Heinz Koster (R.I.P.)

Heinz Koster passed away on August 30 on the island of Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga, following a period of ill health.

Heinz was an extraordinary individual and one of the first game fishermen in the early 1980s to experience the thrill of battling big blue marlin.
Fishing out of a 14ft (4.3m) open boat, aptly named the Lone Ranger, he managed to catch 54 billfish single-handed a feat rarely attempted, let alone achieved, and to this day still holds all-tackle records for blue and striped marlin.

His contribution to game-fishing development in the kingdom was second to none, and he was Tonga’s longest standing IGFA representative, as well as President of TIGFA, VSFC and Vava’u Charter Boat Association.

In acknowledging Heinz’s contribution, the VSFC has established The Heinz Koster Memorial Trophy, a prestigious award that recognises the highest standard of angling excellence.

Heinz is survived by his loving wife of some 35 years and three children.

On behalf of Vava’u and all the kingdom’s fishermen, we express our sincere condolences to the family.

- © Fairfax NZ News