Seth
04-14-2008, 12:31 PM
It is with great sadness that I learned of the recent passing of Capt. George Parker of Kona, Hawaii at the age of 96. Capt. Parker was one of the last truly legendary pioneers of sport fishing. Being the first to catch a grander blue marlin in the Pacific in 1954, he lobbied for years to have to fish recognized as a blue marlin and not a black, as the IGFA at the time did not recognize blue marlin in the Pacific. He was inspirational in the development of the Honokohau marina in Kona. Capt. Parker's contribution to the world of sport fishing are truly historic. I was just in his home a little over a month ago to film an interview about the history of heavy tackle big game fishing and I cannot tell you how touched I was by his hospitality. What a wonderful man. We talked for hours about the early days and the development of fishing in Hawaii and how the Hawaiian style has influenced the world. He was sharp and funny as if he was still a young man. We laughed and shared many great adventures. We have lost a great legend. My thanks and condolences to his family for opening the lives and home to me as well as their loss. God Bless him!