COURTESY HAWAIIAN INTERNATIONAL BILLFISH TOURNAMENT The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament starts with a Meet the Teams party tonight.

Catch some reel fun at Kona Coast billfish tourney

The Kona Coast plays host to the 48th annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, beginning with a Meet the Teams Chef's Night Party 6 to 9 p.m. tonight at Hulihe'e Palace, and continuing through Aug. 10.

Teams from around the world will be competing for the HIBT Governors Trophy and find out whether they can top the 1,011-pound Pacific blue marlin caught in March. Most of the marlin caught are tagged and released to promote conservation.

Tickets for the Meet the Teams party are $100 for adults, $35 for children ages 6 to 12, and $15 for children younger than 6.

Another event highlight is the Awards Banquet beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday in the Kamakahonu Room in the Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. Tickets are $125 for adults, $60 for ages 6 to 12, and $35 for younger than 6.

For information call (808) 836-3422 or log onto www.hibtfishing.com. For information about fishing off the Kona Coast, visit www.FishingHawaiiOffshore.com.