CATCH AND RELEASE

Dylan Imaikalani Watanabe and Octavius
(Photo courtesy of "GGMA" or Great-Grandmother Marion Haruko Aqui)

Inspired by Grand-Uncle Charlie's capture of two large octopi (see blog references below*), Dylan Imaikalani Watanabe--on his own initiative and all by himself--set about one morning to find his own octopus.

He labored long and hard, but his diligent and patient efforts were finally rewarded when he spied Octavius neatly camouflaged and almost invisible in a chaotic cluster of green

sheets, pillows, clothing, and toys.

After a long struggle, the determined five-year-old finally overcame the wily eight-legged invertebrate.  Dylan was perspiring profusely, but we wiped him dry before the above photo was taken. 

For the advancement of oceanography studies at the University of Hawaii, Dylan tagged the octopus with important details such as beach location, date of capture, weight of the animal, and what fishing method was employed.

Dylan is in strict compliance with the Hawaii statute requiring the release of sea creatures that are undersized. 

When complimented about his catch and even more so about his faithful adherence to state law, Dylan commented,  "Well, actually, Uncle, I was tempted to keep him.  The real reason I'm throwing this buggah back is because he's too small to eat!"

*(See the following two posts.)

http://hawaiianodysseus.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-brother-charlie-excellent-octopus.html

http://hawaiianodysseus2.blogspot.com/2011/01/silas-kaumakahia-aqui-with-6-lb-octopus.html