Do you have a hobby that captivates you so completely that you lose track of time, perhaps even forgetting to eat until you suddenly realize it’s nearly midnight?
Do you ever wish you were like an ever-ready battery, continuously active, or have another version of yourself to carry on while the other needs recharging?
If this resonates with you, then you and I share a common experience, much like Duke, who embodied this spirit as well.
Throughout my collection of newspapers, magazines, and books about Duke, there is a consistent theme: his lifelong passion for fishing.
In one of my blogs titled “NADU K,” named after his catamaran yacht, I recount his participation in a Trans-Pacific yacht race that began in San Pedro, California, and concluded in Hawaii.
Duke was a true waterman, relishing everything related to boats—whether it was leisurely cruising, fishing, or racing. I recently discovered a photograph of a younger Duke, impeccably dressed on a fishing trip in California.
Some of his happiest moments in later years were undoubtedly spent fishing from his boat, which I have included in tonight’s blog.
In Kenneth Francis Brown’s book, the nephew of Francis “I” Brown—Duke’s best friend—remembers Duke’s participation in the Hawaiian International Billfish Competition, where clubs worldwide compete. The tournament’s winner is determined by the total weight of blue marlin caught by a four-person team.
Duke fished in this tournament for many years alongside Brown and the Kawaiahae Fishing Club, often taking the helm instead of casting a line.
During one competition, their crew was in contention for the lead against two other teams. When Duke hooked a large blue marlin that could have secured their victory, he was instructed to tighten the drag but inadvertently broke the rod in three places, resulting in disqualification. This incident, however, highlighted his incredible strength as a 71-year-old man.
Interestingly, it did not seem to faze him, as Brown noted. They successfully boated the fish instead of cutting the line, and it weighed an impressive 596 pounds.
Despite being older, Duke maintained a youthful mindset, exemplified by his playful gesture of wearing the fishing rod around his neck like a lei. In honor of Duke, a large wooden perpetual trophy, intricately carved in the likeness of a billfish, is awarded annually to the angler who catches the largest fish in the tournament held in Kona each summer.
Intrigued by Duke’s legacy, I looked into whether the tournament he participated in still exists. To my delight, it does! Although it was canceled in 2024 due to low participation, it is scheduled to return from July 26 to August 2, 2025.
Duke’s journey began with swimming, which opened doors to various water-related activities that enriched his life. While my own hobbies may not center on water, my decision to pursue jewelry making evolved into a broader exploration of creativity. Over the years, I discovered numerous other interests beyond just jewelry, and my passion continues to grow.
Having a hobby brought Duke immense joy and fulfillment, which he pursued throughout his life until his passing.
It’s poignant to note that the photograph used in the newspaper to announce his passing shows him with wet hair, suggesting he had just finished swimming, even though his last moments occurred in a parking lot.
At this point, I find myself at a natural conclusion for this blog. Until next time, I hope to share more stories and reflections.
