Hawai’i Fishing Fanatic

Posts Tagged ‘flyfishing hawaii’

As a volunteer for Neil Abercrombie’s gubernatorial bid, I often get asked, what his feelings are about the deterioration of Hawai’i’s harbors, it’s facilities, and the public’s distrust with state agencies such as the Department of Transportation’s Harbors Division and the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

I know from my time with the campaign, that Neil Abercrombie shares a deep concern for the public that utilize Hawai’i’s state facilities for business and leisure activities. He has visited many different areas of our state and most recently, visited the Honokohau area in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i (Big Island). He shared his thoughts and feelings on what is fast-becoming a formidable issue on the current state of affairs with our harbors and state facilities. You can see his whole transcript at NeilAbercrombie.com:

Honokohau Harbor

by Neil Abercrombie

On a recent visit to Honokohau Harbor, I was appalled, like many residents and small business owners, to see how we’ve let the harbor deteriorate. To make matters worse, I was disappointed to hear about the state’s proposal to raise the parking fees at Honokohau Harbor.

How can we create an additional financial burden for 200 small businesses by raising their parking fees? And how can we expect to charge visitors more money to visit a dangerous and dilapidated harbor with a collapsed pier in a public area that doesn’t provide basic comforts like shade while waiting for boats? The state is only now getting around to a minor capital improvement project that doesn’t address the basic issues.

There has been a collapse of leadership at the highest levels on basic government services from improving our public schools to maintaining our harbors. Raising the parking fees at Honokohau Harbor does not solve the problem. My position is that the parking fees should be set aside. Should they be imposed, when I’m Governor, I will rescind the fee increase until we can prove to the public that their dollars are being well spent.

We should be focusing our efforts on getting federal funds to improve our state’s infrastructure. That will spark revitalization of our economy and generate the business activity that we need. People deserve to feel proud of our harbors and public spaces.

More pictures of the Honokohau visit are on the Big Island for Abercrombie Facebook Page. Mahalo to Abercrombie for Governor supporter, Jean Bevanmarquez. for the additional photos.

Well, we got a lifetime of memories and an adventure to share for a long time to come. We weren’t able to rustle up any ulua on this fishing trip but maybe the next time. Packed up at around 9am and we were on our way home by 10am. We both were pooped out and I headed to sleep soon after the GT Masters Weigh-In & Awards Ceremony (I just woke up at 11p and I am writing this post at a little after midnight to update everyone).

Boy! What an adventure this was! I’ll do it again but I’ll let our pictures speak for themselves. Also, I hope everyone enjoyed the mobile posts (sorry for any screw-ups) via this blog and Facebook fan page from Ka’ena Point.

Congratulations to all the winners in the GT Masters Cup 2010. Ho’omaika’i also goes out to Evan Abraham, who had the winning ulua at 56.4 lbs. (I’ll post GTM results as soon as I can, but gotta go back to bed now).

Big mahalos goes out to my fishing partners, Willy & Sherwin, our families (Aweau, Elisaga & Felipe ‘ohana), our friends (a special mahalo to BJ and Kevin for coming out!) and supporters for making our first shoreline fishing tournament together possible! But, we’re letting everyone know that it won’t be our last and we’ll get ‘um the next tournament! Mahalo a Nui Loa!

Pounding for ulua, 'o'io and 'omilu

Our GT Masters 2010 Campsite

Rigging time!

Mahalo Bruddahs for coming out!

Bruddah Willy can throw!

Mr. Pole Benda Waiting Period

Early sunrise and a hard night of pounding for ulua

We get 'um next time!

Rough night! No hanapa’a! As we continue our quest to catch us some i’a (fish) for the tournament. Spirits are somewhat tempered with adrenalin now subsiding, we approach the new day with skepticism due to the reports that big surf is on its way (but we’re in a safe spot and very safety conscious) and still windier than heck (15-25 mph winds). The kind that feels like it smacks your face just before it hurts. Even more, our fishing poles, reels, etc., are all encrusted with Hawaiian pa’akai (sea salt) and we got limu (seaweed), laundry-style on our lines in the water. Auwe!

Drank water and downed a cup of warm instant coffee. Still waiting on brunch though from our friend, Brock. Hmmm getting a little hungry! Caught a bunch of small baitfish while my friend, Willy, works his ulua (giant trevally) poles. However, he’s getting small-kine frustrated because it seems like most of the limu gets on his line while mine are limu-free! His new nickname is, Limu Man! LOL!

We heard everyone had a hard night too and no fishing action. In fact, one of our fishing partners, Sherwin, left for the eastside. We decided to stay and take our chances at Ka’ena.

So we need everyones prayers to help us out to get a Big One for our keikis! That’ll be much appreciated!

Aloha!

OK, so it took awhile to get ready and hit the road. But we were able to finally set up our camp and eventually throw out our ulua poles. Ate our Zippy’s Zip Pac and now enjoying the sound of surf at Ka’ena Point. I’m posting while we wait to hopefully soon hear the sound of ulua bells going off!

I came across these finds over the past few weeks on standup paddle fishing, fishng forums and a group that wants to preserve the ‘o’io worldwide. I hope Hawai’i Fishing Fanatic Fans will enjoy the following:

This guy, Alex Aguera, is pretty akamai and created a board setup for Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Fishing called, the Hooked SUP.

The Hooked SUP

He has an article that talks about how he was able to catch a 16lb  ‘omilu on the Hooked SUP. I’m a beginner fishing kayaker but this looks a lot easier to transport than my heavier kayak. Plus, my daughter can still use the board for SUP when I’m not using it. The setup can be taken out and it becomes a standard standup paddle board.That would make it a multi-task board! But I digress, any alternative is always great. Because who would’ve thought of kayak fishing? or even SUP? just a decade ago. I would’ve got smacked by my ‘ohana and friends or laughed at!! LOL!!

16 lb. 'Omilu

Speaking of smack, I found a bunch of pretty active forums with unselfish members who are willing to share their fishing secrets with others. I’m glad because over the years we’ve all remember the “old man” who when you ask, “Hey Uncle what you caught?” and he responded, “Ah, nothing, neva catch nothin!” Hiding his bucket and face from you. Aw! Come On!

Hawai'i Fishing Forum

The premier fishing forum for shoreline fishing in Hawai’i is the Hawai’i Fishing Forum, this one is very active and covers a gamut of topics, including ulua fishing, whipping and even ghost stories! Another one I found, is hosted by Bruddah Bill Newton of ‘Ewa Beach. He has several web sites but the most popular with fishermen is his Ulua Fishing on Facebook Page. With that popularity, he just started a fishing forum called iFish Hawaii Fishing Forums.  There is also the Hanapa’a Fishing Forums but its not as active as the others. I’ll let you know as I find more Hawai’i-specific forums. Remember with all of these forums, you may have to register to make a comment or ask a question.

iFish Hawaii

Lastly, this find was kind of interesting and is more flyfishing-oriented. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a purist in any aspect of fishing or flyfishing but there are those that are more hardcore than others. With that being said, this organization is a breath of fresh air and if you love ‘o’io (bonefish) or awa (tarpon), the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (previously Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited) is for you. There are a bunch of Hawai’i flyfishing guides who are members of this organization and are helping the Trust in their bonefish research efforts. Namely, Captain Terry Duffield or better known as, “Coach Duffy,” and his staff. Also, if you decide to join the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) now and donate $100, you get a chance to win monthly prizes and a chance at the Grand Prize, a Hell’s Bay Boatworks Skiff, during their BTT Membership Sweepstakes! So join NOW!

Help bonefish, tarpon and permit

Ok that’s it for this Sunday!

Stay Informed with Hawaii Fishing Fanatic!

Many of you know that I am a big supporter of Neil Abercrombie and during the next few days, the Democratic candidate for governor, former congressman and state legislator will be on the Big Island. He plans to visit several Big Island communities on March 20, 21, 23, and 24 to meet community members and obtain firsthand information on major issues and challenges facing the island residents. I’ll update you folks on other Big Island events as soon as possible.

If you should have any fishing-related or recent (Department of Land and Natural Resources) DLNR issues, please be sure to attend the nearest event and voice your concern/s. The following schedule of his Big Island activities are from the Abercrombie for Governor and Hawaii County Democrats offices:

Saturday, March 20
8 a.m.: Visit to the swap meet in Ocean View
8:45 a.m.: Pancake breakfast at HOVE Community Center.
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Visits to businesses and the Farmers’ Market in Na’alehu.
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.: Pot-luck luncheon and panel discussion on issues facing Ka’u residents at the Plantation House in Pahala.
4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.: Visits to businesses and merchants in Na’alehu.
5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.: Spaghetti dinner at the Na’alehu Community Center

Sunday, March 21
8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.: No-host breakfast at the Paniolo Restaurant in Waimea
10:00-TBA: Local events and community meetings at the Honoka’a Park Gym and the North Hawai’i Educational Resource Center. (For information, contact Gil Kahele at 987-7958.)

Tuesday, March 23
12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Mauka Rotary Club Luncheon at Teshima’s Restaurant in Kainaliu.
2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.: Visits to local businesses and merchants in South Kona.
4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.: Talk story at the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu, focusing on issues important to the South Kona community, including charter schools, food sustainability, and controlling little fire ants. Abercrombie will give opening remarks and will respond to the briefings presented by experts in these areas. The audience will also have an opportunity for one-on-one discussions with the candidate.

Wednesday, March 24
6:45 a.m.-8:00 a.m.: Kona Sunrise Rotary Club Breakfast Meeting at Tante’s Restaurant on Ali’i Drive in Kailua Town.
9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.: Visits to businesses and merchants on Ali’i Drive and other business districts in Kailua-Kona.
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: North Kohala Rotary Club Luncheon Meeting at Thiebault’s Restaurant in Waimea.
2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.: Visits to businesses located in Waikoloa Village Town Center.

If you are an Abercrombie for Governor 2010 supporter willing to cover the events on Twitter, Facebook or to blog about the Big Island events, please email me (hawaiifishingfanatic@gmail.com) or hit any of the Abercrombie links on Hawaii Fishing Fanatic for contact information.

In the subsequent months, I hope to give you a better picture of Neil Abercrombie and where he stands on fishing, environmental, outdoor and aquatic-related issues.

Mahalo to you all and have a great weekend!!!