EASY, AFFORDABLE HAWAIIAN FISHING

Certainly less expensive alternatives, like shared charters, reduce costs. These offer an offshore look at darting frigate birds, the mate's fish stories and joys like deep blue ocean, and can be booked at the public docks anywhere in the islands. Just don't bring bananas. Hawaiians feel they're bad luck when fishing.

The shore action's free. You don't need a license to catch several dozen different kinds of fish from Hawaii's lava shores, protected bays and sandy beaches on the same kind of gear you use at home. Buddy up to a local and offer to share bait, beer and gas costs, and you may find yourself enjoying slider fishing and other specialized methods. You can expect some outrageous stories. Locals anywhere delight in putting visitors on, yes?

Last visit, for example, I watched a family fishing off a reef near Makaha at the mouth of the local harbor. Cemented into the reef were a number of store-bought and home-made memorials. I was told that there was a "killer wave" that washed a bunch of anglers off the rocks. "You gotta keep watching the wata, braw. Could be another any time now."

"Odd," I replied. "some headstones are from the 1950's, others from the 1960's and 1970's. You sure these aren't just for fishermen lost at sea?"

A grin -- then shared laughter, and "Guess you didn't just get off the pineapple truck." We discussed fishing, shared a beer and I got an invitation to "try the reef" that night. Too bad we got blown off the beach.

There's no excuse. Left your gear at home? Discount hardware stores sell what you need for less than you'd pay for dinner. Then pick up a set of regulations available from all tackle shops or from the Division of Aquatic Resources, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813.

"Da Regs", based on both historic fishing rights and modern management techniques offer what seems a confusing mix of special regulations, rotten sketches for fish I.D. and Draconian cautions about private beach ownership. Some species have closed seasons; others have size or possession limits or both. Oddments include two years of open fishing followed by two years of closed fishing, which obtain for areas like Waikiki-Diamond head. Clearly, "Da Regs" aim at locals who know what's what. Fortunately, you're almost always in compliance with a single rod and reel, and if you don't molest the shellfish. There are many public piers and beaches too.

Check with bait shops, ask locals

Go To Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7