Maui Shore Fishing

Technique

There are two popular techniques for shore fishing in Maui: whip casting and dunking. Whip casting requires near constant casting and retrieving, similar to fly fishing. Using medium spinning gear, you will cast either artificial lures or bait in an effort to catch smaller and more aggressive fish. Dunking is a less strenuous technique, requiring lead weights to sink a line. In dunking, you will cast your line and wait for the fish to find it, rather than repeatedly casting and retrieving.

Types of fish

The Pacific Ocean is home to a large variety of fish. Many reside deep in the sea and can only be caught from a boat, but anglers who like to stay closer to the shore will also find a number of excellent species. Yellow fin goatfish, which generally measure 7 inches or smaller, are among the most abundant species of fish on the shores of Maui. Goatfish, along with blue-striped snapper, can be caught using either the dunking or whipping technique, and both species are edible.

Equipment

The equipment you'll need to shore fish in Maui depends on if you will be dunking or whipping. For dunking, you will need an approximately 12-foot-long rod with a high-capacity reel and a 20-pound test line. For bait, use either squid, eel or octopus. The bait can be fresh or purchased frozen. Whip fishing targets smaller fish and requires ultra-light to medium spinning gear and a lighter test line.

Fees and Regulations

Non-commercial shore fishing in Maui does not require a state-issued fishing license for residents or tourists. As long as you are not selling your fish, there is no daily limit for your catch. The Hawaii division of Aquatic Resources has several regulations regarding shore fishing, including size requirements for fish and seasons for fishing certain species. You can read more about fishing regulations at hawaii.gov.

Getting there

The island of Maui has three small airports, with most serving as regional hubs for flights originating out of commuter airports on other Hawaiian Islands. The state's largest airport, Honolulu International, offers a number of flights to Maui's airports. Besides inter-island flights, anglers can also get to Maui from the islands of Molokai and Lanai using ferry boats.