Looking back at 2008, there were some standout moments and one of the best was our trip to Kona for our 35th anniversary. The fun started back in the Parker booth at the Fred Hall Show in Del Mar when Anthony heard me mention Chris and I were thinking of going back to Hawaii in August. He graciously offered that the newly refurbished Rybovich would be there before summer and if my schedule permitted I could fish a day with Randy and OB…Oh Boy!!!

Well, it just so happened that there was an “extra” day and I was stoked to be able to fish that boat with that crew on those waters. This was a dream come true for someone whose true north has always pointed straight offshore. And then the deal got even better…they had another day available and I was able to fish two in a row!!!

We went the afternoon before to check out the setup and meet the guys and see the boat in its new home. Randy had shown me through the boat while it was in Newport Beach at the Crows Nest docks but it was all the more impressive in Kona harbor. Just knowing that the next day we would be trolling through the home of thousand pounders provided an undeniable thrill and it was tough to wait for morning.


Rigged and ready to go.

I was at the marina in the dark, awash in anticipation. Randy and OB were there soon after and it was a quick few minutes before we were on our way. I’ve spent a huge amount of time offshore, but mostly in SoCal waters fishing lighter gear. Watching the 80’s and 130’s get rigged and ready and put into action highlighted the fact we were fishing for big ones!!! Randy headed out, turned left and we ran down about 10 miles before we dropped in the jigs and got down to serious business. We were ready…but unfortunately no one told the fish.


The first morning on the way past the buoy.

For me, there is an undeniable thrill in new adventures…especially when they have to do with fishing!!! So even though the day was slow, the scenery was awesome, the company great and I totally enjoyed the experience. Randy and OB are a blast to fish with and very skilled at what they do. I probably drove them nuts with a zillion questions about the boat, tackle, techniques and just general stuff about fishing Hawaiian waters.


Tools of the trade.

Late in the afternoon as we were tacking back, we did get one jig strike and landed a nice wahoo. It was sure different in a chair with the big gear compared to the deck of a long range boat but at least we were on the board and had some great steaks for the bbq. It was a gorgeous afternoon and I didn’t want to quit but was over ruled and we headed in to regroup and get set for the next day.


Wahoo!


Me and OB with my first Kona catch - and fresh dinner.


Lines in.


The start of day two–a little slice of Heaven on Earth.


And the hunt begins... Captain Randy Parker.

I’ve learned to take each day on the water as a fresh start with no pre-conceived notions based on the activities of the day before. A slight adjustment in the game plan can have a major effect on the outcome of the trip and so it was on day two. Randy headed up the coast a few miles and we started off tacking the edge of a ledge that was loaded with life and it soon paid off. We got bit on a jig and I climbed in the chair to the incredible show of my first Kona blue marlin. It was a estimated 175-200# fish, released unharmed, and a fast start to a day that only got better.


Marlin on the meter.


The first of four, and my first Kona blue.

Randy opted to keep pushing up and we ultimately spent the rest of the day boxing a tiny area near a fad buoy. The amount of bait, skipjack, small yellowfin and hungry blue marlin made for an extraordinary experience on so many levels. Obviously, landing three more smaller blues along with a few missed bites made for an action-packed late morning/early afternoon. But it was so much more than just the actual angling. I was privileged to watch the best of the best do what they do so well. The only regret is that we didn’t find a big one, but it wasn’t for the lack of effort.

I didn’t want to leave the area that afternoon. But the weather had slicked off and the sun was warm and with four flags flying and a load of memories, the run back to the harbor was the perfect end to an amazing day. To Anthony, Randy, OB and all the rest of the team, thanks so much for the opportunity to fish the Kona Coast on our anniversary trip.

Capt Mark Wisch
Pacific Edge


Mark and Chris on the shore.