Frequently Asked Questions Fly Fishing For Bonefish in Hawaii
What Island is the Best for Fly Fishing?
Fly fishing in order of awesomeness: Molokai, Oahu, and Maui. Each island offers different terrain and techniques to catch these bonefish. On maui the accessible flats are limited, but if you know where to go the fish will bite. Molokai’s flats are huge! You will have to fly from Oahu or Maui. It is a pretty easy flight on Makani Air. No TSA lines, and the guide will pick you up from the airport. Oahu is awesome! There are a lot of fish, and a ton of flats to choose from.
Where are we meeting the guide?
All fishing meet location will have to be coordinated with the guide prior to trip. Each day is different and our guides may need to adjust fishing location based on Tide, Weather, and etc.
What types of flies do we need?
The flies will depend on the month, water depth, and experience. Each guide has his or her own style of flies, and the guides have dialed in their flies for the area you will be fishing in Hawaii.
How much backing do we need?
Depends on the size of the reel. We typically have about 175-200 yards of backing on our reels. These fish, even the small ones, will take you into the backing. When you hook one of these fish, make sure you are watching how much line you have in your reel.
What Rod and Reel set up should we have?
We use 5-wt to 9-wt rods when targeting bonefish in Hawaii. The 5-wt to 7-wt rods are not recommended for first time fly fishers coming to Hawaii. I personally like the following combination: 8-wt fly rod; 8-wt floating fly line, 175 yards backing; and solid salt water reel. See Video
Can we fish for bonefish on our own?
Yes! There is public access to many of the flats in Hawaii. Try to research as much information before hitting the flats. Each spot will be best at a certain tide and a certain time of day. Hire a guide if you want to save time and increase your chances of catching a bonefish while on vacation.
How should we strip the line in?
How fast you strip the fly in depends on the condition and the fish reaction and type of fly. I like to put flies into two categories: 1) fast action flies and 2) flies you leave in place. The fast action flies are flies you want to strip with constant motion. This flies include your mantis-shrimp, Crazy Charlies, and other streamline flies. The crab pattern is the type of fly you leave in place. You may want to give slight strip when the bonefish is close in order to get its attention.
How should we present the fly to bonefish in Hawaii?
You want the bonefish to see the fly without getting spooked. The rule of thumb is to cast a rod length in front of the fish. If the fish are spooked with a rod length, then increase distance between fish and presentation of fly. Your cast and fly weight and depth and fish attitude will ultimately determine the distance.
For example, if a bonefish is traveling left to right, you want to cast one pole length in front of fish and beyond to ensure fly is on the bottom near the fish.
Are we guaranteed to catch a bonefish?
NO
Do I need to know how to cast?
You will need to know how to cast in order to increase your odds of catching one of these elusive bonefish. You will also have to battle with the wind here in Hawaii. We recommend you practice before attempting to fly fish in Hawaii. Read More.
What type of shoes do I need?
Tennis shoes work. Check this video out for the type of shoes we use in Hawaii. The Video.
Do we need a fishing license?
No, you do not need a fishing license. You will need to check the Department of Land and Natural Resources website for list of rules and regulations.
What kind of line do you use?
Rio, Airflow, 8-wt, saltwater, blue, 100ft.
What color flies work best in winter?
During the winter months, I like using christmas colors-Reds and Orange flies.
What color flies work best in Summer months?
The flies that seem to work well during the summer months-Black and browns. The black may only work in certain areas. During the summer months you may find that a lighter color brown works better than a darker color brown.
What fly colors do bonefish react to best?
Bonefish react to darker colors from a further distance. You will have to get lighter color flies closer to the bonefish for bonefish to react. A little krystal flash will help when using lighter colors.
What color flies to avoid when fishing for bonefish in Hawaii?
This may be a personal preference. I typically use natural colors. I stay away from whites and greens, however I have used these colors and caught bonefish. I have seeing green and white mantis shrimp on the reef. I have also used silver and pink flies that work.
What is the best time to fish for bonefish in Hawaii?
The winds typically blow from the North-East, and the sun rises from the East. Therefore to avoid casting against the wind and seeing more fish, the best times to fish is from 0830-1300.
What is the best tide to fish for bonefish?
The best tides depends on the area you are fishing. If you are just starting out and trying to fish on your own, then start your fishing expedition at low tide.