Whether you’re a passionate surfer, an outdoors enthusiast, or an adventurous angler, you’ll find your place in Oahu. On this island of alluring opposites, you can hike to the top of the volcano, then soak in the sunset on a beach all in one day. Beyond the beaches, the depths of the Pacific await – this is where deep sea fishing in Oahu comes into play.
You probably already know that Hawaii is one of the premier fishing spots on the continent. The possibility of a trophy catch is in the cards year-round – that alone attracts anglers from all over the planet. Read on about what you can target, how to do it, and the best time to hit the water.
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What can I catch when deep sea fishing in Oahu?
All the A-listers of the bluewater are on the menu in Hawaii. Experienced fishermen head out with Marlin and Tuna on their minds, and these game fish are always in the spotlight. However, this vast ocean is home to many species worth your attention. Let’s see what you could hook into.
Billfish
Billfish are the thing everyone wants to catch in Hawaii. Blue Marlin (Kajiki) are the biggest, most sought-after fighters, but their Striped relatives live here in bigger numbers. Add to that Sailfish, Spearfish (Shortbill and Longbill), and nomadic Black Marlin that stop by on their journey from Australia, and the options are endless.
Seeing that the biggest Blue Marlin ever (1,805 pounds) was caught off the coast of Oahu, it’s no surprise sport fishermen love it here. You can target Blues year-round, but for the best bite, summertime is your safest bet. Striped Marlin are at their best in winter, and this is also when Black Marlin make an appearance.
The most productive way to target Marlin is trolling big lures. In fact, Hawaiians invented this technique, and locals often make their own lures to get that fish to bite. So when we say that deep sea fishing in Oahu is unique, we mean it!
Wahoo
When a fish is called “delicious” in Hawaiian, you know it’s one you want to have on your line. Wahoo aka “Ono” is one of the best eating fish on the island, but they can be tricky to catch. These speedsters prefer a solitary life, they’re very aggressive, and don’t shy away from attacking your offering with wild abandon.
Wahoo move out from Oahu during the winter, though it’s not impossible to hook one during that time. They show up in late March and stay until October, but the biggest number of them are caught in the summer. They usually stay in the 20–30 lb range, but every year, fishermen catch lunkers much bigger than that.
Wahoo respond well to trolling bait and lures, and spear fishermen target them as well. Because they’re always hungry, they’ll readily pounce at anything that mimics the movement or bait fish or smells like prey.
Tuna
Oahu’s bluewater has excellent living conditions for just about any sort of game fish you can think of. And there are few fish that are more prized than Tuna. Yellowfin, Skipjack, and Bigeye stick around all year, with the peak season from June–September.
Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) are a local favorite, thanks to their size, fighting power, and taste. These beautiful fish can weigh 100 pounds or more, and anglers often come to Oahu looking for these monsters. Smaller specimens are called Shibi, and they’ll still give you a run for your money.
Skipjack Tuna are abundant in these waters, but they rarely go over 10 pounds. Landing them can be a challenge because they have soft mouths and can slide right off the hook. Bigeye Tuna are rarer than Yellowfins and Skipjack, but you can still stumble upon them every now and then.
Mahi Mahi
Where there’s good deep sea fishing, there’s Mahi Mahi to be caught. If you’re in the mood to fight acrobats that will wow you with their strength and beauty, it doesn’t get better than Mahi. There’s a lot of them in the Hawaiian waters, and they’re “the safest bet” catch, even if other fish are reluctant to bite.
The Mahi Mahi bite is pretty consistent throughout the year. They’re medium-sized and can weigh from 10–30 pounds, which makes them a great target for beginners. That’s not to say that there aren’t bigger Mahis out there, but for this species, the strength is in numbers. They live in schools, so if you chuck some sardines around the boat, you could spark a feeding frenzy. And there’s nothing like the excitement of having a Mahi on every line on the boat.
Trolling is the name of the game when targeting Mahi Mahi, and they usually gather around floating debris on the water. Some also claim that finding frigatebirds is a foolproof way to find good Mahi Mahi action. Either way, you’re in for a great battle.
Snapper
Up until now, we talked about pelagic game fish, but we can’t miss an opportunity to talk about the slew of Snapper species that thrive here. Most of these species aren’t often seen anywhere else in the country, which makes them even more interesting.
There are seven most popular Snapper species that you can encounter when you go deep sea fishing in Oahu. Ōpakapaka (Pink Snapper), Onaga (Longtail Snapper), and Ehu (Squirrelfish) are most common, along with Hawaiian Grouper, Gindai, Uku, Kalekale, and Lehi. Bottom fishing is the best way to get to these beauties, especially in waters that are anywhere from 250–1300 feet deep.
Longtail and Pink Snapper are also known for their superb taste, which is another reason why everybody wants them. They hide around rocks and structures at the bottom, so reel carefully when you get a Snapper on the line. That way you’ll prevent your line from getting snapped when your catch runs to its hiding place. Both deep dropping and even spearfishing for Snapper species can be very productive and earn you a beautiful dinner afterward.
How to Deep Sea Fish in Oahu
There are different techniques that fall under the “deep sea fishing” umbrella, and your fishing guide will help you decide which one to use. It all depends on how deep the water is and what you’d like to catch. Here are a few of the techniques you’re likely to try out.
Trolling
Trolling is the most used technique off the coast of Oahu because pelagics make up such a big part of the fishing repertoire. Whether you’re a monster chaser or you’d like something delicious for dinner, trolling is the best way to attract the attention of predators.
The first thing you’ll notice about trolling in Hawaii is that it’s done faster than expected. Up to 10 knots is a good trolling speed, though the boat can go slower, depending on the conditions. Usually, there will be six lines in the water as soon as you leave the harbor. This way, you could hook into Rainbow Runner, Spearfish, and Mahi Mahi even before you reach the grounds.
Depending on what you’re targeting, the lines are strong (50–150 pounds) and leaders are even stronger (upwards of 200 pounds). Your guide will know the best trolling spots, but the rule of thumb is this – FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices), as well as debris and flotsam on the water, usually mean there’s some good fish nearby.
Bottom Fishing and Deep Dropping
If you prefer to be more hands-on during your fishing experience, then you’ll like bottom fishing. This technique can be productive around reefs and wrecks, while deep dropping is usually done in depths of 300–500 feet.
Dropping a chum bag tied to your fishing line is a favorite way to attract bottom dwellers. Once the bag hits the bottom, you’ll move it around until it opens, releasing all that chum. The fish will smell it and come looking. This is just one technique you might be using. Your captain will let you know what the best option is.
The species you’ll target on a bottom fishing expedition are quite different from the ones you might catch while trolling. Anything from Onaga and Ehu to Sharks, Wrasse, Goatfish, Amberjack, and even Green Jobfish is in the cards. They probably won’t be as big as the pelagics, but they’ll still taste excellent.
Deepwater Spearfishing
In Hawaii, you can spearfish from shore, from a kayak, and yes, even from a fishing boat in the bluewater. Deepwater spearfishing is usually reserved for seasoned spearos who know their way around a speargun and how to behave around predator fish.
Depending on where you go, you could hunt around FADs (public and private ones), deep water reefs, and rock shelves. This is where fish congregate and feed and where you’ll have the best chance of getting something bragworthy. You can go spearfishing in the bays (Kailua, Waimanalo) if you prefer calmer waters that are still quite deep.
When it comes to what you can wrestle with in these prolific waters, it depends on the day and conditions. Snappers, Parrotfish, and Green Jobfish are a possibility, or if you’re lucky, you might hunt for Wahoo and Giant Trevally. You’ll need basic gear for this escapade, including a wetsuit, gloves, a speargun, an appropriate mask, and a knife. Then it’s time to jump into the water and see what the day brings.
Where to Go Deep Sea Fishing in Oahu
Deep sea fishing is such a big deal in Oahu because of the sharp drop in the seafloor that happens close to shore. This means that you don’t have to travel for long before you’re in the domain of big fish. There are countless spots around the island you can explore, and we’ll tell you about a few you shouldn’t miss.
- Makua: From the western side of Oahu, you’ll have easy access to the Waianae Trolling Alley, which happens to be one of the top Yellowfin Tuna spots. Add to that the proximity of the FAD and the fantastic morning bite and you’ve got a winning combo.
- Haleiwa: The North Shore is famous for its fishing, and Haleiwa is the epicenter of it. From here, you’ll hit the water in search of Blue Marlin, which is the catch everyone hopes for. Striped Marlin and Spearfish are also fair game.
- Penguin Banks: Ready to head 20 miles offshore? If you are, you’ll be awarded with a slew of pelagics, including big Wahoo and Mahi Mahi, as well as Yellowfin and Skipjack Tuna.
- FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices): There are 14 FADs around Oahu, some closer to land, some pretty far out. But as the name suggests, a boat ride to one of these bad boys is worth it, because anything from Billfish to Trevally hang out here.
- Pinnacle: Neighboring the Penguin Banks, Pinnacle is another hotspot that shows deep sea fishing in Oahu in its best light. Pretty much any species you’d like to catch is here, some 17 miles offshore. Take your pick!
Seasons and Regulations
As we mentioned earlier in the article, there’s really no bad time to go deep sea fishing in Oahu. Whenever you come, there will be something for you to battle in these waters. If you’ve set your sights on Blue Marlin, then it’s best if you come in the peak months, between June–September. This period is productive for Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo, too. If you come in the winter, don’t worry, Striped Marlin are out and about and they’re hungry.
When it comes to regulations, things are a little complicated. While Hawaii residents can fish saltwater without a permit, anyone over the age of 15 visiting from out of state will need to purchase a saltwater fishing license. Going out with a charter will also help make sure you’re fishing within the law, as your captain will inform you of where you’re allowed to fish and which fish you can keep. Bear in mind that it’s customary in Hawaii that the catch is shared with the crew.
Deep Sea Fishing in Oahu: Let the Action Begin!
The beauty and abundance of Oahu can’t be overstated. Between gently swaying palm trees, dramatic landscapes, and heavenly views, all you need to do is turn up and enjoy it. And when you get that itch for an adrenaline rush, head out to the water. After one face-off with a Marlin, you’ll understand why deep sea fishing in Oahu is not only world-famous but also absolutely addictive!
Have you ever been deep sea fishing in Oahu? What were your impressions? Did you get that trophy fish? Share your experiences and stories in the comments below.
