Non-yak Kauai report

yeah, they nkeep the fish and sell commercially.

this particular boat offered me to come back the next day after my fish was processed to pick up some meat, but I was leaving on Friday....  They gave me Ono, wahoo, instead for me to cook that night.

I think they do this as a way (of course) to maximize their profits, but also to keep the costs lower for the fishermen.  I mean, $150 for a 100 or 200-pound tuna experience?  Pretty resonable.  It could have been an 800-pound marlin just as easy, for the same price.

also, lots of their fish are catch and release, at least on this boat.  they release all the billfish if they can.


Allen

here's a reply from my Buddy - Capt. Russ Nitta who operates a charter off Kona........

Most charter boats will keep "most" of the fish here and some will cut up 30lbs or so for the client.  The only fish that are NOT cut for the charter are the large yellowfin tuna because the money made from fish sale is part of the crews income.  The big ahi (yellowfin tuna) have to be sold whole.  We have to sell to fish wholesalers and they need to check the internal temperature to make sure the fish was chilled properly for quality and food safety.  Also, yellowfin tuna doesn't last long frozen nor is it any good after being frozen.  Most marlin are released and are not very good eating anyway.
99% of the time people don't have a problem with this policy because they are staying in hotel rooms and don't have anywhere to cook or store fish.  Others that are in condos only want enough for one nights dinner etc...so 30lbs is plenty for anyone.  Alos, there isn't a packing / freezing business here that will freeze your catch and send it home to you so it's a hassle to pack all that fish.  Where are you going to put it?  100lb ahi yeilds about 75lbs of meat.
Personally, my policy is - release of all billfish unless they are dead or mortally wounded - OR close to or over 1000lbs.  Close means eyeballing it at 800lbs or so.  Only had that happen three times so far.  2 were probably right at 1000lbs and one was a monster at 1400lbs est.  So, release all billfish with that exception and everything else comes in the boat.  Fillet 30lbs of fish and all yellowfin tuna over 100lbs go to the crew. 
Russ
(808) 960-0068

there it is.....thanks Mooch!  what color is your new trident going to be?

there it is.....thanks Mooch!  what color is your new trident going to be?

I'm hoping to get a yellow one - can't beat yellow for safety/visibility 

and the sharks favor yellow above all else!  .

Mine will be yellow as well, shark or no shark!

Outstanding! Let's eat some sashimi Allen