Bass Fishing Secrets – Hawaii!
Bass fishing and Hawaii are not often found in the same sentence let alone in conversations centered around one of the most popular game fish!
Yet in a quiet, unintentionally secretive way, great bass fishing is happening on these islands well under the radar, something our freshwater anglers are perfectly happy about! While island fishing advertising focuses on saltwater fishing, Hawaiian freshwater fishing enthusiasts are looking for largemouth bass, red devils, smallmouth bass, bluegill, channel cats , snakeheads, Oscars, and the strikingly beautiful peacock bass. !
The absence of large lakes, rivers and streams means most visitors don’t even ask about freshwater fly fishing and bait fishing, but the opportunities are here, usually in a few key spots like reservoirs and a couple of lakes that our friends from Texas would call it “puddles”. But these “pools” are literally gold mines for angling, as each one is regulated, unlike the larger ocean fishing grounds that surround the islands. And the limited extent of our freshwater spots makes it a little easier to look for hot spots rather than try your luck on a well-fished stretch of coastline.
Many of us islanders grew up fishing for freshwater foods like tilapia, which thrive in the briny transitional waters where streams meet the ocean. Then, during the open season, a trip to the local reservoirs in search of tucanare, catfish, and the coveted largemouth bass would be a welcome change from the hot, humid beaches where fishing is allowed year-round. But then the variety of fishing opportunities the ocean offers drew most of us out to sea, leaving a few to pursue the finer aspects of freshwater fishing in Hawaii.
Over the years, the tiny but steady community of freshwater fishing enthusiasts has resulted in more freshwater fishing spots offering bass, trout, and other game fishing to rival a number of places around the world. who are “notorious” for their bass opportunities! Hawaii bass fishing has even reached the level where there are guides you can hire to short cut your way to the “big one.”
The islands of Oahu and Kauai are the highlights for bass fishing in Hawaii. On Oahu, the Nuuanu Reservoir and Lake Wilson (which is actually a very large reservoir). On Kauai, the reservoirs and streams of the Kokee State Park area, which is also a favorite gathering spot. You can get information about freshwater fishing licenses and seasons in Hawaii at any local sporting goods or fishing supply store.
So, the secret is out. Hawaii has great bass fishing! The next time your spouse or significant other asks you to take a vacation from your fishing so the two of you can sightsee in Hawaii, just say “yes…” and then quietly pack your fishing gear!