Legal Tips
Before casting a line into the waters around Oahu, you need to be aware of some of the rules regarding sport fishing the island's waters. According to the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources, you should consider all shores of Oahu legal to fish from unless otherwise posted. Signs will be prominent and in obvious locations should there be restrictions or rules preventing the use of certain shorelines. Snagging for fish is generally allowed unless posted otherwise. Oahu allows the collection of reef fish for personal tanks and aquariums. You should check with your particular state regarding the import of such species before taking them home from Hawaii. Hawaii does not require a fishing license for visitors or residents as long as the catch is not being sold.
Areas to Catch Fish
The fish blog Bloodydecks.com says the areas around Heeia Kea harbor are prime for catching fish with a handpole and a small spinner. You can catch sardines in the waters around Makai Pier. Once you land a few sardines, put a large treble hook through one, cast it in and try to catch papio. Bellows Airforce Base in Waimanalo is open for public fishing on weekends. Two jetties and a canal are available for public fishing, and there are papio, aholehole and to'au.
Saltwater Fly Fishing
The area around Hawaii Kai area is a good place to fly fish in calm waters for bonefish (called o'io in Hawaii), according to the folks at Bloodydecks. You can practice wade-fly fishing at the areas around Kaneohe Bay. According to the experts at Flyfish, the snady drop off and holes found throughout the Oahu waters make for schools of o'io. Make sure your rod has an ample backing (150 yards minimum) with a solid drag system when fly fishing for these sport fish. Use fluorocarbon leaders that are tapered because of the coral. Coral will rip the line to shreds unless precautions like the fluorocarbon and tapering are done. For flies, Christmas Island specials, gotchas and Crazy Charlies are all proven winners and favorites of local fishermen, according to the staff at Flyfish web blog.
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
