Hawai’i Fishing Fanatic

Posts Tagged ‘hawaii fishing news’

If you’ve been following my blog for sometime, you know that I’ve always believed that fishing in Hawai’i is a privilege and nothing should be taken for granted. I’ve pushed for preservation and conservation but also kept in mind the public’s need to use the ocean’s resources. Everyone believes in one way or another their need is the most important thing. However, if we become constantly selfish in our needs then that resource will be gone someday, if not sooner.

As I have told you, in earlier posts, I will be introducing you to gubernatorial candidate, Neil Abercrombie, in the next two months and how he will bring about change in the fishing community. Below is a quick look into his philosophy of tackling fishing issues in Hawai’i, if voted as governor:

Fishing & Fisheries

Fishing issues in Hawaii have been the subject of serious conflict and frustration on all sides. Neil believes our policies should balance five socially important goals:

1) Science-based preservation and management of our aquatic resources to ensure that the people of Hawaii can fish for generations to come.

2) Preserving and promoting local recreational and subsistence fishing.

3) Preserving and protecting native Hawaiian fishing access and practices.

4) Community involvement in the management of aquatic resources.

5) Support for fishing as an economic activity.

To fairly and adequately pursue these goals, government has two critical roles: First, to bring competing groups together to build a common vision and forge solutions. Second, government must provide adequate resources to enforce the law.  The current lack of enforcement has bred a lack of trust in government and has made a mockery of regulations and resource management.

I’m no dummy but what he says makes sense to me and to a lot of influential people in the fishing community. In fact, in a recent rally, I noticed more and more fishermen out to support Neil in his quest for the governorship. I saw William Aila, who I respect foremost as the Wai’anae Boat Harbormaster, fishermen, storyteller, historian and a great person at heart. If people like him are supporting Neil, then I’m not too off-the-mark in my belief that Neil will bring about change and make the fishing community more cohesive.

You decide and vote with what may very well be our best chance to get things done with Neil Abercrombie!

Aloha no!

Happy Valentine’s & President’s Day Weekend! Yup, looks like this weekend is shaping up to be a great one! For those lovebirds and hopeless romantics like me, the very best to all. Make sure to spend some time with that special someone this weekend. Otherwise you’ll find yourself in the “dog house” for the rest of the year. LOL!

Here’s my Top Ten gift suggestions that might help you stay “pono” (straight, righteous) this weekend:

1) Order flowers whether down Maunakea St., your nearest florist, or online. A good online vendor and uses prompt Fedex delivery (even on Valentine’s Day) is ProFlowers. You can also call them at 1-800-580-2913.

2) Make a fishing gift basket with all his/her favorite lures, flies, hooks, lines, electronic gadget, etc.

3) Subscription to Hawaii Fishing News or a fishing magazine like Flyfishing in Saltwater.

4) Send an electronic Valentine’s Day card via my favorite web sites at Hallmark, eGreetings, eCards or American Greetings. Most have free ecards or paid ecards that can be further personalized.

5) Get an electronic gadget like an Apple iPhone (or iPad or iPod Touch), Google/Android phone, waterproof digital camera or fishing gadget (GPS device, fish finder, etc.) .

6) Specialized fishing pole like an ulua pole, fly rod or spinning rod coupled with a reel would do wonders for your favorite fishing person. Visit your local fishing/outdoor store.

7) Fishing videos from C4 Video Productions that produces a “Shorefishing Hawaii” series or get a good fishing book collection like Fishing Hawaii Style by Jim Rizzuto. These can also be found at your local fishing/outdoor store.

8) Setup a fly fishing trip for ‘o’io (bonefish) or ulua (giant trevally) with my Reef Rippas Guide Service. *I know shameless plug! But gotta mke money somehow! LOL!

9) If you can afford it, get a fishing boat from any number of boat dealers that can cater to his/her tastes.

10) Setup a fishing trip to the neighbor islands by flying Hawaiian Airlines and staying at an Outrigger Hotel.

BONUS: Get ‘um a pair of Maui Jim polarized sunglasses!

Hope that helps!

In any case, enjoy your weekend and don’t forget to spend your time wisely!

**I am not endorsed or sponsored by any of the aforementioned products. Although it would be nice, maybe, one day.

Once a week on Mondays, Hawai’i Fishing Fanatic will provide coverage on current fishing-related legislations, issues, laws, people, events, agencies, organizations, legislative links or news. If you should have any news, links or concerns to share, please email me or leave a comment.

Currently, Hawaii has no saltwater fishing license requirement. However, that may change soon and recreational fishermen should be aware that if that happens as in other states like New York, we’ll be in trouble. In fact, last week there was a furor over New York Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo’s refusal to defend the state against lawsuits from Long Island, NY towns. I’ve fished in New York state a lot when I lived on the east coast and they make a ton of money with their freshwater licenses. Non-resident fishermen, like me had to pay more and their game wardens are like license-seeking hawks during the peak fishing seasons. West coast states are contemplating licensing their saltwater fishery and that would be a tragedy. But they’re taking a wait-and-see approach with the New York situation. Hopefully, we won’t have to come to that in Hawai’i. You can check out the current DLNR fishing license requirments for Hawai’i here .

Hawaii Fishing News has taken on the cause and you can support their efforts by purchasing a shirt with their eye-popping graphics. Great for kama’aina and visitors. Get one for yourself and kokua HFN’s efforts. Here is their information:

Support Hawaii’s right to fish by purchasing a “Fight For the Right To Fish!” T-shirt. HFN is setting aside $1 from the sale of each T-shirt to create a special fund to not only battle for our ocean access but to create better habitat and enhance Hawaii’s fishery.

Shirts cost:
$15 for Large and Extra Large sizes with pocket
$17 for XXL T-shirt with pocket
Add $5 for postage for first shirt and $3 postage for each additional shirt.

Send your order with payment to Hawaii Fishing News, P.O. Box 25488, Honolulu, HI 96825, phone (808) 395-4499, FAX 396-3474. Sorry, no credit card orders.

J. Hara Store's Ulua Collection

J. Hara Store Kurtistown, Hawai’i (Big Island)

I’ll be heading home to Hawai’i and be busy for a week or so. I’ll post as soon as I get settled in again. In the meantime, please make sure to visit my other links and Hawaii Fishing News for any updates. Thanks for your patience.

Photo courtesy of Hawaii Fishing News. 100-Plus Club.

The continuing debate on whether you have a better chance of catching fish on a barbless hook got a real boost from fishermen in the recent S. Tokunaga Ulua Challenge tournament in Hilo, Hawai’i. The Big Island Video News reports that a fisheries expert congratulated many of the participants in using barbless hooks.

Now if we can only figure out how to catch and release live fish in these tournaments, like the pro-am bass fishermen do. It might be possible one day. That’s an idea for the inventive ulua fishing community to contemplate. I’m all for it, if it can be done.

Click on the pics for more info on this great catch and debate!

The barbless circle hook used by Randall (left), compared to a new one (right). Photo courtesy of Randall Elarco Jr.