The best kayak anglers from around the aloha state converge into kona for this world class fishing tournament. This summers event was slated for some of the best fishing periods on the lunar calender and the excitement levels among competitors were high. The summer event also saw the beginning of the new pro division. In this division, cash was up for grabs for the first place angler in a winner takes all format.

     The two day tournament saw some awesome fishing typical of the blue marlin capital of the world. A lot of great fish came to the scales and even more were caught by all the impressive anglers. Team Coastal Kayak Tours comprised of David Elgas and Micah Pignolet from the oahu chapter and Shiloh Oliberros and Jesse Shim from the Kona chapter had a great time. The team was given permission to camp on the beach at a historic hawaiian fishing village and the vibe was incredible. The nights on the beach was a past from the past. The gentle sound of the surf filled our ears and Scorpio falling filled our eyes. The first night I could hardly sleep in anticipation of the day ahead.

     The team was lucky to get a hold of some really awesome baits for the two day tournament. The early morning launches were flawlessly clear  with surreal panoramic views of an array of volcanic cones. On the first day the CKT Team did an awesome job getting into fish. Jesse scored the teams biggest fish a 15 pound amber jack in the inshore division and Micah scored a nice mahi mahi in the off shore division. Everyone caught fish that first day. The second day proved more eventful for me and I scored a tasty grey snapper and a mirror trevally. The team had a lot of fun fishing and camping together. A good time was had by all and we went home with a large cooler of fish for our family and friends.

     At the weigh in we met up with fellow Yak Attack competitors. This year it was held at the new plenty pupule kayak shop in kona and it was a top notch act. The Summer Yak Attack had 54 anglers this year, the largest field yet. The newly formed pro division helped draw more contestants to the recreational division. However, it was the  recreational division that stole the show from the pros by weighing in a 54 pound sailfish. What a beautiful fish, proving to all it can be any ones day at any given time. The weigh in was a great time with old and new friends and some very delicious caviche. Kelly's new shop is awesome and there are lots of toys to check out. The Live radio was a great way to connect to the public and these events will continue to grow and flourish.

     Possibly the best time of the whole event was the after weigh in party hosted by Team CKT kona chapter. Jesse and Shiloh showed us how they do it big island style. The barbecue was rocking, the beer flowing and the grinds were ono. It was awesome to sit around the fire and talk story with a group of really great anglers. CKT is already planning for the Fall Yak Attack and cant wait to fish kona again. Here is the official score card and pics enjoy.  To all you pro staff team members and any kayak anglers from around the world wanting to check out a really good time, you might want to tune into one of these three annual kayak fishing tournaments in kona. You wont regret it.

Aloha and Mahalo Boogie-D