December 3, 2022

Quick Guide to Fishing in Hawaii

Renowned for its natural beauty and miles of picturesque coastlines, Hawaii is one of the best places in the world for both reef and offshore fishing. The access to hard-fighting, big game fish off the Hawaiian Islands, is mind-blowing, and – unlike most deep-sea fishing hotspots–it’s a short boat ride to reach these locations.

The art of fishing is deeply ingrained in the people of this island nation. Native Hawaiians take pride in their connection with the land and the sea and employ many of the same techniques their ancestors have used for centuries.

If you’re planning to visit the Aloha State and are eager to cast a line, take a look at some of the most sought-after fish species.

Pacific Blue & Striped Marlin

Hawaii is synonymous with big game fishing, and large blue and striped marlin can be caught year-round. The average weight of a Pacific blue marlin is 180-200 pounds–caught by trolling or live bait–but the state record tipped the scales at 1,805 pounds!

Mahi Mahi / Dolphin Fish

The mahi mahi is a thrilling species to catch, and unlike billfish, which are catch and release–mahi mahi makes for a tasty supper! In fact, this rambunctious fish plays a huge part in local cuisine. In Oahu, the best time to angle for this multi-colored, iridescent fish is March through September. Dolphin fish put up a hard fight and are known for their photogenic leaps in the air. They are often caught trolling or with live mackerel and sardines.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna, known locally as Ahi, is the most sought-after variety, but you can also catch the smaller Skipjack tuna off the Hawaiian Islands. Catching a yellowfin can be a challenge for even the strongest of anglers. Averaging around 120+ pounds of pure muscle, Ahi tuna are abundant from June through September, which dovetails nicely with summertime vacations. They tend to favor live bait such as anchovies and sardines.

Wahoo

Known as Ono in Hawaii, the wahoo has a long, thin body marked with colorful stripes and a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth. The Ono is a lightning-fast species and doesn’t swim in schools, so a hook-up is a big thrill when it happens. They can be caught year-round either by trolling or with dead or live bait. Wahoo averages around 30 pounds and has a delicate, mild flavor similar to mackerel but sweeter and less oily.

Getting Out on the Water

Numerous outfits offer deep sea fishing excursions in the Hawaiian Islands. Most charters will provide all fishing equipment, refreshments, and gear. But don’t forget to pack:

Towel and a dry change of clothes
Sunscreen
Extra water
Polarized Fishing sunglasses that block glare and offer UVA/B protection
Hand sanitizer
Smartphone (for documenting your big catch!)

Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing

While you don’t need a license to enjoy deep sea fishing in Hawaii, you need to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and the sun’s glare. Maui Jim polarized sunglasses provide broad-spectrum protection while bringing the vibrant colors of the sea to life. Enjoy better clarity, contrast, and detail with our revolutionary lenses that feature PolarizedPlus2® Technology.

Resources:

Fish Maui, COMMON MAUI GAME FISH https://fishmaui.com/mauifishing/maui-gamefish
Hawaii Living, Fishing in Hawaii https://www.hawaiiliving.com/blog/fishing-in-hawaii/

Sportfish Hawaii, Hawaiian Sportfish Species https://www.sportfishhawaii.com/sportfish-species