Furuno Captain on a Run Teddy Hoogs: Three Generations of Kona Knowledge

Capt. Teddy Hoogs is once again at the front of the InTheBite Hawaii Captain of the Year race, but some of what continues to guide him in Kona was learned long before his back-to-back division titles in 2022 and 2023.

Hoogs grew up fishing alongside his father, absorbing lessons he admits he didn’t fully appreciate at the time. Today, those lessons remain part of how he approaches one of the world’s most challenging blue marlin fisheries. And this season, the circle has gotten a little wider with Hoogs’ 12-year-old son, Landon, joining the crew and beginning to collect some of those same experiences himself.

There is also plenty of experience surrounding Hoogs aboard the boat. Owner and angler Craig Lindner leads a program built around a crew that has spent years fishing together.

“Our team has been fishing together for quite some time, that might be the biggest key for some of our success,” Hoogs said. “Leading us is boat owner and angler Craig Lindner, he sets the tone allowing us to do what we do best. We strive for consistency with all that we do, boat, tackle and crew.”

That experience has been valuable during a challenging Kona season. Overall numbers haven’t shown up yet, according to Hoogs, but quality-size fish have been fairly steady.

That can make tournament fishing particularly interesting.

“Outcomes can change quickly with one bite from a big fish,” Hoogs said.

Experience on Deck

Carl Shepard and Bobby Cherry have each been part of the program for more than a decade, while Camden Arrand is a recent addition who Hoogs says has integrated seamlessly.

“All incredible fishy guys on their own adding value and expertise to our success,” Hoogs said. “Best of all is the attitude and determination they bring everyday keeping spirits elevated and fun.”

This season, that veteran crew has also taken on another role: helping teach the youngest member aboard.

Landon Hoogs has been able to join his father for the tournament season and, at just 12 years old, is already contributing.

“Landon’s been a big help and a big part of some clutch catches,” Hoogs said. “He has been soaking it all in learning from my great crew who have been awesome including him in on the action and helping develop his skill.”

For Teddy, watching his son learn aboard the boat brings his own upbringing in Kona full circle.

Lessons That Last

Hoogs’ father spent a lifetime as a captain, and Teddy says his influence remains with him every day he goes fishing.

“I think about him daily and the many years we spent together fishing,” Hoogs said. “Much of the information I took for granted at the time as a young kid/crew turned invaluable later in life.”

Those lessons weren’t always complicated. A landmark his father pointed out years ago, subtle signs in bird activity or recognizing how conditions change throughout the day are pieces of information Hoogs still draws upon today.

“Kona is a tough fishery to figure out, experience is a big part of consistency,” Hoogs said. “Very grateful to gain some of his knowledge and follow it up with my own experiences.”

Now some of that accumulated knowledge is beginning to move to another generation, with Landon learning alongside his father and a crew that has spent years developing its own understanding of the Kona fishery.

Meanwhile, there is still a Captain of the Year race to finish.

Hoogs knows better than to get comfortable at the top of the Hawaii Division with strong captains and crews capable of changing the standings quickly.

“Competition is tight in Kona, many great Captains and Crew, you’re never safe!” Hoogs said. “Hopefully we can keep it going but regardless we will have fun trying.”

Captain of the Year Home

2026 Standings:

Capt. Teddy Hoogs / Bwana / 2,400 pts.

• Lure Maker Challenge, 2nd Place, 300 pts.
• Rock N Reel Tournament, 1st Place, 500 pts.
• Kona Kickoff, 1st Place, 500 pts.
• Firecracker Open, 1st Place Heaviest Marlin 732 lbs., 500 pts.
• Firecracker Open, 1st Place, 500 pts.
• Marlin Magic Tournament, 3rd Place, 100 pts.

Capt. Tracy Epstein / Last Chance / 1,500 pts.

• Lure Maker Challenge, 1st Place, 500 pts.
• Marlin Magic Tournament, 1st Place, 500 pts.
• Kona Throw Down, 1st Place, 500 pts.

Capt. Kevin Hibbard / 2nd Offense / 600 pts.

• Rock N Reel Tournament, 2nd Place, 300 pts.
• Kona Kick Off, 2nd Place, 300 pts.

Capt. Carlton Taniyama / Five Star / 600 pts.

• Kona Kick Off, Heaviest Marlin 595 lbs., 500 pts.
• Firecracker Open, 3rd Place, 100 pts.

Capt. Joe Thrasher / Bad Company / 500 pts.

• Kona Throw Down, 1st Place, 500 pts.

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