Humdinger
Captain Jeff Fay has been fishing the waters off Kona, Hawaii for giant blue marlin for over 40 years. In addition to his numerous decades of knowledge and experience he has collected in Kona, Captain Jeff Fay has operated several charter boats for owners the world over. Captain Fay now runs the Humdinger as a father son team with his son Captain Brett Fay.
Captain Fay began his charter fishing career in Kona Hawaii crewing for Terry Truman aboard the Kua Lua in 1966. Shortly thereafter he moved to the Malia where he crewed for West Vannetta. In 1975, he partnered with Captain Peter B. Wright and purchased the Humdinger, a 37' Rybovich located in Tampa, Florida. After moving the boat from Florida, Jeff and Peter chartered the Humdinger out of Kona until the mid 1980's when Jeff bought out partner Peter B. Wright and then briefly partnered with globe trotting big game angler Jerry Dunaway. Shortly thereafter, Jeff purchased Jerry's remaining interest in the Humdinger and has been operating this classic Rybovich from Kona Hawaii ever since.
The boat, hull #33, was originally named "Gem" and built by Rybovich Boat Works in Palm Beach, Florisa in 1958. The original owner, George Molle, commissioned Rybovich to build him a boat with one stipulation; that the boat be constructed using a Catalyzed Epoxy Resin. This technique was the first of its kind used in the construction of Sportfishing boats and went on to revolutionize the industry. After over 55 years of continuous charter service, the Humdinger demonstrates the durability of the cold molded fiberglass construction pioneered by Tommy Rybovich and used extensively in the manufacturing of sportfishing boats the world over.
Captain Fay has enjoyed a rich and successful career in the big game sportfishing community. After capturing his first "Grander" in 1972, Jeff has gone on to assist anglers on 11 marlin over 1,000 pounds worldwide. Additionally he has captained anglers to numerous world records, the two most recently in Kona when Jeff captained Debra Dunaway to her last two world records to complete her bid to be the first angler in history, man or woman, to hold a world record for every species of billfish in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Additionally, Captain Fay is the only three-time winner of the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament's "Henry Chee Award" presented to the top-scoring captain in the tournament.
Captain Brett Fay, Jeff's son, is a native of Hawaii; born on the Big Island and raised in Kona. Brett grew up fishing in Kona with his father, Captain Jeff Fay, on the 37’ Rybovich “Humdinger”. He enjoys surfing, hunting, and fishing and just about anything that involves being outdoors. At age five, Brett caught his first Blue Marlin, and has been “Hooked” ever since.
Brett literally grew up on the Humdinger, learning the trade of Big Game Sportfishing and boat handling from his father Jeff and mentor, Captain Henry “Butch” Chee Jr. Brett received his U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License at age 20 and began assisting his dad chartering guests on the Humdinger. Brett is an accomplished Captain and boat handler and works hard to share his passion for Hawaii, the Outdoors and Sportfishing with his guests and clients.
Sportfish Hawaii is proud to represent Humdinger in our fleet of high class charter boats.
From Svend, who chartered the Humdinger for two full day trips:
"Just to let you know that my wife and I enjoyed the two days (despite Saturday’s wind getting up) with Humdinger. I really appreciated the professional, friendly manner and skills on board. Great two days. Thanks"
For further information or to make reservations please call toll free 877-388-1376 or email kathy@sportfishhawaii.com.