The island of Hawaii, locally referred to as the Big Island, attracts anglers from around the world with some of the most fertile fishing grounds anywhere. Kona is home to the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament every summer with hot fishing spots found along the Kailua-Kona, Kohala and Hilo coasts.
Geography
Fertile fishing spots are available around the entire island of Hawaii. Lava cliffs with deep offshore drops surround most of the island. The cool waters coming from Alaskan currents blend with the warm waters of the equator, offering a lot of food for predatory fish. The Kailua-Kona coast offers many charters heading out to sea between the Hawaii and Maui. Charters are also available out of Hilo Harbor on the northeastern side of the island. Shore fisherman find many hot spots along the vast island shoreline, with popular spots on the south shore near South Point, the southern-most tip of U.S. soil.
Land or Sea
Though well known for deep sea fishing charters, local fisherman reel in many large fish from the shore. Anglers can truly enjoy Hawaiian fishing in a fashion that meets anyone's lifestyle standards. Hike through the open space down to South Point to drop a line off the cliffs near Smokey Rock. Take a night charter around the eastern shores to fish and see spectacular lava flows meeting the Pacific Ocean. Kayak tours find quiet fishing spots away from the crowds.
Fish Types
Anglers seek out many types of fish off the Hawaii shores. Of course, the deep sea sportfisherman seek out the Pacific blue marlin, the king of marlins. Sailfish, dolphinfish, tuna and wahoo are trolled for in the deep waters. Close to shore, anglers drop lines in hopes of catching papio, ulua, moi and smaller tuna breeds. Squid, lobster and Kona crab are also commonly found off the shores of Hawaii.
Baits and Lures
Charter captains seek frenzied bird activity to find areas where the fish feed. Anglers can use many types of baits and lures to attract the sportfish who hunt based on visually seeing the prey. Synthetic lures look like actual fish with glittery highlights to stand out while trolling, dragging lines behind the boat. Live bait is popular if tuna is caught earlier in the day. On shore, fisherman seek reef shelves where fish meet or along deep cliff shores when predators such as ulua take advantage of smaller fish being tossed about the strong currents and waves along the shore. Slide bating is a method using squid or eel that slides down a line set just off shore so that the bait moves down the line near the bottom.
Regulations
Unless you are engaging in commercial fishing, there are no fishing licenses required for saltwater fishing. The Department of Aquatics Resources maintains regulations to protect the islands resources and the delicate ecosystem. It is illegal to be within 100 feet of humpback whales and anglers must retreat if a whale comes to them. Monk seals, manta rays and green sea turtles are also protected. Harvesting shark fins is strictly prohibited. Anglers should be courteous to other anglers and not chase fish or interfere with the lines of others.
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