Hawaii Fly Fishing
While Hawaii has both fresh and saltwater fly fishing opportunities, it is not widely considered to be a world class fishing destination.
Oahu has limited inshore habitat, a large human population, and intense fishing pressure. More than a century of essentially unregulated harvest has impacted the reef eco-systems and severly depleated most saltwater fish populations, particularly the larger species. In Hawaii people go fishing to catch food, and the concept of catch-and-release is practiced by a slim minority of recreational anglers.
With the right tackle and realistic expectations, it’s really not too difficult to be pleasantly suprised.
Most fly fishers consider the conditions here to be pretty tough, as 15 to 25 knot tradewinds are typical.
Most fly fishers consider the conditions here to be pretty tough, as 15 to 25 knot tradewinds are typical. Sight-casting can be marginalized by cloud cover or the angle of sunlight as it changes with the seasons.
If you intend to fish the inshore salt, an 8 to 10 weight rod and a saltwater safe reel with 200 yards of backing is ideal. A full floating line will work in almost every shallow water situation, but it is also good to have an intermediate and sinking line handy, depending on where you fish. 9-12 foot tapered leaders and tippets in 10-16 lbs. class are sufficient. Proven flies include xmas island specials, small clousers, reef specials, charlies, and hula shrimps. Most other standard bonefish patterns will also work. It is easier to fish smaller flies due the weather, and because they allow you to catch a wider range of fish. Other gear you will need includes, flats boots, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and appropriate sun clothing. There is no saltwater license in Hawaii.
Freshwater gamefish on Oahu and Kauai include Peacock Bass, Largemouth, and Smallmouth Bass. There are also bluegill, catfish, and various species of cichlid available. There is also limited trout fishing on Kauai. Freshwater fish populations are healthier than in the salt, since the reservoir on Oahu is catch and release only for the bass and peacocks. You will need a license to fish the freshwater.
Freshwater tackle include standard trout/bass gear in the 4 to 7 weight range. Reels do not need much backing. Small streamers and poppers work well for bass, peacocks, and bluegill. The lake is almost entirely tree-lined with very limited bank access and is better fished by a boat.
- Hawaii Shoreline Flyfishing for Bonefish
Hawaiian fly fisherman Louie De describes fly fishing for bonefish in Hawaii
jump to: articles/overviews fly shops
Wade along bays and beaches protected by offshore reefs for both a chance at smaller fish with modest tackle and a cooling dip.
www.finefishing.com/1saltfish/hawaii/easyaffordablehawaii.htm
Saltwater fly-fishing is the fastest growing blue water sport in Hawaii.
www.fishhawaii.com
This little contribution to the WWW is about fly fishing on the Big Island of Hawaii.
www.ucolick.org/~bolte/hawaii.html
In the past 6 years I had made 3 trips to koaie stream, located in the Alakai swamp in the kokee area of the island of Kauai
www.flyfishingconnection.com/articles/current/145/Fly+Fishing+Trout+
on+the+Koaie+-+Kauai%2C+Hawaii
Hawaii Fishing News is the official state record-keeper of the biggest fish caught in the state-regardless of the method of capture.
www.hawaiifishingnews.com/home.cfm
…flyfishing has a place in Hawaii’s waters…
www.ncffb.org/Hawaii_Flyfishing_Primer.htm
Yes, there are bonefish in Hawaii and BIG ones at that. To catch these elusive gray ghosts requires expert knowledge and perseverance, but the rewards are great.
www.bonefish808.com
Hawaii Fly Fishing Forums
Hawaii Fly Fishing Shops
3434 Waialae Ave, Honolulu Hawaii 41231 808-734-7359
Hawaii has both fresh and saltwater opportunities. Saltwater opportunities include Trevally, Bonefish, Barracuda, Ladyfish
www.nervouswaterhawaii.com/