Hawaii is a popular vacation destination, mostly because of its tropical beach life. Known for its surfing possibilities, Oahu's North Shore area also offers a wealth of big game fishing opportunities year round. Fishing off the coast of Haleiwa is renown for the variety of fish and size of them.
There are no official fishing seasons in Hawaii, and factors including water temperature, tide and wind dictate when and where fishing will be best. The humpback whale season is January through April, and daily sightings are common. The presence of these huge mammals will affect the fishing, but not significantly. May through August yellow fin tuna, blue marlin and mahi mahi are in abundance. September through November is the prime time for marlin. The striped marlin school up in small "packs" and attack bait ferociously, making for an exciting landing experience. Average weight for these fish is 150 lbs, although big blue marlin can weigh between 400 and 500 lbs. While December is the best for surfers, it is the most challenging time to fish in Oahu, and offshore fish are more scarce.
Year round temperatures typically get up to around mid to high 80s by noon. A typical North Shore day will have a 12 to 15 mph breeze from the east, and a 4-foot sea with some choppiness. The depth of offshore water is so deep that the fishing grounds are not generally affected by the winter surf. The choppiness, generated by the open Pacific Ocean, can be the cause of boat movement, but when the trade winds are cut off by low pressure systems, the conditions are flat and calm. Choppy waters are the best conditions for mahi mahi and ahi, while ono fishing is best in calm waters.
There is no shortage of big fish to be had off the North Shore. State records show the largest blue marlin to be caught was 1,805 pounds. The largest yellow fin tuna was 325 pounds, the largest ono was 133 pounds and the largest mahi mahi was 82 pounds.
Charter boats for big game fishing are plentiful, and they offer half day and full day trips. Prices range from $60 per half day, per person, to $1,000 for the charter of a boat for a full day for up to six people.
Held in June each year, Hanapa's Jackpot Fishing Tournament, off the coast of Haleiwa, attracts boats from all the islands, and the field of contestants ranges from 60 to 100 boats. The three day competition involves fishing for marlin, ahi, ono and mahi mahi using troll lures only. Bait fishing is not allowed. Cash prizes are awarded for the largest of the four species each day and the tournament total. The grand cash prize is awarded to the first five boats with the highest total poundage for the three-day event.
