Daytime fishing in Hawaii is a popular activity, thanks in part to the island's bountiful waters, easy coastal access and friendly regulations. Hawaii requires individuals to secure a fishing license only when fishing for freshwater fish. For those seeking extra thrills, night fishing in Hawaii may be the ticket. Night fishing is particularly popular among those interested in big game fishing for ocean predators, such as sharks.
Types of Fish
Hawaiian akule, known in English as the big-eyed scad, is a common fish sought in Hawaiian night fishing. Other fish popularly sought during Hawaiian night fishing expeditions include yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, albacore and thresher sharks, according to a 2010 West Hawaii Today article entitled, "Summer's the Time for Night Fishing."
Prime Fishing Times
Common night fishing fish, including the Hawaiian akule, are best caught during their spawning season, according to a classic 1968 South Pacific Commission Report entitled "Akule Night Fishing Gear." This takes place during June and July in the northern hemisphere. Periods nearest the new moon are particularly bountiful. Light offshore breezes are ideal, as they keep the sea surface calmer.
Techniques
Fish commonly feed in the morning and at twilight, according to "Akule Night Fishing Gear." To encourage nighttime feeding, lights are suspended from fishing boats and partly obscured by shields. This attracts small sea organisms, which then attract first smaller fish, including Hawaiian akule. These can be caught with fishing nets.
Boatsville, an online fishing resource, recommends that people interested in night fishing also fish near piers wired with lights. Darkness may obscure visual signs of feeding fish, even in Hawaii's clear waters, so Boatsville recommends listening for the sounds of churning water that may indicate feeding fish. Because of the added emphasis of listening, Boatsville also recommends that those night fishing in Hawaii refrain from making unnecessary noise while aboard.
Equipment
"Akule Night Fishing Gear" recommends simple fishing gear, including nylon lines and small ringed hooks. Flies can be made from white feathers, fiberglass floss or white nylon wool. Boatsville recommends using larger bait compared with bait used during the day so that fish more easily see it.
Those night fishing for larger predators should pack heavier gear, including sturdy reels equipped with a half-mile of heavy line, according to "Summer's the Time for Night Fishing."
Night Shark Fishing
Night fishing for shark is a high-adrenaline activity for people interested in getting an up-close view of the large predators. In 2010, Oahu-based Hawaii Sport Fishing offered a four-hour night fishing shark expedition for around $120. Visitors climb aboard a 65-foot vessel to fish for tiger sharks and Pacific gray reef sharks. These fish can weigh between 125 lbs to 1,000 lbs, according to Hawaii Sport Fishing. As of 2010, Oahu-based Sportfish Hawaii also offers a Midnight Shark Hunt for $125. The company releases landed sharks after the catch in the name of conservation, according to its website.
Legalities
Not all areas of Hawaii permit night fishing. The Wailua Reservoir Public Fishing Area on Kauai prohibits night fishing, according to the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources. Be sure to check with local authorities about area fishing regulations if you plan to head out independently. Tour operators and charter boats are typically informed about regional rules.
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