Fishing Techniques

Master the art of the hunt with time-tested Hawaiian fishing methods

The Art of the Hunt

The thrill of Hawaiian deep-sea fishing lies in the hunt. The techniques used to pursue these powerful ocean predators blend science, art, and hard-earned experience. While charter crews handle the complex work, understanding their methods will deepen your appreciation for the sport and make you a more active participant in the adventure.

Each technique is tailored to specific fish behavior and conditions. Understanding the "why" behind each method reveals the captain's expertise and enhances your appreciation of this ancient art practiced with modern precision.

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Trolling for Giants

Marlin & Wahoo

Trolling is the primary method for hunting the fastest and most aggressive fish in the ocean, like marlin and wahoo. It involves pulling a spread of artificial lures behind a moving boat, typically at speeds from 8 to 18 knots. This mimics a school of fleeing baitfish.

The Lure Pattern (The "Spread")

This isn't random - it's a carefully planned presentation. Lures are set at different distances and positions behind the boat:

Lure Positions:

• Short Corner - Closest to boat
• Long Corner - Further back
• Short Rigger - Outrigger pole, close
• Long Rigger - Outrigger pole, far
• Shotgun/Stinger - Farthest back

Advanced Tactics:

• Dredges - Multi-armed bait ball simulators
• Teasers - Hookless attractors
• Wake Position - Each lure on specific wave
• Speed Control - Varies by conditions

Lure Selection

The lures themselves are works of art. Captains have favorites, often based on sea conditions and time of day:

Slant-Face Lures

Dive and swim wildly, creating erratic action that triggers aggressive strikes.

Cup-Face "Chuggers"

Create trails of smoke and bubbles, highly visible to predators from below.

Bullet-Shaped

Run straight and true, perfect for high-speed trolling for wahoo.

Pro Tips for Marlin & Wahoo:

• Color Strategy: Blue is the "home color" in Kona, but vary colors to see what fish prefer daily
• Wahoo Gear: Always use heavy wire leaders due to their razor-sharp teeth
• Deep Presentation: Use weighted leads or planers to get lures 20-50 feet down
• Fight Strategy: Keep boat moving forward to maintain constant pressure

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The Ahi Arsenal

Yellowfin Tuna Techniques

Targeting ahi requires diverse tactics, as their feeding behavior can change daily. These powerful fish demand respect and versatile approaches.

Trolling & Live Baiting

Ahi are often caught while trolling for marlin, but can be specifically targeted with specialized lures.

• Cedar Plugs: Classic tuna catchers
• Skirted Lures: Feather or plastic skirts
• Deep-Diving Plugs: Reach feeding depth
• Live Bait: Opelu (mackerel scad) or small aku

Chunking & Jigging

Advanced techniques for when schools are located but won't bite trolled lures.

• Chunking: Create chum line with cut bait
• Vertical Jigging: Heavy metal jigs, 200-500 feet
• Fast Retrieve: Mimic wounded baitfish
• Feeding Frenzy: Can trigger aggressive response

🎋 The Green Stick Method

A few specialized charters employ this fascinating technique adapted from commercial fishing.

Setup:

• 30-40 foot fiberglass pole
• Large floating "bird" teaser
• Multiple artificial squid lures
• Skipping action on surface

Results:

• Deadly for line-shy ahi
• Spectacular aerial strikes
• 200+ lb tuna launching from water
• Unforgettable fishing experience

🌈

Enticing the Mahi-Mahi

Visual & Fast-Paced Fishing

Mahi-mahi are curious and aggressive, and fishing for them is often a visual and fast-paced affair. Their schooling behavior and attraction to floating objects makes them exciting targets.

1. Location is Everything

The first step is finding them. Captains search for floating structure:

• Sargassum weed lines
• Floating logs and debris
• State-managed FADs
• Any surface disturbance

2. Casting & Teasing

Once a school is spotted, excitement begins:

• Cast lures directly to fish
• Use stick baits or poppers
• Troll hookless teasers
• Draw them closer to boat

3. The Golden Rule

Capitalize on their schooling nature:

• Keep first fish in water
• Hold attention of school
• Allow multiple hookups
• Create non-stop action

🎯 The Most Important Mahi-Mahi Trick

When the first mahi-mahi is hooked, it should be kept in the water near the boat. Its presence will hold the attention of the rest of the curious and competitive school, allowing other anglers to cast to them and achieve multiple hookups. This can turn a single bite into a flurry of non-stop action with the entire boat catching fish simultaneously.

The Gear You'll Encounter

You don't need to bring your own gear. Every charter in Hawaiʻi is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment designed to handle these powerful fish. Understanding what you'll be using enhances your appreciation of the sport.

🎣 Rods & Reels

Trolling Rods: Heavy-duty 50-130 lb class rods designed for big game
Stand-up Rods: Shorter, powerful rods for fighting fish while standing
Reels: Large-capacity conventional reels (Shimano, Penn)
Capacity: Can hold 800+ yards of heavy line

🧵 Lines & Leaders

Main Line: Braided line, 80-130 lb test for strength and capacity
Leaders: Heavy fluorocarbon for abrasion resistance and invisibility
Wire Leaders: For toothy fish like wahoo and sharks
Circle Hooks: Better for fish survival and more secure hookups

Why This Gear Matters:

Every piece of equipment is specifically chosen for Hawaiian conditions. The heavy tackle isn't just for big fish - it's for the extreme power and speed these fish can generate. A 200-pound yellowfin tuna can strip 400 yards of line in seconds. The gear must be reliable enough to handle this incredible force while giving you the fighting chance to land your dream fish.