Remembering Mike Sakamoto

Whenever I heard the familiar theme song and Mike Sakamoto’s signature phrase “Fishing Tale!” I stopped whatever I was doing for the next 30 minutes. It was my escape from work and it instantly took me on a mental vacation. If I couldn’t be there, it was the next best thing.

When I first met Mike over 20 years ago I thought “Here’s the guy with the perfect job.” Getting paid to go fishing seemed like a dream job, so when he invited me to join him I jumped at the chance. During those plane trips, boat rides, while waiting for the fish to bite and over meals we became fast friends. I admired Mike for his work ethic, creativity and resourcefulness -- as well as his seemingly endless supply of energy. He shared his family and a new circle of friends with me – something I will always treasure. There was never a shortage of jokes, stories, laughter and jibes. I can still hear him saying “Yeah, right.” when I teased him that he had to “be in touch with his feminine side” to create such stunning watercolor paintings.

Although he was recognized everywhere he went, Mike was completely unpretentious and never expected to be treated differently from anyone else. Instead he used his knowledge and celebrity to be an advocate for responsible fishing practices, conservation, to promote “catch and release” fishing and to guard against unreasonable legislation affecting fishermen. I soon recognized that he was also a meticulous researcher and planner with unswerving determination which served him well as a fishing show producer. Fishing Tales raised the standard of excellence in fishing shows by including educational content and promoting conservation as well as improving production quality. Most of all, Mike proved to be a loyal and trustworthy friend to so many of us.

Early in our friendship, a buddy named Paul accompanied him everywhere – even on business trips to Honolulu. I assumed he was an associate but soon discovered that he was a dear friend who was going through a divorce. As busy as he was, Mike wanted to keep Paul occupied during this painful time in his life and worried about him being alone.

Over the years I discovered that Hawaii’s most famous fisherman was a man of many interests and talents; an accomplished painter, author, teacher and craftsman who enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others. I’ll never forget how he patiently coached me as I took 45 minutes to land my first mahimahi, a 25 lb. bull, on 20 lb. spinning tackle from a boat off of Moloka‘i. He urged me “Take your time – don’t force it.” When we landed it, the hook was starting to bend open – Mike was right.

Whether we went prawning in the mountains of Oahu or diving off Moloka’i – and whether it was from shore, in a boat or under water, Mike knew how to do it all well. He made it look so easy and like so much fun.

What most of us didn’t see were the endless weeks of work, travel, planning, editing and writing it took to produce the weekly half-hour show we enjoyed so much. Eighteen years of producing the program -- and especially selling commercial air-time -- wore on him. Mike was never afraid of hard work but longed to spend time with his beloved wife Kathleen, son Paul, daughter Stefanie and their family pets.

In the summer of 2008, just months before he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Mike told me “I’ve never been happier in my life. I have a wife who’s my best friend, great kids and grandchildren. I’m doing what I love and I couldn’t ask for more.” He was truly happy and enjoying life while also teaching painting at the Kamana Senior Center in Hilo, teaching an adult education class in fishing and having time to write and paint. Stefanie recalls being awakened by his rummaging through art supplies at 3:00 a.m. to sketch an idea in a moment of inspiration.

If there is any comfort to be found in his loss, it is in knowing that Mike spent the last part of his life with those he loved, doing what he loved most. A TV show host, artist, fisherman, author, teacher, mentor and friend, Mike Sakamoto was all that and more. That’s the Mike Sakamoto I’ll always remember. Note: A Mike Sakamoto Scholarship is being established by PIFG in Mike’s memory. For more information, contact Pacific Islands Fisheries Group at www.fishtoday.org.

AUDY KIMURA

He was one of Hawaii’s most beloved sons. A conservationist, artist, advocate, leader among leaders, mentor, teacher and passionate student. A man who had a zest for life, Mike Sakamoto strove for perfection in each and every undertaking. What kind of person was Mike Sakamoto? Perhaps this question is best answered by this short story.

Several years ago, while still producing Fishing Tales with Mike Sakamoto, Mike was approached by a couple of military veterans. The Gentlemen asked him if he could help one of their friends, a war veteran who had lost an arm in battle and was now fighting depression over his condition. Disabled themselves, the two asked Mike if he would take them fishing, hoping that this would lift their friend’s spirits. He had secluded himself and they were deeply concerned.

“Bring him by, and I’ll talk to him” Mike replied. Upon their meeting, Mike spoke quite frankly. “How you going fish with only one arm? You gotta be able to tie your own gear. You gotta pull your own weight if you want to fish with us.” The veteran was stunned. Expecting a little more sympathy, the vet left, determined to prove his worth.

About a week later, the wounded soldier returned. He had learned to master a knot and hurriedly tied it before Mike. “ There, now you gotta take me fishing! “ he bellowed. Mike smiled and did just that, filming one of his most memorable episodes in the process. It was a turning point in the soldier’s life. Mike not only demanded the best in himself, but the best in his fellow man. He was a positive influence in those fortunate enough to be touched by him. It is the greatest legacy anyone can have. There will never be another Mike Sakamoto. I know that he and I will fish together again someday. Till then, I shall miss him dearly. Goodbye my friend.

BRIAN KIMATA

“My Dad had many an occupation listed on the resume of his life: artist, teacher, fisherman, television producer, businessman, salesman, writer, golfer, crafter, history buff, and tailor. We always said that Dad would kick ass if he was on the TV show, Survivor, as he had this uncanny talent for finding something edible, anywhere we went. We’d be playing golf, he’d disappear into the bushes, and emerge with oranges or mangoes.

It was a running joke that Dad believed bananas would cure anything. Me: “My throat hurts.” Dad: “Eat a banana. You’ll feel better.” Me: “I have a sprained wrist.” Dad: “Eat a banana. You’ll feel better.” That guy on Survivorman has got nothing on Dad.

It pains me to know I’ll never again hear him teach me about the reasons for World War II, or why the sides of the boat are called port and starboard. He won’t be around anymore to pinch my ears until they turned red. But I am thankful that he was able to meet my son, that he was around for my biggest “Fishing Tale”, that I got to go fishing in the bay with him, was able to share countless meals and golf rounds with one another. I know he was forever proud of me and my brother, and felt so blessed to have led the life he did. When my Dad told me he had cancer and I started to cry, he told me, “Don’t worry, I not going die. Pilau guys don’t die early”. I laughed then, but inside I knew that he was the least “pilau” guy, the most likely to go out of his way to thank those who were kind to him or his family, the guy who lived his life selflessly and passionately. The good die young, they say, and it was true for my Dad.

He leaves behind an amazing legacy that my family and I are just beginning to realize. Now that he’s no longer with us, my only hope is that his passion for fishing and the ocean will continue to resonate for generations to come. Dad, you always inspired me, and so many others. Thanks for everything, and I’ll see you in my heart.”

STEFANIE SAKAMOTO

FISHING TALES RAISED THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE IN FISHING SHOWS BY INCLUDING EDUCATIONAL CONTENT, PROMOTING CONSERVATION AS WELL AS IMPROVING PRODUCTION QUALITY.