Oahu is the most populated island in the Hawaiian Island chain with more than 900,000 residents. Millions of visitors come to Oahu each year to enjoy the sun, surf and many activities Oahu has to offer including fishing. The deep sea channels around the island are ideal for deep-sea sport fishing, but that isn't the only fishing the island boasts.
Fishing Grounds
Off of Oahu's south shore, Kewalo Basin is home base for many local fishing charters that go out to the southwest shore off of Waianae or toward Molokai in the Molokai Channel for excellent large game fishing. From the shore, Kaena Point is a local's favorite spot with deep offshore casting along the state park beach line. Fisherman can camp and stay overnight, waiting for the big catch. Along Pearl Harbor's western inlets, known as Westlock, many old small docks are spots for relaxing fishing with calm waters and colorful fish. Lake Wilson in Waihiawa on the northern part of Oahu is the only active freshwater fishing spot in the island.
Your Catch
Hawaii offers not only a diverse selection of fish, but also some of the largest catches of big game fish you can find in the world. Lake Wilson offers more than 17 species of fish including the Hawaiian peacock bass. With shorecasts, you can land everything from small papio to a tiger shark. Deep channels off shore can produce ulua (a type of jack fish) more than 100 lbs. Of course, the deep sea adventurist is always looking to land a large marlin, ideally over 300 lbs. in weight. Other tasty finds in the waters off of Oahu include squid, lobster and tilapia.
Fishing Styles
Depending on where you choose to cast a line will determine how you choose to cast a line. Oahu has several hundred miles of tidal shoreline that is ideal of throwing a net. Another offshore casting technique includes dunking, where someone swims or paddles to the location to drop the line connected to a pole on shore. People are even seen dropping a line and trolling from a surfboard or kayak off the reef lines. Spearfishing in the reefs is another popular off-shore method of catching fish.
Bait and Lures
Different fish react to different bait. Just remember that every fisherman has his favorites and you may need to experiment to find what works for you. Small fish off the docks of Westlock can be caught with simple bait such as grubs or even bread. Large game fish have become big industry with synthetic lures that resemble brilliantly colored fish or squid to attract ulua or marlin. Theis is a cleaner method compared to using actual squid or smaller fish as bait, since many of the larger fish hunt by sight, and it reduces shark attraction since sharks smell the dead fish and blood miles away.
Regulations
There is no fishing license or permit required for shorecasting. Those fishing do need to follow the regulations set by the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR). Deep-sea charters using baitfish must apply for a license. Introducing non-native species endangers the entire Hawaiian ecosystem and is strictly forbidden. For freshwater fishing at Lake Wilson, you must obtain a Freshwater Game Fishing License through DAR. Dive flags must be used by all scuba divers and spear fisherman to provide notice of underwater activity. Fisherman should never harass or kill endangered Hawaiian species such as the green sea turtle, manta ray or monk seal.
Member Comments