Family trip to Hawaii

[bulldogslc]

Taking the family to Kona next month and the got approval from the missus to take a rod and reel. Anyone have any preference or advice on shipping vs buying a case to travel? And does anyone have a preferred boat/captain they like to charter? I'm just taking my pole to surf cast while the family is doing the beach thing.

-Cheers
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[styngray32]

If u can get a charter in Kona I would try Freddy Rice, he used to own the Ihu Nui. He and his son are some of the best there. It's been 15 years or so since I lived there but they were legends in Kona
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[Koko21]

Captain Jeff Rodgers is supposed to be the best, check him out. Boasts the best catch rate since the late 90's.

He is also the only active BFT member for hawaii or at least big island. He posts a report most months. He also says a $100 back if you don't catch anything.

I've also heard the Bite Me is decent, but unfortunately haven't been with either. Poor times in Kona so I have only done shore fishing.
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[Hazzy_Hazbourne]

I wish I could give you some helpful advice but I've never been to Hawaii. I think it's awesome you're taking the rod and reel. I try and take mine anywhere there might be so much as a puddle to fish in. I hope you have some awesome pictures and stories to post when you get back. I've been on kind of a salt water fishing fixation lately and need to live vicariously through someone.
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[albinotrout]

My salt water rods are three pieces so they are easy to carry on.
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[bulldogslc]

Awesome! I'll definitely check out those captains for a charter. I'll probably get a hard case for my rod and reel and check it in. I'll definitely take pictures and come back with a report of our adventures.
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[BagABigOne]

We fished with Captain Rodgers and had a good time, the shared charter option can really be a good deal if the timing is right. As far as taking fishing equipment an older gentleman had the idea of buying it there at a pawn shop then selling it back when done or possibly renting some. Depends on if you have to pay the extra baggage fee and the inconvenience of packing it.

Check out fishinkona.com The shared charter isn't a big party barge. It's for four people max (two groups of two) he explains it on his web page.
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[bulldogslc]

Thank you!
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[Gooseberry]

We are heading back to Kona next month, but our prior trip there was in a Feb. We will be taking flyrods-- sinking tip, with sinking tippet and 3-6" long flies of various assortments. Make sure your hooks are razor sharp. Kona isn't known for tidal flats and great shore fishing, but it is possible.

As for a charter-- you've probably already booked, but if not look up the Blue Hawaii. It is so nice and the Capt is a great guy. Big ocean fishing can be tough, but at least you'll be doing it in style. We fished with him and caught tuna on a 3/4 day trip. It was perfect.

I personally have been part of "mixed" boats and it is frustrating when you drop $hundreds to watch the other party reel in the fish. Spend the extra cash and book for your family only. Of course that is just my opinion.
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[bulldogslc]

Thank you for the advice.
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[bulldogslc]

I'm going to take my bait casting reel and I have a medium 7' rod. I'm just going to buy bait and tackle when I get there
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[Lonnie]

I spent the last 8 months of my LDS mission on the big island. Here is a couple things to know about the big Island 1st Due to it being an active volcano , there is not much coral reef and much of the island is deep water right off shore. While this is great for the off shore charters ( They are in fishing waters in 10-15 minutes maximizing your dollars spent) However this makes shore fishing access limited. A good way though is to fish the tide pools as the water receeds at low tide. An old timer used to take us every Monday for this type of fishing and it was a blast. However if you do this , never fish with your back to the ocean, and the minute the tide begins to come in , get out of there. You are generally in rough lava rock and big waves come fast. ( remember there is not much reef on the big island , therefore no off shore break for the waves, they hit the shore with the force of thousands of open ocean miles) I do not want to discourage you at all, Just talk to the locals about safe areas before you venture out.. Also if you are taking your kids, try spearing some prawns in any intlet streams. Pick up a cheap spear or two (they are like a piece of elec conduit with 2-3 large nail type points sticking out , buy a couple flash lights , then wade the streams after dark, shine the light on the prawns in the stream , move your spear close to them and jab them . They are very tasty. They are like a larger , better tasting crawdad.
While there rent a car and go visit weimea valley on the hilo side , very beautiful. And get on a whale boat , humback whale action is there between jan and april.
Let me know if I can help.
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[bulldogslc]

Now that sounds like great advice! Thank you! What did you typically catch in the pools and what did you fish with? And I'm definitely taking the kids prawn spearing. They'll get a kick out that. We already made the whale watching arrangements, so that's taken care of and the whole family is looking forward to it. Feel free to send more advice my way when you think of other things
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[Lonnie]

Different fish on every cast. We fished with a piece of shrimp on a 20' bamboo pole ( no reel) We would catch anything from small pan fish (like blue gills) To parrot fish (2-7 lbs) eels, you name it. Be careful and carry pliers. Some of the fish can take off a finger with a snap of their jaws, others have stinging spines , or poisonous spines.
You may want to pick up a fish identification chart at a dive shop.
I would also email some of the boat captains there for advice . Most people there are very generous with information.
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