hawaii fishing calendar

Hawaii Fishing Charter – Fishing Season

Hawaii has a diverse range of fish species that can be caught year-round, with some species being more active during certain times of the year. 

The best time of day to go fishing in Hawaii can vary depending on various factors, including the type of fish you are targeting, the phase of the moon, and the time of year.

Hawaii Fishing Season Calendar

catching a fish

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the best times to catch different fish species in Hawaii:

  • January to February: The marlin season declines, but you can still catch skipjack tuna (aku) and small yellowfin tuna (ahi). You may also see the occasional mahimahi.
  • March to May: During these months, the mahimahi is more plentiful. In March, the average size of mahimahi is smaller, but as the season progresses, you can get some large catches. Skipjack tuna (aku) and yellowfin tuna (ahi) are also common during this time.
  • June to August: Many anglers consider this the best time to fish in Hawaii because it is the peak season for catching yellowfin tuna (ahi), which averages over 100 pounds. You can also see wahoo (ono), mahimahi, and blue marlin during this time.
  • September to November is the marlin and billfish high season, with marlin, catches averaging 120 to 180 pounds. However, giant blue marlin can weigh over 500 pounds. The shortbill spearfish (hebi) also become more abundant during this time, as well as decent-sized yellowfin tuna (ahi) and mahimahi.
  • December is the ideal month when you can catch bigeye tuna. You may also catch skipjack tuna (aku) and yellowfin tuna (ahi).
Fish Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Amberjack Good Peak Peak Peak Good Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Peak Good
Largemouth Bass Fair Good Peak Peak Good Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair
Peacock Bass Fair Fair Fair Good Peak Peak Peak Peak Good Fair Fair Fair
Bonefish Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Fair Good Peak Peak Peak Peak Good Good Peak Peak Good Fair
Jobfish (Rusty) Good Good Good Good Banned Banned Banned Banned Banned Good Good Good
Lobster Good Good Good Good Banned Banned Banned Banned Good Good Good Good
Black Marlin Fair Fair Fair Peak Peak Good Good Good Good Fair Fair Fair
Blue Marlin Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Peak Peak Peak Good Fair Fair Fair
Striped Marlin Fair Good Peak Peak Good Good Fair Bad Bad Fair Fair Good
Steelhead Rainbow Trout Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good
Short-Tail Red Snapper (Ehu) Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good
Pink Snapper Good Good Good Good Banned Banned Banned Banned Banned Good Good Good
Shortbill Spearfish Good Peak Peak Peak Peak Peak Good Good Fair Fair Fair Fair
Swordfish Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Good Good Fair Fair Fair Fair
Bluefin Trevally Good Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Peak Peak Peak Good Peak
Giant Trevally Fair Fair Fair Good Peak Peak Peak Peak Good Good Fair Fair
Bigeye Tuna Peak Peak Peak Peak Good Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Peak Peak
Skipjack Tuna Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Peak Peak Peak Good Fair Fair Fair
Yellowfish Tuna Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Peak Peak Peak Good Fair Fair Fair
Wahoo Fair Fair Good Peak Peak Peak Peak Good Fair Fair Fair Fair

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the actual fishing conditions can vary depending on various factors, including ocean temperature, wind, and currents. Additionally, some fish species may not follow the usual migratory patterns due to environmental changes.

Other species you can fish in Hawaii include short-billed spearfish, which migrate through the Hawaiian Islands during the late fall and spring and are popular among light tackle anglers.

Hawaiian Fishing Moon Calendar

Boat fishing rods

Hawaiian fishermen believe that the moon’s phase can influence fish’s feeding patterns and make them more active at certain moon phases of the lunar calendar.

The 100% full- and 100% new-moon phases are the absolute best fish times.

People still consider it a great fishing time when the moon’s phase is more than 90% full moon or more than 90% new moon.

Any phase lower than 90% of either full moon or new moon is considered average, but precisely on the first and second quarter moons are slightly better than average.

Best Times for Kona Hawaii Fishing Based on Tide and Time of Day

fishing charters in oahu

Other factors affecting the best time to go fishing in Hawaii include the weather, water temperature, and tides.

Fishermen believe fishing is better during the “major periods,” which occur within 30 minutes to an hour of a sunrise or sunset. These major periods are when the fish are most active, and the chances of catching a sport fish are at their highest.

When the water is colder, the fish may be less active, while warmer water may make them more active.

During high tides, fish may be more likely found in shallow water, close to the surface, or near structures such as reefs, rocks, and jetties. These areas may provide cover, shelter, and food for the fish, so the fish prefer these areas.

Similarly, if the tides are low, fish may be more likely to be found in deeper water, as they may seek out areas with more oxygen and cooler temperatures. Low tides can also expose seabed areas that are often underwater, so the fish in these areas must move to find food or shelter.

Overall, the best time of day to go fishing in Hawaii will depend on a variety of factors. By taking into account the moon phases, major periods, tides, and other local conditions, you can increase your chances of having a successful fishing trip on the islands.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaiian Oahu Fishing Calendar

Which months are best for fishing tuna in Hawaii?

Yellowfin tuna can be caught from May through September, with the most productive months being June, July, and August.

What is the best season to fish Wahoo (Ono) in Hawaii?

Wahoo Ono Fish

Wahoo (Ono) can be caught near shore as they hunt around seagrass and reefs. They can be found in Hawaii from late spring through the end of September, with the peak season being from the full moon in May.

What are the best months to fish Mahimahi in Hawaii?

Mahimahi can be found year-round in Hawaii, with the winter months of December through April bringing the best concentrations of these fish.

What is the best time of year to fish marlin in Hawaii?

Striped marlins are migratory and can be found in Hawaii from May through October, with the peak season being in June and July.

Blue marlins can be found in Hawaii from May through November, with the peak season being in June and July.

What is the best month to catch fish in Hawaii?

fishing with lure

April is the month when the highest number of fish species are simultaneously abundant. However, the best month varies greatly depending on which type of fish you want to catch.
June to August is best for fishing yellowfin tuna.
September to November is best for fishing marlin and billfish.
December is excellent for bigeye tuna.
January to February is best for fishing skipjack tuna
March to May is best for fishing mahimahi.

Conclusion

Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches and plenty of opportunities to fish. The fishing calendar in Hawaii is an excellent source of information for anglers looking to catch various fish species.

Depending on the time of year, specific types of fish are more plentiful, making it easier to catch the desired fish.

During the summer, you can easily catch reef fish like Tuna and Mahi-Mahi.

Some species of deep sea gamefish are plentiful off the coast in the fall months.

By following Hawaii’s Fishing Calendar and best fishing times, you can take advantage of the best seasons for catching fish, and anglers can experience some of the most rewarding experiences this paradise offers.

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