More than a dozen guide services are available in the Hawaiian Islands, all promising to land you a record catch, whether you want to reel in a peacock bass, bonefish, yellowfin tuna or the blue marlin. They all offer amenities from which to choose when you plan your day on the saltwater surrounding the islands.
The Guides
The Hawaiian Division of Aquatic Resources advises that much of the shoreline and freshwater areas are private property and landowners must give their permission for you to fish. That is why you will want to hire a guide to fish the waters around the Hawaiian islands. Guides specialize in saltwater gamefish as well as the freshwater catch in the inland lakes and streams. Most saltwater fishermen can't resist the urge to try for the elusive blue marlin while the bright yellow peacock bass is the most popular freshwater catch.
Salt Water Guides
You will find guide services on all of the Hawaiian islands. It is important that you choose a guide that is recommeded and reputable who offers a complete list of services for your day on the water. In Kona, located on the big island of Hawaii, you will find the blue marlin recordholder, Marlin Parker, who was named after his father's world-record catch in 1954. Parker began his professional career in 1976, and in 2010 held the record for the world's fourth largest marlin catch at 1,400 lbs. If you are fishing for marlin or tuna, both are fighters, so be sure the charter boat is safe and equipped with a sturdy fight chair.
Freshwater Guides
Freshwater fishing is also available in the islands whether it is fly fishing or casting for bass. Peacock Bass or Tucanare are the main predatory species in the lake systems in Hawaii, but you will also find large mouth bass, catfish, red devils, and bonefish. The expansive flats of Oahu is where you will find bonefish, while freshwater guided fly fishing for peacock bass is available on a reservoir in central Oahu.
Big Island Fishing
You are welcome to bring your own gear to fish the islands, but most guides have it available. Charters will be the vessel of choice for big water fishing, and bass boats or float tubes will work in the freshwater lakes. Salt Lake, one of 45 lakes on the island of Hawaii, is near Pearl Harbor. You will also enjoy the small streams around Kauai, but trout and bass are always plentiful in the Wailua River on the east coast. You will be required to buy a license for freshwater fishing, available from local sporting goods stores or online.
Cost
Most charters in the islands sponsor tag and release programs on smaller fish, such as bonefish and peacock bass. You will find varying prices for charters averaging in 2010 from about $50 per person for four hours to about $500-700 for private charters for the day. Tournaments are held off the Kona coast in Hawaii throughout the year.
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