Hawaii-Style Fishing

Hawaii has many places to fish because it consists of islands and has access to lots of water. It doesn't require fishing licenses, and you can fish just about anywhere.

Hawaii-style fishing refers to shore-fishing techniques developed by native Hawaiians. Anglers may use poles, rods and reels, or nets. One popular technique with rod and reel is dunking, which gets larger fish. Walk along almost any beach in Hawaii and you'll see dunkers' fishing rods sticking out of the sand

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Dunking

Things You’ll Need:

12-foot rod High-capacity reel 3-ounce weight or heavier Sand spike Fishing bell Live bait such as sand crabs, or octopus, squid or shrimp from store
12-foot rod
High-capacity reel
3-ounce weight or heavier
Sand spike
Fishing bell
Live bait such as sand crabs, or octopus, squid or shrimp from store

Step 1

Find a place to fish. The island shores have lots of reefs with sandbars; these work well.

Step 2

Slice the bait into 1- to 2-inch strips and bait your hook.

Step 3

Walk into the water 100 to 200 feet, then cast. This is the dunking part. Let out the line as you walk back to the beach.

Step 4

Insert the sand spike into the sand and position the fishing rod into the spike. Secure the drag on the reel.

Step 5

Attach the fishing bell and wait for it to jingle, signaling a catch.

Tips & Warnings

You can prepare your bait the night before. Squid is a good bait, but it falls off the hook easily. If you put the squid into sea or rock salt overnight, it will harden a bit and last longer.

You can fish anywhere except in certain protected areas. Look for these areas on an online map before venturing out. Signs will be posted. Check out the Department of Aquatic Resources at hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar for more on the regulations.

Resources

Article Written By Margaret Dilloway

Margaret Dilloway's debut novel, "How to be an American Housewife," is out now and her second, "The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns," will be published in August 2012. She has been a writer for more than 10 years and has written for publications such as "San Diego Family Magazine" and the Huffington Post. Dilloway holds a B.A. from Scripps College.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...