In Memoriam for Joe Yee

It is with great sorrow in our hearts we are informing you of the passing of another HIBT Ohana Member.

In Memoriam: Joe Yee

Beloved Joe Yee, a legendary gamefish lure maker

It is with deep heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Yee, a legendary gamefish lure maker from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Joe Yee's innovative lures and contributions to the sport fishing industry have left an indelible mark on the world of big game fishing.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Joe Yee began his journey in lure making in 1960, shortly after Hawaii became the 50th state. What started as a part-time hobby quickly evolved into a full-time passion that would span over six decades.

Early Beginnings

As a teenager, Joe honed his craftsman skills shaping fiberglass surfboards for local legends like Duke Kahanamoku. His experience as an aircraft mechanic and his innovative spirit led him to create his first resin-headed lure using repurposed spark plug parts and surfboard resin.

Innovative Designs

Joe Yee's lures quickly gained fame for their effectiveness and quality. His most renowned creations include:

Super Plunger

Crackerjack

Apollo

Evil

24/7

501

These lures have accounted for several world-record billfish and numerous thousand-pound marlin catches.

Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament

Joe Yee was a fixture at the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT). He would set up a display table during registration, selling his lures to anglers from around the world. This exposure helped spread his reputation globally, as visiting anglers took their new Yee lures home and often out fished local lure makers. Joe also participated in the early HIBT tournaments, fishing alongside Hawaii state senator Kenny Brown. His involvement in these events further cemented his status as a legend in the sport fishing community.

A Lasting Impact

Even at the age of 92, Joe Yee continued to craft his lures by hand in his basement workshop in Honolulu, assisted by his grandson, Steven Kegley. His dedication to his craft and the sport of fishing earned him a place in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame in 2022

.Joe Yee's lures remain among the most sought-after in the game, prized by collectors and captains alike. His legacy lives on through the countless anglers who continue using his creations and the many lure makers he has inspired. The sport fishing community has lost a true pioneer, but Joe Yee's impact on the industry will be felt for generations to come. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many anglers whose lives he touched through his craft.

Joe was more than just a friend, he was Hanai Family, and part of his legacy lives on in all that knew him.

He will be greatly missed, and to Joe, we say aloha and A hui hou . 

Until we meet again.