Return to Fishing Island
Articles Page
From Fishing Island's Flyer - 1990
Fishing Island
Kona’s Fishical Attraction
Beat the Fish Record and Win!
Look Offshore
Kona’s Honokohau
Harbor
and you’ll see a cluster of boats. It’s been like that ever since the arrival
of Kona’s newest fishing attraction. Charters are congregated around Fishing
Island, a 70-foot aluminum catamaran that acts as shady, protected platform to
aggregate fish. Dubbed Fishing Island, the two-level craft welcomes fishermen
aboard for a five-hour fishing excursion. Shuttles leave Kailua Pier at 8 a.m.,
1 p.m. and 6 p.m. with overnight accommodations available. Besides transport,
anglers are allowed to keep their catch, which can be filleted on board. The
activity includes one set of tackle and live or cut bait. Restrooms, snack bar,
T.V. and stereo are available in the shaded cabin, plus and upstairs sundeck
provides optimum tanning possibilities, breathtaking views of the sunny Kona
Coast and great views of passing schools of fish.
Located 3.2 miles offshore, Fishing Island is the deepest mooring of
its kind in the world, according to owner and mastermind Ray Nibert. Securing
the craft in 6,000 feet of water takes a 2,000-pound anchor, 500 feet of chain
estimated to weigh five tons and 6,000 feet of steel cable. The cable is
connected to a cement drum, donated by a local cement company, that is filled
with Styrofoam. Fishing Island is attached to the drum; it’s shallow draft
places little drag on the mooring and twin hulls make it stable.
© Fishing Island Inc