The Mayor of Bamboo Ridge

Bamboo Ridge, one of the most well known ulua fishing spots on the island of Oahu, has been the second home to hundreds of fishermen over the years.  A few of them frequented the beloved fishing spot on such a regular basis that they inherited the nickname, “Mayor of Bamboo Ridge”. By their familiarity of the place or by virtue of simply being able to manage people, these particular shorecasters took on the role of orchestrating what can sometimes be one of the most complicated events in our Hawaii style of fishing: a “full house” during the prime moon phase of ulua season. Some were notorious for running a very tight ship and with an iron hand, instructing new fishermen about the art of fishing in a crowd and in general, keeping order, cleanliness and civility at one of the most popular fishing holes on the island. Some were feared while others were more like ambassadors that handled the job with skillful tact. I was fortunate to sit down and talk on several occasions with the late Masami “Patrick” Akiyama, one of the earliest “Mayors”, long after he had hung up his rods and reels.

Shorecasters that frequented Bamboo Ridge in the late 1940s and early 1950s had ironed out some “rules” for fishing at Bamboo Ridge to make it possible for everyone to have an equal chance at catching fish. This was the only way to allow fishing to occur in a civil manner where a lot of people fish in very close quarters. Pat Akiyama’s run as “Mayor of Bamboo Ridge” spanned from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, during which time he dutifully held up these “rules” and established traditions with efficiency and no-nonsense.  The stories that he shared with me are for another day but for now, these are a few photos from Pat’s time that we would like to share courtesy of the late Pat Akiyama and family.

In 1971, Pat was presented this award by the Ridge “regulars” for his service and dedication as Mayor of Bamboo Ridge. Pat stands in front of the Molokai-facing, “Sand-side” portion of the point along with his grandson. Shortly after this, Pat handed the torch to the next in a long line of fishermen to take on the name, Mayor of Bamboo Ridge.

During the winter months, Bamboo Ridge fishermen pass the time waiting for ulua season by fishing for “small game”. Pat Akiyama spent many a day at “The Ridge” even when the ulua were not running. On one of those lucky days, he landed this monstrous 15 lb oio (bonefish).

Shorecasting clubs often held gatherings or “outings” during the small game season of Bamboo Ridge. A long time member of the Pacific Casting Club, Pat is shown here (front, far left) with fellow club members during an annual outing. Identified left to right are: Pat, Harry Kozuki, James Ogawa, Shigemi “Wamba” Yamasaki, George Tsue, George’s son (front), three unknown boys (back), Fred Kajioka, Oshiro, and Richard Murakawa.