Locations
Fishing from shore in Oahu can take many forms. Anglers can choose from fishing the surf from sandy beaches, wade-fishing in the flats, piers, cliffs, docks and seawalls. Walk the ends of the numerous beaches in search of rocks and reefs that jut into the water. Many fish typically congregate around these points. Piers in Pearl Harbor, Wailua Bay and Sand Harbor are popular locations for putting anglers in deeper water off-shore without needing a boat. Wade into designated fishing areas at Pearl Harbor and Pokai Bay and fish the breakwater with squid or sand worms for a variety of species. Freshwater fishing for peacock and black bass can be found on Lake Wilson and the Nuuanu Reservoir inland. Be aware that unlike most shore fishing locations in Oahu, sections of these bodies of water may require a Hawaii fishing license.
Methods
Traditional fishing methods using spinning rods work well on Oahu. Live bait, lures, weighted hooks or cast-and-retrieve methods can all be successful traditional methods. To enhance your Oahu fishing experience, spend some time chatting with the locals and offer to share bait. You may find yourself being introduced to some traditional Hawaii fishing techniques. Slide-bait fishing off the cliffs past Makaha may help to put a hefty fish on your hook. Locals use extra-long poles to cast weighted line far off the cliffs then clip the hook and bait to their taut line to let gravity slide the rig off-shore. Simple-cane pole fishing for oama (juvenile goatfish) while wading off local beaches is a Hawaiian tradition. The fish are fried and eaten whole. Many locals congregate on Oahu docks and piers and fish for halalu and akule (types of mackerel) with larger cane poles or light spinning tackle. You might find an impromptu lesson on hand-line fishing---a traditional island method that uses no pole.
Gear
It's a good idea to bring a pair of shoes specifically for fishing on Oahu. Much of the fishing from shore requires wading into knee or waist-high water, especially when fishing the breakwater surfs. Sharp coral and defensive features on many of the fish around Oahu may pose hazards to bare feet. Basic gear can be found at many discount hardware stores around Oahu. Sifting sand off the beaches can provide you with plenty of sand worms and crabs for fresh bait. It's also a good idea to pick up a saltwater species guide and a copy of Hawaii's fishing regulations so you know what you're catching and if it's legal. Some species are open year-round while others must be released immediately if caught. The Pacific waters around Oahu are fertile ecosystems and you might be continuously surprised by what's on the end of your line each time you catch a fish.
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