Oama came in very early this year, at the beginning of June. That’s at least a month earlier than normal. I thought the oama season would wane by now but it looks like more waves of oama have come in to some, but not all the regular spots.
There aren’t a lot of oama in these spots, but the ones there are catchable with the right tide, bait and technique. Papio are having a hard time passing up a live or fresh dead oama. The tackle shops are kinda low on the oama poles, hooks, bait buckets etc so you may have to shop around to replenish your gear.
Normally most spots begin to dry up by the end of September so you still have a month to get some oama for bait or to eat.
Hi Scott:). Northside and central side reporting oamas still going strong big schools. We started late May. Friend tell me new batch oamas came in this past weekend . Sinat least this side good through September. If I’m not mistaken this is the 4th wave coming in. LA Nino year yet. Not so lucky catching papuo this year do far. Always first throw in pole lying down couldn’t bring it in. Northshore we been b getting 5lbers. 1 eight lber. And numerous big strikes that got away. Take care.
Hi Craig,
Sounds like it has turned out to be a pretty good oama season. Oama came in early and keeps on coming in. That goes against my theory that the only good oama seasons are El Nino seasons. 🙂
Good you getting papio action, lemme know when you get yours!
-scott
I will Scott. Hehe. Take care 🙂 ttyl.
Hi Scott😀. Oamas schools big north,central,south. Smaller oamas coming in possibly 5th school coming in. So far no reports of throwing nets. And still trying for that first papio 🤣. Been really warm here reports of 5lb,3 and 4 lb papios. Did you catch any papios yet? It’s been a very good year for oamas. Been using the MDS poles very sensitive and lightweight. I think it’s good. Take care.!
Hi Craig,
It’s been an unusual year with continuous oama yet kind of mediocre papio fishing. I did catch two omilu on my last trip but I was on a kayak! https://hawaiinearshorefishing.com/hot-action-before-hurricane-kiko-big-fish-on-new-jig-and-5lb-windward-uku-green-jobfish-finally-caught/
I haven’t oama fished in years but gave some pointers to my neighbor and he’s been doing very well. Hope you get your papio before the season is up.
-scott
Will do my friend. Also friends telling me the small oamas starting to come in possible 5th wave coming in. They also telling me looks like going till run to November. And yes it’s been a good oama season. Must be the waters around the island is pretty warm. Take care!
hey scotty. sorry late for my report, rented beachouse for a month in august. oama bite was terrific thru the 1st 3 weeks. even my sister and her grandkids were catching! then couldnt find a single one the last week. funny but, omilu action was limited to half dozen 3 pounders and 3 strikes we couldnt stop on eel at night. biggest one landed was 8lbs. tako was plentiful but only oio on them. good trip anyways and i hope you and family are doing great. dean
Hey Deano,
That’s so awesome you guys were able to enjoy the beach house during the peak fishing season.
Your report is consistent with what others reported. Oama has been plentiful this year but the papio
action hasn’t been that great.
My theory tying mango season to oama season wasn’t true. Was a lousy mango season due to limited rain, but a good
oama season. So other factors are at play.
Thanks for the report!
Scott