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The following is a generalized description of what fish specie we expect to
catch by trolling and baiting on the ocean surface within a 30 mile radius
of the Haleiwa, Hawaii harbor.
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An outstanding 2 - Blue Marlin day. The 5 mahi-mahi (dolphin fish) and 1 ono (wahoo) were a plus.
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From January to February the Marlin/Billfish season is fading out. The fish
aggregation devices (FAD), large buoys, usually have Skipjack Tuna (Aku) and
small (1 to 20 lbs) Yellow Fin Tuna (Ahi). There is the occasional Mahi-mahi (Dolphin Fish).
The Humpback whale season starts and they remain here until the end of April.
We usually see whales everyday, this time of year.
From March to May, the Mahi-mahi are more plentiful. We usually catch Mahi-mahi
everyday and on exceptional days we land 10 or more. In March the Mahi-mahi
start off averaging 10 lbs. As the season progresses they get larger and get up
to 20 to 30 lbs. The FADs have lots of Skipjack Tuna (Aku) and a few small
Yellow Fin Tuna. The Humpback whales are around in decreasing numbers.
You always have to do everything right. The gear, tackle, bait and lures. So when a Blue Marlin strikes, you're prepared.
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From June to August, the schools of big Yellow Fin Tuna (Ahi) arrive. They
average over 100 lbs. This is the reason the North Shore hosts the Hanapa'a
Jackpot Fishing Tournament, which is held at the Haleiwa harbor the third week
of June.
The Ono (Wahoo) are being caught more regularly. A few Mahi-mahi and the
occasional large Marlin are caught. An example is the 509 lbs Marlin that
garnered the Kuuloa Kai 2nd place in 1999.
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A winning team proves what preparation is all about. 67 Mahimahi totaling over 1,000 lbs.
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From September to December, the Marlin/Billfish season begins. There are
more Marlin around. When the Marlin schools show up, the average size is 120
to 180 lbs. In 2001 the Kuuloa Kai caught their record Marlin, a Blue Marlin
weighing in at 715 lbs. just outside the Haleiwa harbor. Anything can happen.
From October to December the FADs usually have plenty of Skipjack Tuna (Aku)
and Yellow Fin Tuna (Ahi), Marlin's favorite food. The small Yellow Fin Tuna
(Ahi) that have been hanging around the FADs have grown to 40 to 50 lbs. They
can give you a big fight on light tackle (40 lbs test).
These are the basic broad changes that occur throughout the year. When you go
fishing for big game in Hawaii, each fishing day is different. You never really
know what will strike your lures and baits. The ocean is a hard lady to
understand and her occupants are just as difficult. But we do our best to catch you fish every day.
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