
From One Fish to a Historic Run: How Tantrum Dominated Kona’s 2025 Marlin Season
From a life-changing blue marlin to a million-dollar season, the story behind Tantrum’s unforgettable year in Kona
Dates: June 27 – 29, 2026
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As the highly anticipated kickoff to the summer season, the Kona Kick Off is a competitively priced “four flags” tournament that splits the base pot between the largest marlin, ahi, ono and mahi. Additional optional jackpots for all four species, along with marlin tag points, create multiple ways for teams to win.
Saturday June 27
4-7:30 PM:
Final registration, Happy Hour, and Captains’ Meeting at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club
Sunday 6/28 & Monday 6/29
6:30-7 AM: Visual check out North Side of Fuel Dock
7 AM: Shotgun Start
4 PM: Lines Out
6 PM: All boats inside Honokohau Marina
6:30 PM: Deadline for release video submissions (see below for exceptions)
Monday, June 29
5 PM: Live Music, Party, and Dinner at Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club
7:00 PM – Awards Presentation & Raffle Drawings
To register, select your preferred method of payment then download and complete the necessary forms listed below. Mahalo.
To pay with a credit card:
Click the blue “Buy Now” button below:
$772.50
To pay with cash or check:
Download a paper entry form
Make checks payable to Bonnier LLC
ALL entries (both online and paper) require Team Entry Forms, as well as two Liability Waivers.
All HMTS Tournaments abide by the International Game Fish Association’s International Angling Rules. Additional HMTS General Rules and specific Kona Kick Off Rules also apply.
HMTS 2026 Schedule
Check out past winners, highlights and updates from the Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series.

From a life-changing blue marlin to a million-dollar season, the story behind Tantrum’s unforgettable year in Kona

Rising participation, record payouts, and legendary performances highlight a transformative season as The Marlin Group ushers the HMTS into its next chapter

Tantrum runs away with series title, winning final leg despite tough fishing
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Copyright © 2026 Marlin. A Bonnier LLC Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
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