Hawai’i Fishing Fanatic

Posts Tagged ‘bonefish’

Waikiki-Diamond Head Fisheries Management Area

Great news for O’ahu shoreline fishermen for the New Year! A little information to help you get a head start on what is allowed and prohibited. Remember to malama (care for) the kai (ocean), in return, the kai will malama you.

Fishing spots open between the Waikiki Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The New Year means a new spot to fish is open on Oahu’s south shores.

Starting Jan 1st, fishermen are free to hit the shoreline between the Waikiki Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse.

The area is only open every other year to help the fish repopulate.

From Department of Land and Natural Resources:

WAIKIKI-DIAMOND HEAD SHORELINE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AREA TO OPEN ON JANUARY 1, 2010 http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/chair/pio/nr/2008/N08-321.pdf

Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline FMA open to fishing January 1, 2010.
The Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area is open to fishing during the calendar year 2010. This area is closed to fishing on alternate years to help restore fish populations.

Location
The Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area extends from the ewa wall of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium to the Diamond Head Lighthouse, from the highwater mark out to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards, or to the seaward edge of the fringing reef if one occurs beyond 500 yards.

Fishing periods
“Open to fishing” from January 1 to December 31 of even-numbered years (2010, 2012, etc. ).
“Closed to fishing” from January 1 to December 31 of odd-numbered years (2009, 2011, etc. ).

Permitted
To fish for, take or possess any legal size marine life in season during the “open to fishing” period, provided that only hook-and-line, thrownet, handnet to land hooked fish, and spear fishing and hand harvesting methods are employed.
With a permit to engage in activities otherwise prohibited by law for scientific, propagation or other purposes.

Prohibited
To fish for, take or injure any marine life (including eggs), or to possess in the water any fishing gear during the “closed to fishing” period.
To use any spear between the hours of 6:00 pm to 6:00 am, or have or possess in the water any trap or net except thrownet or handnet to land hooked fish during the “open to fishing” period.

Download a pdf copy of the administrative rule and illustrative map of the Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline FMA.

NOTE: The Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline FMA is adjacent to the Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District where fishing is prohibited. Please see the DAR Fishing Regulations page or the Marine Life Conservation District pages for more information.

President Obama Fly Fishing in Montana

The President and his ‘ohana arrived yesterday to spend their holidays in Hawai’i for rest and relaxation. I’m hoping he’ll find some time to visit the other islands, especially the Big Island.  If not, he can go flyfishing with me and Reef Rippas Hawai’i Flyfishing Service as he did in Montana.

I’m a great admirer of the President and his policies. So here’s an invitation to you, Mr. President, that if you have the time during your vacation, we’ll gladly take you out to flyfish for ‘o’io (bonefish) nearby in Kane’ohe bay or out in Hawai’i Kai. We are a “green” flyfishing service, so you might have to paddle a little bit on our tandem kayak depending on the spot and conditions (although not more than 20 minutes). It should be fun and maybe you’ll hook up to a screaming ‘o’io at the end of your line. That should make your day!!! It does for me!!

Aloha,

Don Aweau

A Prep for the Upcoming Weekend

Aloha Friday! to everyone!

I’m not sure what will work this weekend as the moon phase may brighten up the night skies. I’ve heard the good and bad of both. Fish tend to stay out on the shoreline later as it’s more lighted. Night fishing for ulua slows down as prey are able to see predator. Offshore fishermen may have more chances at ‘opelu and tombo ahi but the winter conditions may make it difficult to stay out.

In addition, watch for changing conditions. Safety should come first again as in last week. Windy days and large surf continue to pummel open ocean and shoreline areas. Wear your safety gear, take extra time to fasten down your fishing gear and look out for your fishing buddies.

Weather

Weekend forecast looks like scattered showers (50% chance for rain), high surf till Sunday morning and high winds. See right sidebar for Weatherbug’s latest forecast!

Tide Information

Again tide information has been provided by HawaiiTides.com Daily Tide Predictions and weather information by Weatherbug for updates before heading out to the “ka nahele or forest”. Click on links in the right sidebar for Hawai’i Island & O’ahu forecasts.

Fishing Forecast

Offshore:
Ahi (Big-Eye Tuna)
A’u (Marlin)
Kamanu (Rainbow Runner)
Mahimahi
Hapu’upu’u (Sea Bass)
Lehi (Snapper)
‘Opakapaka (Pink Snapper)

Inshore:
Ulua/’Omilu (Trevally)
‘O’io (Bonefish)
Hahalalu (Baby Scad or ‘Akule)
‘Opelu (Mackerel)

Info courtesy of Hawaii Fishing News

Tournaments

No scheduled tournaments this week.

Have a safe weekend and don’t forget to share your fishing photos!

I came across these finds over the past few days and hope Hawai’i Fishing Fanatic Fans will enjoy the following:

I found this article while researching environmental issues. Cigarette butts found toxic to saltwater and freshwater fish, that spotlights its effect on fish. If you smoke, this might be something you might want to think about when smoking at your local fishing spot. It may be killing the fish in the immediate area and your chance of getting that “hanapa’a” feeling.

Ever wonder where the fish might be biting somewhere in the world or curious as to how to fish somewhere you’ve never been before? Well, the Flyfish Map (beta) is a special online fishing tool that includes user-driven videos, maps and pertinent information of a fishery on a global map. This isn’t exactly an all-encompassing fishing map and more for flyfishers but this at least gives you an idea of what to expect when fishing unfamiliar waters. I haven’t quite finished checking it out but there are four markers on the Hawaiian islands. Check it out, it might just help you catch fish!

For flyfishermen or whippers looking for a cheap alternative for imitating our local ‘opae or shrimp, a recent article in Flyfishing in Saltwaters, “Steamed Straw Shrimp” , will keep you busy for the week (a how-to link is provided). I think this will work on the flats or as “damashi” as it gives a profile of the shrimp not easily imitated by other materials and it costs less to boot!

Stay Informed with Hawaii Fishing Fanatic!

Recently went out on the flats and came across this fish while fishing for ‘o’io (bonefish). These fish are nicknamed, obake (ghost) weke. If the head is eaten, it can lead one to have hallucinations and nightmares. Hmmm. . . Makes you wonder what kind of chemical is in this fish. They’re similar in appearance to the goatfsh family. Anyone have any insights?

Also, it’s UH Game Day today, so make sure you root for the Warriors!

I came across these finds over the past few days and hope Hawai’i Fishing Fanatic Fans will enjoy the following:

Monster Fish! Hanapa’a Da Big One! is what we all, as fishermen, believe we can haul in. The National Geographic Channel has an exclusive show, Hooked! , that spotlights monster fish. This week’s episode features a giant 130 lb. ulua or trevally that was injured and saved on Channel NGC73. Don’t miss it!

Hawaiian Papa (Reef)

I’m always in the pursuit of big fish but an IGFA world record is something I’ve always dreamed about catching. My current quest is to catch a 20 lb. ‘o’io (bonefish) on flyfishing gear in Hawai’i. A well-written article in Reel Reports, “Pursuit of the next World Record Bonefish on the Honolulu Flats” , has rejuvenated my passion to find my dream fish. There are big fish out there. The current state record is at 18 lbs. and listed in Hawaii Fishing News as caught by William Badua in 1954.

Somewhere out there on the papa or flats is a giant ‘o’io waiting to pounce on my crab fly!!!

I’m taking a hiatus with the ‘ohana for some family time. I’ll be away until October 15th, 2009, so this will be my last post. I’ll try to post intermittently if I have downtime. Mahalo to all Hawai’i Fishing Fanatic readers for their continued support. Hanapa’a!

Don’t forget if you like what you see on Hawai’i Fishing Fanatic, please make a donation to help me continue to maintain this site.