Caden Shimabukuro topped a field of more than 40 anglers as he was awarded the Biggest Fish prize for his papio at the annual Father’s Day Keiki Fishing Derby. The young angler was not hesitant to show off his papio
Caden Shimabukuro topped a field of more than 40 anglers as he was awarded the Biggest Fish prize for his papio at the annual Father’s Day Keiki Fishing Derby.
The young angler was not hesitant to show off his papio that measured 12 inches in length with a 10-inch girth.
The Sunday event was hosted by the Nawiliwili Yacht Club who had enough contributions from community sponsors so each entrant went home with a prize. That included those with the best “fish-that-got-away” stories.
Earlier in the day, activity on the hooks was sparse and keiki eyes couldn’t find even small fish that normally swim in the shoreline eddies.
But as the time for closing drew closer, activity picked up and keiki anglers toting buckets of fish converged on the weigh station located inside the NYC Clubhouse at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor.
“This is his second one,” Robert Russell’s dad said, as the young angler gingerly held out a papio.
That fish earned him the Fattest Fish award after he plopped the catch into a bucket being carried by Cal Koga.
Squeals of excitement erupted from the spectators who crowded around Koga, trying to get a glimpse of the kaku whose tail protruded from the bucket.
Koga’s barracuda measured in at 18 inches with a seven-inch girth for the Longest Fish prize.
Quade Robertson walked off with the Most Fish Caught prize and Rastin Kamuela Peahu’s pole-caught hinalea got the Prettiest Fish prize. Kaimana Texeira’s perch, presented on a white styrofoam tray, ended up with the Cutest Fish prize. Megan Yasis’ catch netted the Ugliest Fish prize.
Travis Valmoja rounded out the leaders with the Most Unusual Fish prize.
Sharon Gibson, the NYC scorekeeper at a lot of the Series races, said, “We enjoy this event so much each year, and we so appreciate the support and hard work of our NYC members who put it together.”
The enjoyment comes from the support the community shows by participating and enjoying the hot dog and soda that was provided for each angler.
Community contributors provided the prizes for the keiki anglers.
With the fishing results recorded, NYC returns to its Junior Series, Race No. 3 Thursday, and invites the public to view the competition from the jetty wall.
The first flag flies at 5 p.m.
