Brothers Kirk and Clark McNulty together founded Hookbuzz.com to promote the waterman’s lifestyle.Tragically, Kirk passed away. In tribute, the 1st Annual White Seabass Spearfishing Classic was started to honor his legacy.
“Kirk was a Surfer, Diver, Brother and Son,” said Clark. “He was a world class waterman who was inspired by everything ocean.”
Sponsored by Dive N’ Surf and Body Glove, the tournament spanned the dates of March 1-May 31st. In keeping with Kirk’s environmental spirit, all proceeds were donated to the Westcoast White Seabass Hatchery to help improve the White Sea Bass population on our coast. Over 20 prizes with a combined value of $3000+ were donated from Sand Dollar Charters, GoPro, Electric Visual, Celestron Binoculars, Go Wild River Back Packs, MudEnergy Gels, DEEP Spearfishing Magazine, Fish 101 Restaurant, SeaSniper Apparel,HookBuzz Apparel and more.
Fittingly, the tournament was won by South Bay local Paul Hugoboom with a White Seabass speared in local waters.
“White Seabass is a very soft fleshed fish that has incredible power and as a spear fisherman if you don’t get an excellent shot you probably will not land it ,” Hugoboom said. “Must concerned Seebass hunters I know have patience and wait for the good shot to ensure they land the great fish.”
Hugoboom’s fish was a monster, weighing out at 72.20 pounds.
“Most experienced hunters I know also prefer shooting the fish when they’re completely underwater in the fishes natural environment,” Hugoboom said. “This gives the fish an equal chance at survival rather than floating on the surface and just shooting down on it where it has no idea you’re there. In my opinion, this is very unsportsmanlike.”
After the tournaments deadline, a follow up celebration was held at Dive N Surf and the new Body Glove Headquarters in Redondo Beach.
“This tournament will bring awareness to the sustainable nature of spearfishing, and will introduce the next generation of ocean pioneers to the sport,” Clark said. “It is my hope that this annual tournament will keep Kirk’s spirit alive and serve as a forum to educate people on the merits of coastal conservation and the beneficial role waterman play in protecting our fisheries and environment.” DZ
