Tailing Bonefish at First Light in Hawaii
Capt. Chris Asaro
November 29, 2009
Oahu - Saltwater Fishing Report
On Saturday, i met John Opinsky and his son, Nick at 6 am. It seemed very early to get started but after launching the boat and getting over to one of my favorite flats, there was plenty of light and plenty of tailers! John is an avid flyfisherman from Alaska with a bunch of warm saltwater flyfishing under his belt as well. He was up for task knowing that we would mostly see only weight fish [florida keys term for bonefish over 8lbs that score higher in major tournaments]! He descibed the tails more like permit than bonefish as we saw many in the 12 lb range and higher. The action was non-stop! We had a few follow the fly even surging on it a couple of times but as with any marlin like fishery things don't anyways go your way.
While eating lunch near the channel, his son Nick connected to a small trevally on jig and lost something that peeled off over 100 yds of line in what seemed like a second. The hook pulled before we could get a look at it right when i was about to start the motor to chase it down. It had to be a giant trevally or bonefish.
Bonefish remain very active with the right tide
and moon phase. the weather has been touch and go but as long as the wind doesn't blow too hard, we have been in the game. As winter sets in expect tougher conditions. Practice casting into the wind so you are prepared. Bonefish are much less aware in these adverse conditions and controlled short casts can pay off with a fish of a lifetime!
Oahu Fishing Forecast:
Large bonefish will remain on the flats through most of december. Fronts will make for wash out days but i will move your trip around if you have a window and i have openings. It's best to not go by what the weatherman says as he is often wrong. Island weather changes very rapidly for the good and bad!