Coming to Hawaii is like transporting yourself into another dimension. Enjoying the breathtaking views and prolific waters is the only way to live life to the fullest here. While you can catch a variety of species just about anywhere around these islands, fishing in Oahu is some of the best you’ll find in this part of the world.
We know this is a big statement, but once you get your line into the water, you’ll know this stellar reputation is justified. Oahu boasts premier deep sea fishing and if you plan on giving it a try, read on for all the info you need to start planning your trip.
Best Fish to Catch in Oahu
Anglers who come to Hawaii are ready to battle the best of the best game fish on the planet. The biggest, the strongest, the most acrobatic, the most aggressive species – they all camp out here. Fishing is a part of Hawaiian tradition, and having a local take you out is the best way to get to know the area and target game species. Here’s what you can catch when you get there.
Billfish
One of the main reasons fishing in Oahu is such a big deal is because giant Billfish live and feed in these deep waters practically year-round. In fact, the largest Blue Marlin ever was caught off the coast of Oahu in the seventies – if that’s not enough to tickle your fancy, nothing is.
Blue Marlin is the ultimate catch and the strongest opponent out there, and they can get huge – we’re talking 1,000 pounds or more. From April through September, fishermen from all over the world come to Oahu in search of the finest trophy there is – the formidable Blue.
While Blue Marlin are the largest fish you can reel in, when it comes to sheer numbers, it’s Striped Marlin that take the cake. While they’re significantly smaller, usually in the 50–70 lb ballpark, there’s more of these feisty fellas than any other Billfish, especially in winter.
Aside from Striped and Blue Marlin, which are primarily targeted, you could also stumble upon Black Marlin, Sailfish, and Spearfish. Billfish will give you a fishing battle you’ll never forget, but even if you don’t get one on the line, there’s plenty of other fish that you’ll enjoy targeting.
Tuna
There’s no talking about fishing in Oahu without mentioning the resident Tuna population. Both Skipjack (Aku) and Yellowfin (Ahi) Tuna are on the menu here, especially if you come in spring and summer when they’re most active.
Because of its size and excellent taste, Yellowfin Tuna are on everyone’s radar. They’re one of those fish you always want at the end of your line because the fight is top-notch and the fruits of your hard work are delicious fillets. Yellowfin can weigh anywhere from 100–250 pounds, though there are even larger specimens out there.
Skipjack Tuna are significantly smaller (15–25 pounds), but that doesn’t make them easy to catch. They’ve got soft mouths, so even when hooked, it takes some skill and patience to get them onto the boat. From time to time, you might even find Bigeye Tuna in the Oahu waters, but they’re not usually targeted, they’re more of an incidental catch.
Trolling is the way to get Tuna’s attention, and sometimes they chow down on the bait meant for Marlin. Your prey usually travels and feeds in schools and they like calmer seas, found on the side of the island protected from the winds. This is where you can go to get a big one!
Wahoo
Did you know that Wahoo are named after Oahu island? If you think about it, the words are written differently, but actually, sound the same. Explorers noticed an impressive number of these speedsters around Oahu and named the new (to them) species after the island.
Also known as Ono, Wahoo are not only one of the fastest fish in the ocean, but also one of the most delicious ones. They stick around from March until October and can weigh up to 100 pounds, though they average out at 10–30 pounds. They prefer to hunt alone instead of in schools, so they’re trickier to locate.
Once you do get a Wahoo on the line though, you’ll know straight away. They’re very fast (they can swim up to 60 miles per hour), they’ve got razor-sharp teeth, and they’ll fight you ferociously for every inch of the line.
This species responds well to a variety of lures, and you can sometimes catch them quite close to shore. Wahoo are a delicacy in Hawaii, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to have them fresh off the grill.
Mahi Mahi
In a way, Mahi Mahi are the embodiment of the Hawaiian spirit. They’re gorgeous, fun to catch, and even better to eat – what’s not to like? They’re available all year, especially in winter, so if nothing else is biting, Mahi probably are.
Mahi Mahi are always on the move and they love to eat, so they can grow to good sizes. Their average weight is usually around 15–30 pounds, and when you add to that their acrobatics, the adrenaline only rises. Once hooked, these fish jump out of the water and shake their head violently in an attempt to break free.
Where there’s debris in the water, you’ll find schools of Mahi Mahi nearby. They can go into a feeding frenzy if you throw sardines or ballyhoo their way, and that is a sight to behold. Sometimes rods will bend almost simultaneously and everyone on the boat will have a fish on. This is where the fun begins!
The day will end with you watching the sunset and feasting on delicious Mahi Mahi, and who doesn’t want that?
Giant Trevally
Giant Trevally is one of those fish that throws the (proverbial) glove in the face of the most skilled anglers. They’re notoriously hard to land due to their size, strength, and cunning. All this makes them a challenge many fishermen want to tackle and come out of victorious.
Like most species, the Trevally peak season is in the warmest months of the year, from May–September. They can grow to be well over 100 pounds and when hooked, they have the hit of a freight train. Giant Trevally are powerful fighters, and you’ll need to be persistent to get one onto the boat. Another obstacle is that they run for the reefs as soon as they’re hooked, trying to cut your line on the rocks.
You’ll need high-quality heavy tackle to be a match for these monsters because they won’t go easy on you. Stickbait and topwater plugs will get Trevally closer to the surface and once you get one on the line, it’s time to go all-in!
Freshwater Fish
Deep sea fishing in the waters of Oahu offers more than enough opportunities to keep you busy, but there’s more. The island also has the Wahiawā Reservoir, better known as Lake Wilson, the only freshwater reservoir here. This is the place to be if you’d like to do a bit of freshwater fishing.
While there aren’t any huge specimens living in the lake, this is a decent Bass fishery. Here, you could hook into Largemouth, Smallmouth, and most famously, Peacock Bass (Tucunare). Other species you could catch include Tilapia and Channel Catfish. Both standard and fly fishing can be productive.
Freshwater fishing regulations are clearly defined in Oahu, so if you’d like to try your luck at the reservoir, you’ll need a freshwater fishing license. All Bass are strictly catch and release, and you’re allowed to use one line on weekdays, and two lines on weekends. If you’re a freshwater enthusiast, Lake Wilson can be good fun.
How to Go Fishing in Oahu
One of Oahu’s many appeals is that fishing is versatile, so aficionados of all levels can find something to do. Here are some of the preferred types of fishing on the island and what makes them so popular.
Deep Sea Fishing with a Charter
If you’re coming to Hawaii to get a taste of some of the best sportfishing in the country, then hiring a professional to show you around is a game-changer. Charter boats can take you to the most prolific fishing grounds and give you a chance at battling trophy-sized fish.
Nothing can beat local intel, especially in Hawaii, where the fishing secrets are passed down from generation to generation. The crews know exactly how to put you on the bite and help you land something good. You can try out different techniques and target various species on full day trips, but shorter excursions can be very productive too.
We’d recommend reserving your spot on one of the boats well in advance. By the time the high season rolls around, a lot of charters are booked, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Most charters move out of Honolulu and Haleiwa.
Shore Fishing
Maybe you prefer slow-paced fishing, as well as the time to stop and smell the salty ocean air. If that’s the case, you’ll enjoy shore fishing in Oahu. There are many spots from where you can cast your line, the nature is stunning, and there’s a lot to catch.
You can either rent the necessary gear or bring your own and spend the day casting into the surf. Species that feed in these inshore waters are good to eat and fun to land, which is always a bonus. Bluefin and smaller Giant Trevally, Surgeonfish, Goatfish, and Blue-Striped Snapper are in the cards.
Night fishing is also an option, which is when Trevally are most active. Local fishers are usually happy to help you find a good spot for your shore fishing escapades.
Spearfishing
Whether you’re a beginner spearo or you’ve been in the sport for a while, you’ll love spearfishing in Oahu. Clear waters and gorgeous reefs teeming with life – what more could a spearo want?
Adventure seekers can go spearfishing from the shore or rent out a kayak for less accessible spots. Closer to shore, Goatfish, Sturgeonfish, and Parrotfish are all up for the taking. Experienced spearos head to the deep waters as well, where they can get close and personal with the likes of Wahoo, Giant Trevally, and even Marlin and Tuna.
Spearfishing is a great way to discover a new “flavor” of fishing and Oahu is a good place to get a feel for it.
Oahu Fishing Spots
Picking your favorite fishing spots in Hawaii is like picking a favorite child, it just can’t be done. Still, if you’re a newcomer, there are fishing grounds you shouldn’t pass by. Here are just a few of them.
- North Shore: Anglers come to the North Shore in search of Yellowfin Tuna, which like to gather here because of the abundance of bait fish. The bottom drops abruptly close to shore, so deep waters are very close to land.
- Kaena Point: If you’re coming to Oahu for deep sea trophy species, you’ll probably head to Kaena Point. Anything from Billfish and Tuna to Mahi Mahi and Wahoo is fair game and the action is off the hook!
- Pearl Harbor: This is one of the best places on the island to go surf fishing. You can spend some time on the white-sand beaches, then grab your gear to target a variety of Goatfish, Ladyfish, even some crabs.
- Pinnacle: Another go-to fishery for trophy chasers. This is the hub of Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Marlin, as well as any other fish you can think of. The unique underwater landscape allows for bait fish to congregate, and predators follow.
- Bamboo Ridge: Got Giant Trevally on your mind? Then Bamboo Ridge is the place to get something bragworthy on the line. This is a popular Trevally spot, so you can expect a good amount of anglers to keep you company in the summer.
Oahu Fishing Regulations
Most fishing regulations start with the need for a fishing license. Until February 2024, there was no need for a saltwater permit at all. However, non-residents now need to purchase a fishing license whether fishing from shore or from a boat. Similarly, all anglers going to Lake Wilson will need to buy a freshwater license, which you can do online.
Bear in mind that some parts of the island have open and closed seasons. The Waikiki-Diamond Head shoreline is the best example of this – fishing is only allowed on even years. Other areas like The Hawaii Marine Laboratory Refuge, Honolulu Harbor, and He’eia Kea Wharf have their own sets of regulations, so make sure you know them before you hit the water.
Fishing in Oahu – You’ll Never Want to Stop
Oahu is absolutely awe-inspiring, with a dramatic, beautiful landscape, pristine waters, and a lifestyle that seeps into your skin. You can hunt for the giants of the deep one day, then sunbathe on the beach with your line in the surf the next. Once you get a taste of the reel-screaming action, your life will never be the same!
Have you ever been fishing in Oahu? What are your impressions? Is there something that we missed? Let’s talk in the comments.
