Leighton Nakamoto

Leighton was born on Oahu, raised on Maui, and it is 100% fair to say that fishing is deeply ingrained in his life and lifestyle. His grandfather was a deckhand on the "Orion" and "Tradewind" aku boats starting in the 1960's, and he grew up fishing considering that his uncles, father, and essentially everyone in his family had boats. Leighton's love for fishing lead him to start making lures in 1995 under the label of "Ganku Lures." Leighton is known in the lure making world for his attention to detail, focus on quality, and impeccable craftsmanship. He is truly a perfectionist, and the depth of detail that he puts into each lure is second to none. If you don't believe me, take a look at the eyes on a Ganku lure. They are truly works of art. Leighton primarily focuses on making lures 9 inches and under with the purpose of putting meat in the box and food on the table. That being said, Ganku lures are highly desired and sought after, as they have accounted for many 200+lb ahis and marlin pushing 900 lbs. Leighton has always been a person who appreciates art, so lure collecting for him happened very organically. He had a habit of just looking at old lures from friends and imagining the vision that the lure maker had that inspired the final product. He also sees a great amount of importance in the history of lure making. According to Leighton, "The history is hugely important as it was true visionaries that came up with the concept of lure making. Whether by accident (leftover resin and a screwdriver in a jar) or on purpose, the modern day trolling lure started with someone taking a chance on an idea. That idea completely changed fishing as we know it, and continues to evolve to this day."

Ron Akana

Ron began his fishing passion at the age of 4 catching tilapia in a canal in Kailua, Oahu. Shoreline fishing followed, and his first experience “deep sea” fishing off Mahukona, Hawaii was in the early 1970’s. He fished off Kaneohe, Oahu from the mid-1970’s through the early 2000’s each weekend, and learned how to make big game fishing lures in the early 1980’s. He’s refined his craft by his friendships and dialogue with other lure makers such as Steve Coggin, Eric Koyanagi, and Gary Yamamoto. Also, the creation of the internet during this time provided the means to connect with other fishermen around the world. One of the biggest names in the fishing world during this time was Capt. (Black) Bart Miller who made a name for himself in Kona and throughout the world. Capt. Bart provided a lifelong memory when he contacted Ron complimenting him on his passion of lure making. The biggest ahi of Ron's fishing career was captured on one of his lures and he continues to make big game fishing lures to this day under the label "Big Reidee Lures". He enjoys taking his art to another level by continually experimenting and refining his craft.

Michael Marks

Mike was born and raised on Oahu and has been fishing ever since he could hold a rod and reel on his own. He works full time in the real estate industry but fishing and surfing are what he is truly passionate about. His love and pursuit of big fish have brought him all around the world including angling the Bisbees tournament series in Cabo, FAD trips to Costa Rica and Panama, Australia, Alaska, and he has deck handed for charter boats on Oahu in addition to being a deckhand and angler in the Kona Tournament series. He has written a handful of fishing related articles detailing his experiences that have been published in “In the Bite” magazine and Hawaii Fishing News. Mike’s first introduction to the vintage lure world was in 2010 from now good friend and vintage lure encyclopedia, Jeremy Van Bronckhorst. After learning about the unique role that Hawaiian fisherman played in lure making history he was hooked, and he has been learning, collecting, and documenting information about vintage Hawaiian lures ever since. He is a firm believer that there is a huge gap in the amount of information about lure making history that is available to the public, and is excited to help others learn more about the deep impact that Hawaiian lure makers have made on fishing as we know it today.

Kim Rose

Kim is the grand daughter of the legendary lure maker and captain, Rick "Big Eddy" Rose. She was instrumental in compiling the biographical information about Rick, his lure making career and his historical catches. She currently resides on Maui and is proud to be a descendant of one of the true pioneers of lure making.

David Kaita

David is the son of legendary lure maker, Chester Kaita. Lure making runs deep in the veins of the members of the Kaita family, and David began helping his father make lures at the age of 12. David has continued to refine his craft throughout the years and continues to make lures to this day under his personal "Kaita Hawaii" lure label.