Charter Fishing Hawaii
Your Hawaii fishing charter starts with an early morning boarding. We prefer you board the charter
fishing boat at 6 AM. The 1st mate, Scot will help you stow your gear. Captain Rusty will explain fishing
boat operation and safety precautions. We like to depart the harbor before daylight,
our motto -- the early
fisherman catches the fish.
The fishing starts just outside the harbor. A trolling menu is selected and
five lines are set. We generally proceed to one of the buoys. The trip will take 1 to 2 hours.
It is not infrequent for hungry fish to interrupt the journey.
Pelagic game fish, such as Blue Marlin, Wahoo (ono), Dolphin Fish (mahi-mahi)
Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) and Skipjack Tuna (Aku) tend to prefer areas where the
water is deeper. They will range from the surface to about 100 fathoms.
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The rule of thumb is the deeper the water the bigger the fish. Yet monster fish have
been caught just out side the harbor, so it is just a rule of thumb.
Hawaii "deep sea fishing" centers around floaters and
Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs). "Floaters"
is the term fishermen call flotsam. They act as nurseries for many
pelagic species. Where there is food you will find big predators.
FADs act as virtual floaters creating this food chain.
May 2002 Steve Mapúa with a fresh caught mahi-mahi.
Our Motto - The early fisherman catches the fish.
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Deep Sea Fishing Hawaii
Our goal is to be the first to make a pass at the Fish Aggregation Devices (FAD).
The State of Hawaii has placed FADs in the waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands.
These buoys attract schools of tuna and other important pelagic fishes, such as
dolphinfish (Mahimahi), wahoo (Ono), and billfish.
Unlike, the Honolulu side where the nearest FAD is 16.7 miles. We have 3 buoys to chose
from. Being on the windward side has the added benefit of floaters blown our
way by the winds. Floaters attract fish. This is where the concept of FADs orginated.
Finally, game fish seem to like the rougher water.
Pelagic fishes tend to aggregate to floating objects. Researchers have found that anchoring a
buoy or platform in the open ocean will also attract and hold pelagic fishes.
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FADs act as reference points for tuna, billfish and mahi-mahi. They move
towards them during the day. Juvenile tuna are known to hang aroung them
for as long as 3 months.
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Marlin Fishing Hawaii
Mar 28, 2003 Mike Corell lands a 669 lbs. Blue Marlin with Scot
Spencer at leader and Capt. Rusty at gaff. Also shown are the 3 of the 6 mahimahi
caught on one heck of a good day.
(l-r) Mike Corell, Deb Townsend
and Wendy Stevens. More...
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At the buoys, we break out light tackle,
50-lb test, and jig for Skipjack Tuna (Aku) and Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi).
The small lively Aku are bridled up for live bait fishing on the outriggers, for any hungry marlin
lurking in the area looking for an easy breakfast. Blue Marlin feast on tuna and we are happy to oblige.
We continue to jig for Aku, Ahi and Dolphin Fish (Mahi-mahi) or cut some Aku for chum and
bait on the light tackle, hoping nothing too big grabs the bait and breaks the line. We
prefer the big ones take the bait on the outriggers.
When everyone is tired of reeling or the bite is slow, the captain may decide to go hunting
for open schools of fish. They are located by looking for excited birds congregated in one
spot or finding floating debris that harbor smaller fish that attract the larger game fish.
The tuna tower gives the deckhand a better view to spot these potential opportunities.
The fishing does not stop on the return trip, as you never know when fish may be attracted
to the lures.
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Hawaii Fishing News
Back in the harbor, it is time to unload the day's catch and take the final pictures.
Depending on the day's catch the captain will filet enough fish for everyone to have a couple
of fish dinners.
We will post your pictures on the web as part of our charter fishing report. Many fishing
websites, link to these pages as part of their Hawaii fishing news reports. Your report
will have a link that you can email to your friends and family.
Any fish can be mounted. Ask Captain Rusty for information.
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A Big day of big game fishing. A hefty Blue Marlin, lots of
dolphin fish (mahi-mahi), wahoo (ono).
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