Kiwis snatched the top prizes in the 2008 - 17th Tonga International Billfish Tournament held in Vava'u from September 4-9.

The tournament attracted six foreign boats - four from New Zealand, and one each from the USA and Australia - along with only one local competitor.

At the end of four days of fishing under "not the best" sea conditions and wind, the Cabo Raiders Team took the team prize, which included an invitation to fish in the 2009 IGFA Offshore championship in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

In second place was the Kiwi Magic team, who won the invitation to fish in the 'Vanuatu Marlin Classic' in June 2009.

The most meritorious catch, a 181kg Blue Marlin went to Rodney Howard of New Zealand.

The major sponsor for the tournament was E. M. Jones Ltd. in conjunction with Sea Harvester and Yamaha.

Official Results

Mahimahi Section
Highest scoring Angler (Trophy): Paul Dippie (Angler), Kiwi Magic (Boat).

Wahoo Section
Heaviest Wahoo (Trophy): Gary Krom (Angler), Reel Addiction (Boat).

Tuna Section
Highest Scoring Angler: Paul Dippie, Kiwi Magic.

Billfish Section
Highest Scoring Striped Marlin: Mike Wood, Lavinuella.
Highest scoring Blue Marlin: Paul Dippie, Kiwi Magic.
Heaviest weighed Marlin: Rodney Howard, Reel Addiction.
Most Meritorious Catch: Rodney Howard, Reel Addiction.
Highest scoring T&R Angler: Paul Dippie, Kiwi Magic.
First T&R Angler: Owen Reynolds, Reel Addiction.
Highest Scoring Local Angler: Nathan Rewi, Dora Malia.
Highest Scoring International: Paul Dippie, Kiwi Magic.
Highest scoring Charter Boat: Steve Campbell, Reel Addiction.
Most Species Caught: Paul Dippie, Kiwi Magic.