results for the mwlures tournament

[surfspot]

It took awhile for all the pictures and info to come in regarding the tag and release stats for the 1st annual mw lures tag and release tournament. (A cyber event) There were about 40 entries state wide and only a handful of submissions. This was a challenging process, as you had to become a photo journalist, computer guy, marine biologist and good fisherman as well. Not an easy combination of activities by any means. The Grand Champion is Robert Phillipson from Kauai with 13 captures tagged and released and the largest Papio was 17" to the fork. He also released a 20" Kaku and misc other reef fish. Lisa Nishizuka from Kauai won the woman's division with a 16" Papio. The Fresh water division was won by Darren Ishikawa from Oahu, he landed choke Tucs and a Channel Catfish as well as misc. Papio , Kaku and a lizard fish. Jerry Nishihira won the most unusual category with a 22" Oio. I look forward to next year when the contest will be held in July and August. Hopefully we will have fishing stores and suppliers interested in supporting and promoting this kind of tournament in the future. I volunteered last month for the Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative which is developing a curriculum for school children. I was amazed to find out that a 12" Omilu lays 49000 eggs per year. A 27" Omilu lays 4 million. I would like to see more encouragement to releases big fish in the well established tournaments. Mahalo to all the participants for their efforts. Also big Mahalos to Clay Tam of the D.A.R. for supplying tagging kits to the entrants. Also to Neil Kanemoto of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group who donated teeshirts and hats for the winners. And to Keoni Walters Special Mahalos for his tireless efforts in encouraging me and developing a plan to organize and execute this tournament. Aloha, mw
below 2 of Robbie's catches. Jerry's Oio. One of Darrens Tucs and Channel Catfish. Lisa's 16" Omilu





[img]http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/surfspot/16LisaNishizuka.jpg

[Stan Wright]

Next year, let's get the word out in early June so there will be lots of people involved in the fun.
Aloha,
Stan

[Ca_Bass]

Do those lures float or sink? I haven't been bonefishing for more than about 6 months but it seems a little crazy to see one of those in it's mouth.

[Ken]

Hey Ca_Bass, those are made of ceramic and they sink like a rock. You have to keep cranking them fast and keep twitching them to give them action.

[Ca_Bass]

Now it seems a little less crazy that a bonefish ate it. It looked like a popper at first. Thanks Ken.

[Ken]

They can be fished as a popper as well. You just need to keep cranking them in FAST to keep them on top. You can also walk-the-dog with them on top.