This month, big marlin were abundant as were big (100-lbs.+) yellowfin tuna, spearfish and otaru. These fish are known to be a good summertime catch so we were reel glad to see ‘em this month. The only fish that didn't show up in abundance is ono. They never really showed up during the summer either. Party poopers! Even the mahi mahi stuck around with us for most of the month but it seems they recently went elsewhere to visit for the holidays.
The winter months are known for striped marlin, shibi (small yellowfin and bigeye tuna) and a variety of bottom fish. The striped marlin bite was slow in the beginning of the month but they're making a good showing now. Some shibi are biting as blind hits while trolling but the ledges and FAD's are holding the majority and they're more easily targeted there.
The bottom bite has been no exception to the good bite that's been happening. Last month it was mostly the bottom bite and a few mahi mahi coming in that made for a successful fishing day. This month, the bottom fishing got even better and targeting the bottom has produced several big jacks and sharks.
I'm going to use the end of the year report to voice a concern of mine. There has been a definite drop in tourism here in Kona for this time of year. What could be the cause? Hey, with 6 to 8 hours out on the ocean to talk to people (between catching fish) about all of life's adventures, ups and downs, I've been asking them about why they chose Kona? There are all kinds of reasons why people come to enjoy Kona but one concern of many was the bad weather. What? Bad weather in Kona? Yea, all that rain we heard about. What are you talking about? Then I found out why the concern. The Internet has produced all kinds of web sites that forecast the weather for Kona. Looking at many of them myself, I found that the forecast for Kona ranges from raining every day to sunny every day depending on the site you choose to go to. Many of you may not know that Kona is not a town but actually two districts divided into South Kona and North Kona. The district of North Kona has an 8000 ft.+ mountain called Hualalai that gets rained on nearly every day while Keahole airport, in the town of Kailua Kona (most just call it Kona) gets rained on only a few times a year. Your chances of getting rained on anywhere near the coastline is pretty slim. Getting rained on while out fishing is an even rarer occurrence. Flat water and sunshine is what Kona is all about. Come join us!
See ‘ya in the sunshine,
Capt. Jeff Rogers ,
Kona Hawaii fishing