Over A Century of Tradition, Conservation, and Competitive Fishing

From Ancient Stewardship to Modern Conservation For centuries, fishing in Hawaii was not a sport; it was the foundation of life. Ancient lawaiʻa (master fishermen) operated under the kapu system—a strict code of conduct that managed natural resources to ensure abundance for future generations. This early stewardship established a reverence for the ocean that persists today. It was a system built on respect, where the catch was shared to sustain the entire ‘ohana.

A Legacy of Innovation Innovation has always been a hallmark of Kona’s fishing heritage. Ancient craftsmen developed the makau (fishing hooks) and pā, a trolling lure expertly cut from iridescent mother-of-pearl to mimic baitfish. This spirit of ingenuity exploded in the 20th century as Kona captains adapted traditional knowledge to create the high-speed resin lures that made our waters famous worldwide.

The Club Today Established in 1914, the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club (HBGFC) serves as the custodian of this history. We bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern marine science. Today, our members honor the legacy of the kapu system by championing responsible angling practices and advocating for a catch-and-release ethic that sees over 96% of tournament marlin released.

Organizational Purpose:

Serve the needs of our community through:

  • The preservation and conservation of marine resources.

  • Supporting marine science research and public education thereof.

  • Promoting responsible use of fisheries and proper sportsmanship within the fishing community.

  • Promoting youth activities related to marine resources and their environment.

  • Providing a meeting place for educational, cultural, social, and recreational activities for our members and the fishing community we serve.

Our efforts continue to evolve as we expand our outreach, strengthen partnerships, and build a stronger, more engaged fishing community.

Officers & Board of Directors

2025 HBGFC Officers & Board of Directors

Executive Officers:

  • President – Capt. Rob McGuckin

  • Vice President – Capt. Kai Hoover

  • Secretary/Treasurer – David Andersen

Board Members:

  • Chad Beaudry

  • Jody Bright

  • Ernest Clayton

  • Mike Dakil

  • Craig Gilmore

  • Brent Hawley

  • Dan Nedwidek

  • Teresa Oswald (Emeritus)

Executive Assistant:

  • Laura Dowsett

Charitable & Community Support

Giving Back to the Fishing Community & Beyond At the HBGFC, our mission extends beyond sportfishing. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to supporting our local fishing community, providing a gathering space for important events, and giving back through charitable contributions.

HBGFC Clubhouse: A Hub for Community Support Our Honokohau Harbor clubhouse serves as a vital gathering space for the fishing community and beyond. It is home to major tournaments and serves as a venue for:

  • Community Wellness: Hosting over 150 substance abuse support meetings per year.

  • Life Events: Celebrations of Life, weddings, and baby luaus for families in our community.

  • Fundraising: Charitable programs supporting various local causes.

Recent Charitable Contributions Through donations and fundraising efforts, HBGFC actively mobilizes financial support for local initiatives.

Disaster Relief

  • Maui Fishery Community Fire Emergency Relief Fund: In partnership with the Honokohau fishing community, we raised and donated over $45,000 to provide immediate cash aid to over sixty fishery families following the wildfires.

Community Investment

  • Family Services Hawaii: Providing direct support to local families in need (via HBGFC, Wahine Tournament, and Reel Escapes).

  • Scholarships & Education: Contributing to the WHEA Scholarship Fund to help local students pursue higher education.

  • Conservation Advocacy: Supporting the Hawaii Fisherman's Alliance for Conservation and Tradition (HFACT) to protect sustainable fishing access.

  • Youth Development: Funding for Ewalu Industries Ke Kai Ola to support their ‘Ōpio Internship Program in marine conservation.

  • Keiki First Tournament: Ongoing sponsorship for youth angling education.

Ongoing Commitment As an organization built on the spirit of laulima (cooperation), HBGFC remains committed to fostering partnerships and supporting initiatives that align with our mission to promote responsible fishing, conservation, and community well-being.

Want to get involved? Contact us at info@hbgfc.org.

Photo Credit : Captain Jason Holtz

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