Makena Landing, Maui, Hawaiʻi — November 22–23, 2025

The USAngling Regional Qualifier at Makena Landing concluded with strong performances and outstanding community support as anglers competed in excellent ocean conditions challenged by a powerful current. Safety crews performed exceptionally throughout the event, including assisting an angler affected by the current, ensuring a safe and successful tournament.

Tournament Director Tai Over once again delivered a well-run event, continuing to build one of Maui’s longest-running competitive kayak fishing tournament, with a strong focus on community involvement and youth development. Live music, a traditionally roasted pig, along with a raffle was provided to all attendees thanks to generous donations from the community and help from volunteers. USAngling extends a sincere thank-you to primary sponsor Choke Fishing Supplies and owner Tony Vega for their continued dedication and outstanding support of this event year after year.

Some impressive fish came up for the qualifiers and Jonathan McDonnall earned top qualifying honors with a 34.10 lb Wahoo, 2nd place went to Team USA Alumni Wes Calvan with an impressive 30 lb yellowfin tuna. Closely behind with a 29 pound wahoo, 3rd place qualifier, Bryce Hanada.

Top 10 Overall Results — National Championship Qualifiers

The athletes listed below have qualified for the USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship, scheduled for August 14–16 in San Diego, California:

1) Jonathan McDonnall wahoo 34lbs.

2) Wes Calvin yellowfin tuna 30lbs.

3) Bryce Hanada wahoo 29lbs

4) Andre Carter yellowfin tuna 22lbs

5) Nelson Campos mahi 16lbs

6) Giorgio Dieguez mahi 14lbs

7) Cheslei Akima uku 14lbs

8) Alika Akima uku 11lbs

9) Jenn Brown Kagami 10lbs

10) Kaeo Miguel uku 3lbs is

Lyle Fujimori: A wild card 

Tai Over: Director

Gilbert Tabon: D wild card

Marshal Montez: D wild card 

Christian Lee: U wild card 

Dane Nacht: U wild card 

A= Alumni wildcard (1)

D= Director wild card (2)

U= USA wild card (2)

USAngling congratulates all competitors, with special recognition to the youth anglers who continue to represent the future of the sport. USAngling is proud of the Maui community’s commitment to developing youth athletes and fostering the next generation of competitive anglers.

“We are very proud to continue working with Regional Tournament Director Tai Over to provide Hawaii kayak anglers a path forward to the National Championship — and hopefully onto Team USA,” said David Elgas, Vice President of USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing.