As summer rolls in, Hawaii’s blue marlin fishing season hits its peak, offering anglers the chance of a lifetime to reel in a giant blue marlin, also known as a “grander.” However, catching a grander—a marlin weighing over 1,000 pounds—is a rare achievement, even for the most experienced captains. This rarity is what makes Captain Teddy Hoogs’ recent catch in Kona, Hawaii, so remarkable.
Captain Teddy Hoogs, a seasoned captain of the 46-foot Gamefisherman, a 2008 sportfishing vessel, recently made headlines when he brought a massive 1,081-pound blue marlin back to the docks. This catch marked his first grander, despite years of successful blue marlin fishing. As news spread, Captain Hoogs received a flood of congratulations from his peers in the Kona fishing community, with many acknowledging the significance of this “long-awaited grander.”
Kona, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is renowned globally as a hotspot for big blue marlin fishing. The waters off Kona are home to some of the largest marlins ever caught. The current International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world record for the largest Pacific blue marlin was set in Kona in 1982. Angler Jay de Beaubien caught a colossal 1,376-pound blue marlin on May 31st of that year, a date that some consider early in the season for such a catch. However, in the vast and unpredictable Pacific, anything is possible.
To put Captain Hoogs’ achievement into perspective, the IGFA world record for an Atlantic blue marlin is slightly higher, standing at 1,402 pounds and 2 ounces. This record was set in 1992 by angler Paulo Amorim in Vitoria, Brazil. The all-time weight record for any marlin species, however, belongs to a black marlin. This 1,560-pound behemoth was caught by Alfred Glassell Jr. off Cabo Blanco, Peru, in 1953. Although rumors of even larger marlins persist, this catch remains the largest marlin ever caught, weighed, and certified.
Captain Hoogs’ grander is only the second blue marlin weighing over 1,000 pounds caught worldwide this year. The first, a 1,268-pound blue marlin, was caught in Bermuda just a month prior, ranking as the third-largest ever recorded in Bermuda. These impressive catches underscore the rarity and excitement of landing a grander.
In Hawaii, tradition dictates that when a blue marlin is kept and weighed, its meat is shared among the local community. Captain Hoogs’ massive 1,081-pound catch provided a substantial amount of food, feeding many people on the island. This practice reflects the deep connection between the islanders and the ocean, as well as their respect for the bounty it provides.
For those looking to experience the thrill of big-game fishing in Kona, booking a charter with Captain Teddy Hoogs offers a chance to venture into these legendary waters. Interested anglers can reach out to Captain Hoogs through TripAdvisor to arrange a fishing trip that could potentially be the adventure of a lifetime.