Captain Jim
Sport Fishing
Fish of Hawaii
Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi)
Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) is a highly sought-after fish in Hawaiian waters for its excellent tasting meat and long fights it gives on rod and reel. Yellow fin can be distinguished by their fairly long pectoral fin, brilliant yellow finlets, and longer than average second dorsal fin. It is considered an AHI when it reaches 100lbs or more, 99lbs or less is considered a SHIBI.
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Best time to catch:
April - September
Skipjack Tuna (Aku)
Skipjack Tuna (Aku) are easily distinguished by longitudinal stripes across their belly. Shaped like a torpedo, pound for pound Aku are among the strongest fighters in the ocean. Found in schools, it is very common to get multiple hookups.
Best time to catch:
March - December
Bonita (Kawa Kawa)
Bonita (Kawa Kawa) looks similar to the Aku, but is identified by small black dots under its pectoral fins. Kawa Kawa form small groups in shallow coastal waters under 600 feet. They too are shaped like torpedoes and can make strong runs.
Best time to catch:
May - August
Wahoo (Ono)
Wahoo (Ono) have a long slender body, light-colored vertical stripes, blue-grey backs, and a silver belly. Ono grow upwards of 75 lbs but average 20-25 lbs. Ono are capable of swimming over 45 mph, one of the fastest fish in the ocean.
Best time to catch:
April - September
Pacific Blue Marlin
Pacific Blue Marlin is on the bucket list for most off-shore angles. Average size is about 11ft but these fish can reach up to 16ft in length. The Blue Marlin can reach weights of 1400 lbs.
Best time to catch:
April - September
Dolphin Fish (Mahi-Mahi)
Dolphin Fish or Durado (Mahi-Mahi) are colorful, long flat powerful fish. It’s closely associated with Hawaiian cuisine because its taste blends well with native fruits. Mahi mahi is called dolphin fish in some parts of the world because they like to jump out of the water. They swim in schools and average 15-20 lbs in size.
Best time to catch:
March - September