Middle schooler Matthew has been actively surveying the fresh water and salt water fishing opportunities and provides this timely report.

Matthew:

Action has picked up just a little bit, but still not the desirable Papio and Kaku. I have gotten some barely legal Papio and some Kaku inshore. Besides that, they seem to have migrated offshore.

Like I said before, Smallmouth Bass fishing in streams is a good idea now, but watch the forecast and get out of the stream if it starts heavily raining. Many have died like that.

For saltwater fishing, go fishing for the less desirable fish like Moana, Roi, Toau, or Ta’ape. They are showing no disappearance in the colder months for fishing. Oio are showing up more surprisingly, with some big ones being landed still.

The smartest idea however, is to go on a boat inshore with frozen oama and slow troll. That will entice the predators right outside the surf break to eat. Trolling with lipped lures and surface lures is also a good idea. There has been a lot of wind recently, so kayaking is not often safe. Akule are starting to show up on boats inshore, fishing at night, along with some mixed catches of Opelu.

Now is the time to explore new spots that will fill with fish during the summer. I am trying ultra light fishing, with four pound line, to get the real fight out of the fish. As for bait, in some spots large schools of Iao and Nehu are showing up, so that is a plus. Early Oama are definitely starting to come in, and will be of catching size in around a few weeks. I’ve seen some very small sardines along the shore (0.5 inches), so hopefully this means it’s going to be a good Halalu and sardine fishing season this year.

However, nothing good is coming up except for Oio. Now’s a good time to try dunking (come on Uncle Scott!) and everything you didn’t do during the summer. Hope the action really picks up soon. Go gettum guys!