Kayaker missing off Hawaii - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

JohnMckroidJr · Yesterday, 01:54 AM

https://bigislandnow.com/2025/04/28/...he-kona-coast/

The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a kayaker reported missing over the weekend off the west side of Hawaii island.

The Coast Guard in Honolulu received a call at about 10 a.m. Sunday from the Hawaii County Fire Department for an unmanned kayak about 400 yards offshore from Keauhou.

The fire department identified the missing man as Jared Willeford, 42, who was last seen launching a yellow kayak into the ocean at about 8 a.m. Sunday.

Willeford?s family confirmed that his truck and trailer were still at the Keauhou boat ramp in Kailua-Kona. He was last seen wearing orange bib pants, the Coast Guard said.

USCG officials said they issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Barbers Point, along with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to search for Willeford.

Anyone with information should contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM channel 16 or the Sector Honolulu command center at 808-842-2600.

Pinhead · Yesterday, 03:14 PM

I just looked him up and found his Instagram. He's got some pretty amazing big fish pics, likely very experienced kayaker. However, I didn't see one picture of him wearing a life jacket or one in his kayak. I hope he is found alive.

Thanks for posting this.

MITCHELL · Yesterday, 04:22 PM

Waders with no PFD that's a recipe for disaster.
Sending prayers 🙏 your way.
People don't realize how easy it it to get knocked unconscious and fall in the water. Especially taking on big game

MITCHELL · Yesterday, 04:38 PM

Paddling back to the beach one time in la Jolla and going all the way back to my truck to get my PFD because i felt so unsafe. Never be a risk taker...without a PFD. Your out in ocean current...you fall in the water the wind is blowing your kayak like a balloon across the water and ocean current is pulling you the opposite way
And BTW switch backs on big fish are uncontrollable that can throw you off balance.
Your pretty much.just along for the ride. And I caught everything fishing LJ. Day and night 🌙 don't be stupid be safe

MITCHELL · Yesterday, 05:17 PM

You need a tight belt around your waist to cut down on waders filling up with water. Obviously if your in the water and you want to take them off you have to slide the straps under your PHD if they are keeping you from getting back in your kayak.

Yesterday, 04:22 PM	#3
MITCHELL Sea Hunter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Where ever I may roam where I lay my head I call home. Posts: 2,299	Wow.... Waders with no PFD that's a recipe for disaster. Sending prayers 🙏 your way. People don't realize how easy it it to get knocked unconscious and fall in the water. Especially taking on big game __________________ Duke Mitchell Last edited by MITCHELL; Yesterday at 04:30 PM.

Yesterday, 04:38 PM	#4
MITCHELL Sea Hunter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Where ever I may roam where I lay my head I call home. Posts: 2,299	I can remember..... Paddling back to the beach one time in la Jolla and going all the way back to my truck to get my PFD because i felt so unsafe. Never be a risk taker...without a PFD. Your out in ocean current...you fall in the water the wind is blowing your kayak like a balloon across the water and ocean current is pulling you the opposite way And BTW switch backs on big fish are uncontrollable that can throw you off balance. Your pretty much.just along for the ride. And I caught everything fishing LJ. Day and night 🌙 don't be stupid be safe __________________ Duke Mitchell Last edited by MITCHELL; Yesterday at 04:58 PM.

Yesterday, 05:17 PM	#5
MITCHELL Sea Hunter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Where ever I may roam where I lay my head I call home. Posts: 2,299	Also if your wearing waders.....and you fall in the water You need a tight belt around your waist to cut down on waders filling up with water. Obviously if your in the water and you want to take them off you have to slide the straps under your PHD if they are keeping you from getting back in your kayak. __________________ Duke Mitchell

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Yesterday, 03:14 PM	#2
Pinhead We all Stink Sometimes! Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 175	I just looked him up and found his Instagram. He's got some pretty amazing big fish pics, likely very experienced kayaker. However, I didn't see one picture of him wearing a life jacket or one in his kayak. I hope he is found alive. Thanks for posting this.