After a very successful career guiding in the everglages national park and florida keys [2004 IGFA Inshore World Championship top guide], i have relocated to Oahu, Hawaii. Not so much to catch the big one but to improve my quality of life. I always wanted to live on an island with beautiful beaches and mountains but my beloved carribean was just not feasible. My wife was offered a very nice job in hawaii so away we went.
With that said, i had heard about World Record size bonefish on the flats of Oahu. Needless to say, my curiousity was more than just a little bit. I have always had the fortune to rub elbows with the 'best of the best' of my fisheries. On chokoloskee, i was able to confide with Gil Drake, Tom Tripp and Robert Collins. In the keys the list of very friendly who's who is endless.
I'll never forget witnessing Stu Apte hook a 100lb tarpon with flyrod on his first cast and he's in his 70's! I also had the fortune to fish with Robert Collins in a few tournaments and i can honestly say i have never met a man more tenacious.
Again my fortunes continue as i ran into the guy that will more than likely get
the largest Bonefish ever fyrod. His name is Capt Terry Duffield aka 'Coach Duff' . The only FFF certified fly casting instructor on the island, He takes his
elite 2nd force recon company experience and combines it with his U of H coaching skills [sugar bowl winner] to give you a positive 'never say die' and patient 'your gonna learn heaps' day on the water. Of course he can get you all the 'dinks you like day' on the water [foot note-in bonefishing there are no gimeys]. But the majority of his clients are in search of the largest bonefish 'ever' caught on fly. Check out his website- www.hawaiianboneshing.com
The first thing i noticed when wading flats around Oahu is the weather. the balmy breezes feel like a rare super nice day in florida. Humidity is normally low so even on days when the tempatures do soar, it surely doesn't feel like it. Clouds typically move in and out like any island but many days are bluebird
making sightfishing the top billing.
Seeing and catching large bonefish are two different things. The hunt is half the fun in my opinion. And when your line does come tight after a few rejections, it is truly rewarding. I have never done large numbers sightfishing. But i don't think i would be fishing much less guiding if i had to do it any other way. So with that said, i highly suggest you spend some time honing your skills before you tackle this fishery. If things don't workout, at least you will be in the game.
Bonefishing around Oahu can be done year round. Monthly tides are very critical for many place so it's best to talk it over with your guide before picking dates if that is an option. Inovative patterns have improved catching odds so bring your A game and you will be rewarded with hooking into that 'bus on the highway' you always wanted to test your $600 reel's drag on!
Capt. Chris Asaro
www.sightfish.net