9th Annual Ridge to Reef Rendezvous Hosts Free Fishing Tournament

The West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative and other sponsors are hosting a series of free family ocean events that include a keiki and ‘ohana catch-and-release fishing tournament.

The 9th Annual West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative “Ridge to Reef Rendezvous.” PC: WMRRI

The 9th annual “Ridge to Reef Rendezvous” includes:

1) Science Night at Kohola Brewery: Presentation of “How are Maui’s Reefs Doing?” by Russell Sparks on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

This kick-off event will feature Russel Sparks, Aquatic Biologist with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources who will speak about the ongoing science and management of Maui’s nearshore fisheries and coral reef resources.

Sparks will also discuss the health of the reefs around Maui following the 2015 coral bleaching event.

Sparks received his B.S. in Biology from Oregon State University and his M.S. in Marine Biology from University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 1996.

He is currently responsible for leading the design, implementation, and overall management of the Maui marine monitoring program, and for working with stakeholders and communities to develop marine management programs aimed at adaptively managing nearshore fisheries and coral reef resources.

2) Keiki & ‘Ohana Catch & Release Fishing Tournament: Saturday, Oct. 27, from 8 to 11 a.m. at Kahekili Beach Park.

This free fishing tournament begins with an 8 a.m. registration, check-in, and orientation. Tournament officials will provide the necessary tournament information, rules, and instructions.

Below is a list of rules and guidelines for the tournament:

Rules:
• Mandatory 8 a.m. check-in for rules, overview, and supplies.
• 2 categories:
1) Papio category
2) Open category (all other fishes/no herbivores, since the location is within the Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area)
• Prizes for 1st-3rd place in each category
• Fish must be caught in KHFMA boundaries from 8:15 to 11 a.m. (Boundaries will be explained at 8 a.m. meeting)
• When fish are caught, a photo must be taken with phone or camera with supplied ruler from tournament officials and released immediately.
• Photos will be submitted to tournament officials to qualify fish.
• In case of a tie, fish caught at earlier time will win.
• No photos will be accepted at tournament table after 11 a.m.

Fishing Gear:
• Pole and reel only, no spear diving or netting.
• Each contestant allowed a maximum of two poles per entry:
* 1 dunking/baitcasting pole – barbless hooks only
* 1 spinning/whipping pole
• Dunking/baitcasting poles must use barbless fishing hooks (Tournament officials will provide barbless hooks at 8 a.m. meeting)
• No swimming/paddling out lines. Lines must be cast from shore.
• Spinning/whipping lures, grubs, plugs, etc. do not have to be barbless.
• Camera phone or digital camera needed
• Must bring own fishing gear

Lunch will be provided first-come, first-serve through the support of the The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas and CJ’s Deli & Diner Comfort Zone Restaurant.

3) Ridge to Reef Rendezvous: Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m. to noon at Kahekili Beach Park.

The Ridge to Reef Rendezvous is also located at Kahekili Beach Park and will coincide with the day’s fishing tournament.

This free event promises fun for all ages. In addition to the catch and release keiki and ‘ohana fishing tournament, participants may tour a “haunted reef,” just in time for Halloween.

Local conservation groups under the Ridge to Reef hui tent will also be available to engage in conversation about Maui’s conservation efforts. At the hui tent, volunteer information, hands-on interactive displays, demonstrations, and giveaways will be provided to encourage an attitude of mālama Maui.

Finally, prizes will be awarded to participants who enter the scavenger hunt.

Prizes for these events have been donated by Captain Steve’s Rafting Adventures, Duke’s Beach House, Fleetwood’s on Front St., Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Hula Grill Kāʻanapali, Mahina Boutique, Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, Star Noodle, The Plantation House, QuickSilver Charters, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Sea House Restaurant, The Snorkel Store, and Trilogy Excursions.

Additional event sponsors include the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources.

For more information, please contact the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative at [email protected] or call (808) 283-1631.