NAWILIWILI — “It’s back!” said Rhan Honjo, the Nawiliwili Yacht Club’s 2023 Keiki Fish Chair, during a recent NYC Shoreline Series yacht race at the Nawiliwili Harbor.
NYC presents the 17th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament on June 18 — Fathers Day! — for the first time in several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Families collect outside of the Kaua‘i Sailing Association building at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for registration, fishing, and prize awards. Young fishers are registered for $5 each. That includes a lunch for fishers, regardless of whether a catch is made, or not. Fishing is done on a catch-and-release basis.
“Every catch qualifies,” Honjo said. “And, every keiki wins a prize! NYC members carefully supervise waterside activities for safety, and are always amazed at what the keiki bring to the judges — fish of all sorts, including eels, crabs, and even shrimp are categorized for unique prize-winning features.”
Every child fisher wins a prize, Honjo said.
“No child goes home empty-handed,” the fish chair said. “Prizes include small rod-and-reel combos, tackle boxes, soccer balls, and a variety of toys for boys and girls. Prize selection is done as each child and the catch is announced.”
Honjo said gift and prize opportunities also exist for generous community sponsors.
“Of course, monetary donations are extremely helpful to fill any gaps,” Honjo said. “Monetary donations can be addressed to our 501C3 Kaua‘i Maritime Foundation, and are tax deductible.”
