

What’s exciting and fun to me is the adrenaline of not knowing what’s going to happen … wondering how much competition there will be, how the water will be that day and whether the fish will be biting.

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Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament — Punalu‘u, Hawai‘i Island

Organization Spotlight: ʻO Kaʻū Kākou

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou is a nonprofit community service organization with goals to promote a healthy Kaʻū community through activities such as health initiatives, housing projects and community events — such as fishing tournaments.

The 2026 ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Keiki Fishing Tournament was hosted in February at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, bringing hundreds of Big Island families together for a day of fishing, food and fun.

“Whether your keiki is a seasoned pro or picking up a pole for the first time, this event is all about community spirit and sportsmanship,” said the Facebook event page for the 2026 tournament.

The annual tournament is open to keiki ages 1 to 14 years old. Learn more at the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou website.

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Tournaments take a lot of time, work and dedication to pull off. But ultimately, they are much more than just an opportunity to win prizes — they are a time to spend with family and friends, catch food and connect with our special places.

This column is a feature from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, published this month on the agency’s website, part of which is being shared by Big Island Now, with some additional information about the annual ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Keiki Fishing Tournament at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach in Kaʻū. You can read the original feature online.