North American Outdoorsman
    What's Hot

    Secure Firearm Storage Saves Lives

    June 5, 2023

    Sandhill Cranes: Today’s Pterodactyl of the Sky

    June 3, 2023

    Plan Some Summer Fun with Your Dog

    June 3, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    North American OutdoorsmanNorth American Outdoorsman
    • Current Issue
    • Publications
      • North American Outdoorsman
      • North American Deer Hunter
      • North American Bowhunter
      • Crossbow Magazine
    • Authors
    • Partners
    • Newsletter
    Facebook Instagram YouTube
    SUBSCRIBE
    • Hunting
      1. Whitetail
      2. Bowhunting
      3. Big Game
      4. Stories
      5. How to Hunt
      6. View All

      15 Best Late-Season Deer Food Plots

      February 13, 2023

      Offseason Wintertime Whitetail Prep

      December 30, 2022

      Process your own deer

      October 21, 2022

      Spot-and-Stalk Whitetail Hunt with my Dad

      October 14, 2022

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      Process your own deer

      October 21, 2022

      Hunting Woodland Caribou: A Newfound Passion

      August 7, 2022

      Bow Birds

      April 1, 2022

      Fishing Hawaii

      December 7, 2022

      A Picture Perfect Hunt for Coulee Muley

      October 13, 2022

      Grizzly Hunt: Too Close for Comfort!

      October 4, 2022

      A Change of Heart — Let’s Hunt Elk

      October 3, 2022

      Where Memories Are Made

      June 3, 2023

      A Boy’s First Goose

      May 12, 2023

      A Bear Primer

      April 6, 2023

      For Goose Hunters, the Best Kind of Snowstorm

      February 19, 2023

      21 Rookie Coyote Hunting Mistakes to Avoid

      April 9, 2023

      Where to Shoot a Black Bear

      April 8, 2023

      Getting Back to the Basics of Turkey Calls

      February 17, 2023

      A Family Affair: Women and Family Range Days

      February 16, 2023

      Sandhill Cranes: Today’s Pterodactyl of the Sky

      June 3, 2023

      Where Memories Are Made

      June 3, 2023

      Sidearms for Hunters: What to Look For

      May 17, 2023

      Here’s Why You Should Become a Fishing or Hunting Mentor

      May 16, 2023
    • Fishing
      1. All Fishing
      2. Fly Fishing
      3. How to Fish
      4. View All

      Sisterhood on the Ice – Annual Ladies’ Ice Fishing Event

      May 24, 2023

      Here’s Why You Should Become a Fishing or Hunting Mentor

      May 16, 2023

      5 Best Tactics for Spring Bass Fishing

      April 29, 2023

      The Cast That Changes Everything—The Double Haul

      April 27, 2023

      How to Pick a Fly Box

      March 3, 2023

      Essential Equipment for Fly Fisherman

      December 20, 2022

      Fly Fishing: Backing, Leaders And Tippets – All You Need to Know

      August 9, 2022

      Lake Texoma: Queen of Inland Striper Fisheries

      March 6, 2023

      How to Pick a Fly Box

      March 3, 2023

      How to Make Winter Walleye Bite

      February 15, 2023

      Hooked! My Love of Ice Fishing for Lake Trout

      February 2, 2023

      Sisterhood on the Ice – Annual Ladies’ Ice Fishing Event

      May 24, 2023

      Here’s Why You Should Become a Fishing or Hunting Mentor

      May 16, 2023

      5 Best Tactics for Spring Bass Fishing

      April 29, 2023

      The Cast That Changes Everything—The Double Haul

      April 27, 2023
    • Gear
      1. Gear Reviews
      2. New Outdoor Gear
      3. View All

      New Garmin Handheld Dog Tracking and Training System – Alpha 300 series with TT25 and T 20 Collars

      May 12, 2023

      Pros and Cons of Every Turkey Shotgun Gauge

      April 6, 2023

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      B105 Kydex Belly Band Review

      August 15, 2022

      Garmin’s New Lineup of Outdoor Navigation Devices

      March 15, 2023

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      TRUE KNIVES SWIFT EDGE HUNT PROCESSING KIT

      December 27, 2022

      THAW’S HEATED SEAT PAD

      December 26, 2022

      Secure Firearm Storage Saves Lives

      June 5, 2023

      Armed and Responsible: Handguns for Beginners

      June 3, 2023

      Sidearms for Hunters: What to Look For

      May 17, 2023

      New Garmin Handheld Dog Tracking and Training System – Alpha 300 series with TT25 and T 20 Collars

      May 12, 2023
    • Field to Table
      1. #eatwhatyoukill
      2. Recipes
      3. View All

      Venison Tacos on a Pellet Grill

      February 21, 2023

      Goose Recipes: Bacon Benedict with Duck Fat Hollandaise

      February 3, 2023

      Fish Stock – Jeff Benda

      May 26, 2022

      Salisbury Steak – Ky Loop

      May 24, 2022

      Goose Recipe: Szechuan Style

      April 16, 2023

      Wild Game Jambalaya Recipe

      April 6, 2023

      Venison Tacos on a Pellet Grill

      February 21, 2023

      Goose Recipes: Bacon Benedict with Duck Fat Hollandaise

      February 3, 2023

      Secure Firearm Storage Saves Lives

      June 5, 2023

      Sandhill Cranes: Today’s Pterodactyl of the Sky

      June 3, 2023

      Plan Some Summer Fun with Your Dog

      June 3, 2023

      Where Memories Are Made

      June 3, 2023
    • News
      1. Conservation
      2. Editorial
      3. Press Releases
      4. View All

      The NWTF & USDA Sign $50M Agreement to Fight Wildfire Crisis

      October 28, 2022

      Help the Yelp

      March 25, 2022

      Conservation Hunts For Spring Snow Geese

      February 6, 2022

      Tools and Equipment For Whitetail Habitat Management

      February 3, 2022

      Hooyman Joins Best Outdoor Discounts

      December 6, 2022

      Newly Approved IGFA World Records

      April 19, 2022

      USCCA Congratulates Georgia Governor for Signing Constitutional Carry Bill

      April 15, 2022

      The RCMP’s Secret Long-Gun Registry

      January 31, 2022

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      Hooyman Joins Best Outdoor Discounts

      December 6, 2022

      Exclusive Women’s Issue

      October 4, 2022

      Kimber Releases New 1911 RAPIDE, R7 Mako, and Limited-Edition Micro 9

      August 19, 2022

      Armed and Responsible: Sweetheart Grips, Significant Others and Self-Defense

      February 19, 2023

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      Hooyman Joins Best Outdoor Discounts

      December 6, 2022

      The NWTF & USDA Sign $50M Agreement to Fight Wildfire Crisis

      October 28, 2022
    • Book a Trip
      • Hunting Trips
      • Fishing Trips
    • Login
    North American Outdoorsman
    Home » All Articles » Fishing Hawaii
    Big Game

    Fishing Hawaii

    Gord NuttallBy Gord NuttallDecember 7, 2022Updated:December 8, 202210 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Telegram Tumblr Email
    fishing-hawaii
    No matter who you are, there is nothing but optimism when the lines are first set.
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    A day fishing from a boat is a must to complete any family vacation here.

    Hawaii is one of the world’s top fishing destinations and the Big Island’s topography makes Kona the sportfishing capital of the Pacific.

    Five huge mountain masses protect the Kona coast from the winds, resulting in sea conditions that are usually as calm as a lake. The steep slope of the island continues into the pristine blue waters and bottoms out around 6000 feet within a short distance from the shoreline. Just three miles straight out of the harbor, multiple species like Marlin, Mahi-mahi, Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna), Ono (Wahoo), Ulua and Aku, Sailfish and Swordfish can all be caught. Several species of shark and a wide variety (size and color) of fish are also possible when bottom fishing.

    With so many kinds of fish and fishing styles available, there’s little excuse for not catching fish there.

    bill
    Captain Bill spends 330 days on the calm waters northwest of Kona.

    Hawaii offers both professional and beginner anglers a great fishing experience. Tourism being the number one industry in Hawaii, there’s no doubt you will have a plethora of choices when it comes to choosing a fishing charter. Below are some tips to help you systematically make the right choice for that, and an explanation of how I went about choosing the ones I did.

    • Ask about tackle, techniques and agenda. Some boats troll at high speed for endless hours, others cast light tackle onto reefs or jig the bottom, which offers smaller fish but more action. Other add-ons might include a swim break in a secluded snorkeling spot. Choose an agenda that pleases you, unless you are up for anything and everything on the water.
    • Cheapest is NOT best. There are plenty of people who operate as fishing guides even though they aren’t trained, licensed, or bonded—and often, they’re the least expensive option. If a charter seems surprisingly low in cost, ask the captain to provide license numbers ahead of time, and ask about his or her credentials. There are also guide associations in most areas; if your captain isn’t a member, ask why.
    • Go fishing online before you go fishing for real. There are plenty of fishing-oriented chat rooms and websites that provide reviews that charter customers can view which offer either praise or vent time after a charter. Take it all with a grain of salt, since some of the comments could come from people with a score to settle. But, if you detect a trend, take note.
    charter
    This is not your typical fishing charter attire, but in Hawaii, this is the norm.
    • Ask if they encourage catch and keep or catch and release. Some boats kill everything and then sell all or some of the catch; some consider the fish your property; some are catch and release only. The only way to find out what’s what on a boat you’re considering is to ask. Knowing ahead of time will prevent disappointment.
    • Never book on a dock-walk. Some captains will sit at the dock and try to engage passers-by in conversation, then sell them a This doesn’t necessarily make these captains a bad choice but booking on the spot doesn’t give you time to research the charter’s reputation. Beware of boats that are available on prime days, on short notice. If a charter isn’t booked on a peak holiday Saturday, there’s probably a reason why.
    • Try a half-day charter. This is a good option if you’re new to fishing or ocean fishing in general, and if this is your first go. If you decide you enjoy fishing, you can always come back for more.
    fishing
    Bottom fishing produces a quantity and variety of fish, much more than sport fishing does.

    DEEP-SEA SPORTFISHING (HEAVY TACKLE)

    My family and I wanted a family-friendly, deep-sea fishing experience for a large group. There are only a few boats in the Kona harbor that will accommodate more than four to six anglers on a single boat. Manta Adventures was the one we choose. Captain Bill and crew spend 330 days a year on their newest boat, the Maheli-Heli.

    On the morning of our trip, a few of us were sick, so our group was downsized to seven from 10. With the help of the moonlight, we found the dock slip where the large boat was tied up and Kerri went through the fishing orientation as we departed the harbor in the dark. There was a possibility of catching a fish from 5 to 1000 lbs. You could feel the excitement in the air, despite captain Bill stating, “It’s called fishing, not catching” in a humorous tone.

    As soon as we cleared the harbor, we headed northwest and Kerri set up five heavy tackle rods for trolling, two of which were attached to outriggers. Every line had a squid imitation for artificial tackle about the size of jumbo perch. Nicknames such as “bomb boy” and “lsd” for the big game trolling lures are common with experienced guides in the area.

    tuna
    Good-eating tuna.

    When deep sea fishing, the trolling speed rivals most large boat cruising speeds, so for those not paying attention (like my mother), you can hear questions such as, “Are we fishing now or still going to the spot?”

    Although we did not know it at the time, Captain Bill headed for aggregation buoys, which are used as tsunami warning indicators. The buoys are the only structure in these vast deep blue waters and can hold fish like tuna and Mahi-mahi. Sometimes boats will even jig near the buoys for hours, even during the night.

    We started to notice boats nearby and all were heading in the same direction. It was a race for the buoy and whoever got there first would likely hook a fish. Well, we arrived second, but none of the boats hooked a fish from what we could see. We continued trolling the lures at staggered distances in the boat wake at a good speed. Suddenly, flocks of birds appeared, and a blue marlin swiped at the bomb boy causing the reel’s drag to buzz and let out some line.

    big-game
    For big-game fishing, strapping into the fighting chair is essential for the safety of not going overboard. It also helps prevent fatigue.

    Unfortunately, it didn’t hook up or follow up again. That was the only fishing excitement for the morning.

    We trolled back towards shore, but still fishing deep water. We anchored in a secluded calm bay and enjoyed a swim to cool off and fresh island pineapple for lunch. It definitely was a welcome break from the monotony of trolling the deep blue ocean waters.

    Snorkeling, like fishing, offers no guarantees. With endless reefs and sandbars to snorkel with 50-meter visibility, you see what you find and enjoy it no matter what. Our crew kept us safe the entire time and were really helpful with beginner snorkelers in our group.

    fishing

    The boat had a great freshwater shower to rinse off in before we headed out for some afternoon fishing. Our hopes were still high as the moon was about to set and supposedly that is when the next bite turns on. I asked our guide: “Do you get depressed coming out here day after day and not catching fish?” His response was: “No, it’s big game fishing. If you are an elk hunter, you don’t expect to get an elk each time you are out, do you?”

    Finally, in the afternoon, one of the outrigger lines hooked a fish. Kerri practically jumped off the elevated captain’s deck and I strapped into the fighting chair. Once he confirmed the fish was on, he handed me the rod and I cranked in the fish for quite some time before getting him into the boat.

    It was a terrific experience. I originally thought I would tire out, but I was able to reel the fish right into the boat. The crew worked hard all day for us, as they do all year for many tourists, but unfortunately, they can’t control the fishing. That was the only fish we caught that afternoon. But needless to say, our charter allowed us to keep our fish and we had some great table fare for the next week during our vacation.

    fishing

    REEF/BOTTOM FISHING (LIGHT TACKLE)

    If trolling for six to eight hours for one large fish does not sound like your cup of tea, then try bottom fishing. Bottom fishing charters are an excellent choice for families looking for a shorter day on the water using lighter gear but with more action. While the fish are generally much smaller than what you’ll catch sport fishing (most are under 3 pounds), you do have a chance of hooking into larger species, and your overall catch odds on a four-hour bottom fishing trip are better than four hours of just trolling.

    cooking
    In-house catered cooking.

    The smaller reef fish near Hawaii include triggerfish, surgeonfish, goatfish, blueline snapper and lots more. Larger fish can include Gray Snapper, Giant Trevally, Bluefin, Shark and even the occasional Octopus.

    During a recent wedding in Maui, my cousins had a great half day on the water bottom fishing. They caught a variety of edible fish and a 150-pound shark! They each were able to reel in their own fish, which isn’t always the case when sportfishing. Casting and retrieving artificial lures/spoons/natural baits with ultra-light to medium spinning gear is the technique they used, sometimes referred to as “popping” by bass fishermen. Most of what you catch is very good eating. The basic rule of thumb is that if it’s colored silver or red, it’s good to eat.

    sportfishing
    Deep sea sportfishing uses heavy tackle. You don’t want to hold that all day while trolling.

    FISH FOOD

    Whether you catch your own fish or buy some, you should at the very least, eat some fish while visiting the Hawaiian Islands. Most, if not all restaurants, offer fish on the menu, but we decided to do something different on our recent trip to the Big Island. We hired a local private chef named Tim James to cook our Mahi-mahi catch for us in our own condo.

    rookie
    A successful rookie tourist spearfishing outing.

    Tim, along with his assistant, prepared a terrific five-course meal with all local organic ingredients. These included giant creamy avocados from the local farmer’s market and tasty juicy mangos right from his own yard. His secret blend of herbs and spices was rubbed on the fish before he slowly cooked the fillets in coconut oil on low heat. The fish tasted amazing. All the food was splendid, and the presentation far exceeded anything you would get in a restaurant. I highly recommend an in-house fish fry while visiting Hawaii to enjoy the local fishing market.

    lines
    Deep sea sportfishing consists of staggered lines trolled behind the boat at a good speed, so the bait cannot sink down low.

    Whatever fishing you choose in Hawaii, you will be in good hands with the majority of established charters. Poor fishing charters don’t last long these days with online reviews, plus word-of-mouth travels fast on the “Island.” There are no guarantees with fishing, but there is always a chance you’ll catch a monster, just like my cousin-in-law did the day after his wedding. Talk about setting a precedent for years to come!

    fish
    Chef Tim’s secret blend of herbs and spices fish rub.
    December 2022
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleBest New Hunting Clothes for 2023
    Next Article Hog Hunting at Night
    Avatar photo
    Gord Nuttall

    Gord Nuttall is an enthusiastic outdoorsmen and award-winning freelance writer that spends countless hours enjoying and promoting recreational activities outdoors. Led by his father, he wet many lines trolling for lake trout along the rugged shorelines of Lake Superior and developed a passion and love for the rugged outdoors early in his life. During the spring and summer months, he explores the diverse Alberta landscape with his wife, Heather and their two children, Noah and Makynna. As a family, they enjoy camping, SUPing, kayaking, fishing and lake life every summer. Spending nights sleeping under the stars in the backcountry fishing remote lakes or unpressured streams are his favorite getaways. Gord loves to bowhunt and has committed himself to harvesting multiple species in North America and documenting the adventures of my quest in a book.

    Related Posts

    Sandhill Cranes: Today’s Pterodactyl of the Sky

    June 3, 2023

    Plan Some Summer Fun with Your Dog

    June 3, 2023

    Where Memories Are Made

    June 3, 2023

    Armed and Responsible: Handguns for Beginners

    June 3, 2023

    Sisterhood on the Ice – Annual Ladies’ Ice Fishing Event

    May 24, 2023

    Here’s Why You Should Become a Fishing or Hunting Mentor

    May 16, 2023
    Don't Miss
    Gear

    Secure Firearm Storage Saves Lives

    June 5, 2023By Virginia Rasch10 Mins Read

    Your hunt is over and you may be elated, dejected or somewhere in-between. No matter…

    Sandhill Cranes: Today’s Pterodactyl of the Sky

    June 3, 2023

    Plan Some Summer Fun with Your Dog

    June 3, 2023

    Where Memories Are Made

    June 3, 2023

    Subscribe to Updates

    Be the first to know about new issues, premium industry gear discounts, access to exclusive content, & more!

    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    about
    NAO is the window into the outside environment for readers pursuing their passions in hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing, and all pursuits in the outdoors on the North American continent. We will present stories, tips and techniques to be a better outdoorsman, and be completely at home in the outdoor environment for a day, week, or a lifetime.
    Recent Articles
    • Secure Firearm Storage Saves Lives
    • Sandhill Cranes: Today’s Pterodactyl of the Sky
    • Plan Some Summer Fun with Your Dog
    • Where Memories Are Made
    • Armed and Responsible: Handguns for Beginners
    Quick Links
    • Current Issue
    • Authors
    • Partners
    • Advertise With Us
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    Useful Tools
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Save On Gear
    • Hunting Resources
    • Where to Hunt
    • Where to Shoot
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    © 2023 Outdoor Specialty Media. Designed by Crossroads Marketing.
    • North American Outdoorsman
    • North American Deer Hunter
    • North American Bowhunter
    • Crossbow Magazine

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.