On the North Shore of Oahu, the ocean is an integral part of our daily lives. Not only is the ocean our playground, but it’s also a source of sustenance for many. Fishing is a huge part of living in Hawaii. We fish when it’s flat. We fish with our friends. We fish to feed ourselves and our families. If you’re visiting Hawaii and want to experience the exceptional fishing we have on the island, head to the North Shore. Whether you’re fishing for your dinner or fishing for sport, the waters of Oahu are teeming with sea life, and there’s plenty to catch. Dive in below for The JOB Surf Experience Guide to Fishing in Hawaii.
Where to fish from shore
The North Shore has plenty of coastlines to fish, including miles of beaches, cliff tops, and piers. If you’re a visitor that wants to fish from shore, make sure to avoid heavily trafficked swimming and surfing areas. There are plenty of North Shore tour services that offer guided shoreline fishing experiences. If you decide to fish on your own, please keep in mind that visitors must purchase a marine recreational fishing license in order to fish from the shoreline or a boat in Hawaiian waters. Additionally, many spots on the coast don’t allow fishing. Still, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of spots to cast from shore along Oahu’s meandering shoreline. Kaʻena Point State Park boasts incredibly deep waters just offshore that are ideal for catching large game fish from shore. On the Northeast coast of the island, the waters of Kaneohe Bay is teaming with Bonefish that you can catch from traditional rod and reel or by fly rod. When casting from shore in most places, you can expect to catch Trevallies, Snappers, Barracudas, and much more.
What to expect deep sea fishing
If you’re thinking of heading out to sea and trying your luck deep sea fishing, you can book your fishing charter through the Turtle Bay Resort. Half-day and full-day charters are available through the resort. The charters depart from the nearby Haleiwa Harbor on the North Shore. On these charters, guests will learn traditional fishing methods that produce real results while targeting trophy fish such as Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo (Ono), and even Marlin.
Spear Fishing on the North Shore
If you’re a true waterman (or whatever woman) and would rather spear your dinner on a single breath, then you can spearfish from shore or by boat. Of course, never dive alone. We recommend booking a spearfishing charter through one of the many providers on the island. If you’re new to spearfishing and free diving, we suggest taking a course with Fish and Dive Hawaii or another reputable tour service. Even if you’re an experienced spear fisherman (or woman), a refresher course will ensure you stay safe in the water and likely help you catch more fish.
For more information on what to do around Oahu or to book your North Shore surf lesson, click here.