Conference wahoo::fishing

    I'm by no means an "Expert", but I went out of a Marina about 5
    mi North of the town of Kona last October (DECATHLON). Spent $115
    and saw one fish hit a lure and then leave it alone. Still had a
    great day just being out on the water. 
    If you need someone to carry your bags, let me know!!
    
    Good luck
    Don

    Re. -1.
    
    Thanks for the offer. My better half gave me the task. Thats how
    I get to go. The marina you mentioned is the one I mentioned in
    my note. The boat name you mentioned (DECATHLON), were you fishing
    for blue marlin or were you fishing for the smaller game fish nearer
    the shore? Was your $115 cost a share of the total cost for the
    boat? Were you out for the whole day or a half day? I have gotten
    estimates of from $300-$450 for a days rental.
    
    Will report on my results when I return on July 17th. Am also
    interested in any info on charter boats running out of Lahaina on
    the island of Maui as that will be one of my stops also. All help
    appreciated.
    
    Hawaii_Harry
    

    I fished out of the Kona Harbor in July, 1985.  The boat was named
    the "Rebel"...not sure if she is still there.  We trolled for several
    hours with only one sighting (no take) and the captain decided to
    go out several miles to a marker (fish attractor).  Caught a few
    small tuna on light rods and rigged up with live bait.  Lots of
    birds working the water and quite a few "nervous" schools of baitfish
    in the area.  After one hour of trolling, the rubber band holding
    the line popped (sounded like a 22 caliber).  The captain gunned
    the boat ahead full speed and the mate let the line go into free
    spool...wait about 10-15 seconds, then hard, jabbing of the rod...FISH
    ON!!!  I'll spare you the details of the battle, but it was a good
    one.  Two hours of fighting a fish which was like tieing your line
    to the bumper of a car and pretending to wear him down.  We boated
    the fish and immediately flew back to the Kona Dock.  Pacific Blue
    Marlin weighed in at 437 pounds, and the picture is in my office.
    None of the wife and kids, but...you've got to get your priorities
    straight.
    
    Good luck on your trip.  Take plenty of suntan lotion and liquids.
    Also, quite a bit of patience.  The Marlin fishermen figure that
    one fish out of every three all-day trips is pretty good (at least,
    in Kona).
    
    -Neal
    

    I would recommend the charter boat Janet B run by Larry ang Gary
    Pries. I went out of Honokahau last Christmas, first deep sea trip
    by the way, about 9a.m. got our first hit a 41.5 lb mahi-mahi. I
    loved the fight (10-15 minutes) we had on real heavy line so it
    was easier for a novice to pull in (and hoping for a 500-1000 lb'er)
    I was really sweating when it was over, real pretty looking fish.
    So we headed towards the fish attractor to try out some tuna type
    light tackle fishing, but the dolphin/porpoise whatever go fishing
    out there too. Anyway we banked south, still looking for that big
    marlin (sell it to the kona hilton for lifetime free accomadations)
    and we take a hit "FISH ON"  it was my wifes turn and she hesitated
    for a moment, just long enough for me to throw on the fighting jacket
    and get in the chair. Still her fish but I just reeled it in. this
    was a 80lb striped marlin, not a trophy but still a marlin! Both
    fish were taken on ahot pink doorknob plug and this was by far the
    best fishing in my life. charter costs $295 for all day for me and
    the wife with sandwiches. B.Y.O.Beer which I did. Bring suntan lotion
    Bring spf 15 lotion even though your under a cover, 8 hrs can hurt
    you. plan on getting skunked so when you catch it's all gravy. Just
    being out in the boat on a beautiful day is worth it. If you would
    like a tel# in kona let me know .....GOOD LUCK
    Bob

    Re. -1
    
    Hi Bob
    
    Reading your description of your day out fishing got me raring to
    go. I do indeed want the number in Kona for the Janet B. I believe
    I've seen the boat on one of my previous trips to Kona. I've been
    there fishing about six times since 1979. You can send me the number
    on the notes file, via mail at PEACHS::CRAWFORD or give me a call
    at DTN 435-2310.
    
    Ever since I've been going deep sea fishing for the big game fish
    all other fishing has seem pale by comparison. I have hooked up
    to three pacific blue marlin, lost two, one estimated between 750
    and 1,000 pounds. Had that monster on for 45 minutes before he shook
    the lure. Caught a 273 pounder in 1982. All of this has been off
    the Kona coast.
    
    If you like to fish where the fish can eat you if you make a mistake
    try big shark fishing. Its a lot of fun and the sharks will give
    you a good fight.
    
    Just 4 weeks to go. Come on July 1st.
    
    Hawaii_Harry
    

    re .4
              YO,   I thought mahi mahi was dolfin! It is a mammal not
    a fish....or am I all wet? You caught flipper! Thats terrible!
    
    NIGHTCRAWLER~~~~~~~~~~

    	YO, NIGHTCRAWLER,
    	Mahi-Mahi is a FISH.  It is called Dolphin fish because of the
    shape.  So, You're all wet.....  8-)
    	Flipper still swims (I think?)!

    WHEW!
                YO Flipper.....I'll feel more comfortable when I see
    mahi mahi on the menu now. I'll know I'm not seeing your relatives.
    
    NIGHTCRAWLER~~~~~~~~~~

    Harry,
    DECathlon is a DEC event---top 10% of field sales gets to go! (not
    a boat). I don't remember the name of the boat, but we got skunked.
    The $115.00 was a 4-way split for a full day. The boat had all kinds
    of record marlin plaques on board (must have been from the previous
    skipper) including the all time largest!!! This guy used lures with
    hooks about as sharp as a ball point pen. Can't understand why the
    one hit we had was a miss! However, it was still fun listening to
    the "BS" and just being out on that deep blue water for a day.
    
    Don

    Its almost that time. Not that I'm counting but in just 3 days 22
    1/2 hours I'll be pulling out of the harbor in Kona and trolling
    for the big blue marlin.
    
    The bags are packed. Plenty of suntan lotion. Both the video and
    35mm cameras are loaded and ready to capture whatever I can pull
    aboard.
    
    Called a few days back to check on the fishing and they told me
    the marlin are hitting good. Lets hope they hang around a few days
    longer.
    
    Going out on the "Janet B" thanks to a tip from Bob. Will report
    back on my results when I return on the 17th. With everyones best
    wishes and hopes we'll bring a big one in for all of us.
    
    Aloha
    
    Hawaii_Harry
    

    Aloha!!!
    
    Sorry to be late in letting everyone know of my quest for the pacific
    blue marlin. I spent quite a bit of time last night typing in the
    whole story of the results only to have an error message when I
    tried to post it. It seems I got disconnected. I could not get a
    print copy of what I had wrote (and it was such inspired text) that
    I logged off in disgust. I got to learn how to work the entry process
    better.
    
    Anyway, to make a long story short. Success! Caught a 424 lb. pacific
    blue marlin on July 15th, the day before my return to the mainland.
    Caught her on the boat "Howdy" with skipper Bill Jossy. Went out
    of Honokohau Harbor in Kona on the big island of Hawaii. Took three
    hours and fifty minutes to bring her in. She gave me a wonderful
    fight, jumped six times, made four different runs before she gave
    in. She got tail wrapped in the line and eventually died. She started
    slowly sinking and it took over three hours and some expert boat
    handling and working the currents to get her up to the surface.
    She had about 600 yards out when she got tail wrapped and died.
    Caught her on 80 lb. test line using a bird and a jet head lure
    with 10.0 hook. 
    
    I also went out on July 2 & 3 but no luck. The last trip was a birthday
    present and a last chance that paid off.
    
    I also came down with a bad case of sun poisoning as I forgot to
    put on my sun block and paid the price.
    
    Will rewrite the whole battle soon and post it for some nice reading.
    
    If anyone needs some info on boats in Kona give me a holler.
    
    Aloha!!!
    
    Hawaii_Harry
    

    What happened to the fish?? I hope it did not get tossed in a dumpster?
    Marlin are not a great eating fish and a mount of that size would
    cost more than the charter.
    
    Bruce

	I was curios myself. Do people eat marlin? Do they use it for
cat food? Or is it just good for chum? Would they normally be thrown back?

Just curios
Rich

    I lived in Kona for 8 years and unfortunatly saw most of marlin
    end up at the local landfill (about a mile from the harbor). 
    Some people did cut a small strip off the top of the fish to
    eat, but most was wasted. :*(
    
    Brian
    

    Doesn't marlin and swordfish come from the same family.  Swordfish
    steaks are fantastic.
    
    Mike_L

    Did the Billfish ban pass and go into effect here in the NE? If
    so it means that marlin cannot be sold comercially and most charters
    are strickly catch and release now. Anyone got the official line
    on billfish?
    
    Bruce

    re -.1
    
     I'm pretty sure that there is a no sale provision for billfish
    in NH and MA (except broadbill swordfish).
    
     Yes, most charters are catch and release unless you want to have
    it mounted. Many of the smarter skippers are totally catch and release,
    since most people who intend to mount their fish change their mind
    when they (or their spouse) find out how much it costs. Then the
    fish is wasted.
    
    re .-a couple
    
     Yes, the swordfish and the marlin are in the same family, but that
    doesn't mean they are as tasty (they're not). In the same light,
    the bluefin tuna and the little tunny are in the same family, but
    almost no-one eats little tunny.
    
     The Doctah

    The fish caught in Hawaii on charter boats belongs to the boat.
    There is some tag and release of fish. The marlin caught here are
    sold to a fish company. The going rate is anywhere from .15 to 1.00
    a pound depending on the quality of the meat of the fish. Almost
    all fish caught here that are brought aboard ar sold by the captains
    to either the fish houses or the the hotels. They make fish steaks
    out of them ate the hotels and they are also processed for cat food.
    
    The fish I caught was sold on the spot, I listened to the transaction.
    It went for .40 a pound. There had been very few marlin caught the
    past few days so there was a definite market. The charter market
    is very competetive in Kona and that has kept the prices relatively
    low. You can rent an exclusive all day charter for anywhere from
    $300 to $450 daily with luxury boats going for up to a 1,000 a day.
    The skipper making a living off his boat depends on the sale of
    fish to supplement the income as the net profit is not that great.
    If they don't charter at least 50% of the time (3-4) days a week
    they won't make a living.
    
    A number of the boats are owned by well to do people and are used
    as tax write offs. They are run by hired skippers and mates. 
    
    The cost for mounting the fish would have been between 2,000 - 2,500
    bucks and would have taken approximately 4 months to get. I am having
    the bill mounted on a plaque with all the specifics of the catch.
    That ran me $250 and should have it in about a month.
    
    I believe in the tag and release program and it is working well
    in some areas, specifically those that don't depend on the sale
    of the fish. In the tournaments if they have a minimum weight limit
    to qualify, all undersized fish are tagged and released.
    
    She was a gallant fighter. The odds in fishing for the pacific blue
    are with the fish. Its been estimated by Marlin magazine that only
    3 out of every 10 marlin hooked are landed. The average angler will
    go out 3 times for every hookup and then only stand a 30% chance
    of landing the fish.
    
    I hope everyone who likes deep sea sport fishing has the thrill
    of going head to head with a marlin. Its a thrill of a lifetime.
    
    Aloha
    
    Hawaii_Harry
    

     Congratulations on a wonderful catch HH! It's great to hear of someone
    doing well against such a worthy adversary. 
    
     It is unfortunate, however, to hear that some captains continue
    to exploit such a precious resource. In cases like yours, where
    the fish died before being leadered, I have no problem with allowing
    the fish's body to be sold. When the fish is alive, is not a record
    candidate, and is not intended to be mounted, it behooves us to
    let her go to fight again. The sad fact is that most of the large
    blue marlin are females, in prime breeding age. To simply kill a
    fish such as that ends up being counter-productive since the breeding
    population diminishes. One large fish can reproduce equivalent to
    many smaller fish. I hope the captains of the great billfisheries
    of the world will soon realize the implications of each needless
    kill.
    
     I am eagerly awaiting my first billfish. We're gonna try for white
    marlin south of the cape if I can find 2 more people to go. (see
    808 for details) 
    
     So tell us the rest of your story. To most of us, fighting a blue
    marlin is not the sort of dream we'll be experiencing soon. We want
    to hear every gory detail so we can drool :-)
    
     The Doctah

    Re: -1
    
    Amen. I wish we could all get to the point of looking at sport fishing
    as just that, a sport. As anglers we all like the thrill of the
    fight, the challenge of pitting your skills against a worthy
    piscatorial adversary, whether its fly rod, light tackle or heavy
    tackle deep sea fishing. On the one hand we want to land the big
    one and bring it in to show everyone our success. On the other hand
    we respect (yes respect) our opponents and feel thankful for the
    battle they gave us. These fish deserve a chance to live and fight
    again. If we don't need the fish for food it should be released.
    To me that means all fish, even scavengers. They all have a place
    in this world.
    
    It is however always easier to preach than to practice. Therein
    lies the challenge to all of us.
    
    I will provide the gory details shortly. Hope my commentary will
    somehow allow you to close your eyes and feel yourself in that fighting
    chair.
    
    Stay tuned. More to come.
    
    Hawaii_Harry
    

    Its been awhile since I've had a chance to visit this note. Things
    have been real busy at work and home. While I still have not had
    the chance to do a note on the story of my marlin catch as promised,
    I thought I would list a couple of boats and contact info that I
    recomment, having chartered them. This information may help you
    if you decide to give Kona, Hawaii a try for deep sea fishing.
    
    The first boat is the one I caught my 424 pound blue marlin on.
    Its called the "HOWDY". Its a 28' aluminum hulled sport fisher.
    It was custom made a few years ago for the skipper, Captain Bill
    Jossy. Bill has quite a few years experience doing sport fishing.
    He's been in Kona for 8 or 9 years and before that he did charter
    fishing in the northwest, in Oregon I believe. I would recommend
    this boat for the anglers who don't mind chipping in with the work,
    both getting set up for the fishing and helping when you bring a
    big one to the boat. Bill does not use a mate and likes to get the
    anglers involved if possible. His phone number is (808)325-6616.
    He charges $300 for a full day charter. I believe he charges somewhere
    around $240 for a half day.
    
    The second boat is the "JANET B". This is a 35' sport fisher, diesel
    powered. Twin brothers (not identical) Captains Larry and Gary Pries
    take turns skippering. Sometimes they work together and one will
    pull mate chores. Other times they will have a mate and one brother
    will be on board as skipper. They have been charter fishing for
    12 or 13 years. They were commercial fisherman in Hawaii before
    they went into the charter business. I recomment this boat for anyone
    interested in a good days fishing, some good conversation and who
    may or may not want to get involved with any boat chores. Lunch
    is provided in the cost on a full days charter (a nice sandwich
    and soft drinks). The cost is $295 for a full day and around $240
    for a half day. Their phone number is (808)325-6374 or (808)324-1481.
    If you give either boat a try please let them know that Harry Crawford
    from Atlanta, Ga. recommended you to them. Then let me know how
    your day went when you return and if you were satisfied with the
    charter.
    
    Good luck. Hope you land a trophy fish you next time out.
    
    Aloha
    
    Hawaii_Harry
    

    I was wondering if anyone out there has had any experience with
    bass fishing in Kauai, or for that matter deep sea fishing.  I have
    sent away and recieved some bass fishing information, but was just
    wondering if anyone has already given it a try.  There are some
    fresh water lakes and rivers on Kauai, and have heard that you can
    catch smallmouths, largemouths, and peacock bass.  I would be curious
    to see what type of action I could expect.  
    
    I will be heading out for Kauai in the first week of January, and
    am not sure what the fishing is like at this time of year.  Any
    info would be greatly appreciated!!
    
    Todd

    Bring money.  I never fished Kauai, but have fished the Big Island.
    Almost all property will be posted, and you'll probably have to
    hire a guide.  Wish I was going too!
    

    RE:.22  The latest issue of Angling Adventures from the In-Fisherman
    folks has a great article on Bass Fishing in Hawaii.  If you can't
    get one, send me mail and I'll photocopy it for you.
    
    Steve

    
    
    My husband and I were fishing in Kona for two days, October 20th
    and 21st. We went out on two boats refered from this notesfile -
    the Howdy and the Janet B. Although the Janet B was a bigger, more
    comfortable boat, we preferred the skipper and the mate on the
    Howdy and would probably choose the Howdy over the Janet B the
    next time around...and no, we didn't catch anything, although we
    did have a marlin hit on the first day when we were on the Howdy...
    that hit alone was enough to give my husband marlin fever and he's
    already planning our next trip to Kona...
    
    

    Re :1...Glad you enjoyed the trip out on the "HOWDY". Sorry you
    didn't land your fish. I'm sure you felt the thrill of the strike.
    Did you see the fish hit the bait with its bill? Thats a site to
    behold. From what you said I gather the skipper Bill Jossy is using
    a mate now. Thats good. Was there a problem on the "JANET B"? If
    so we should address it. I want to make sure any boat I recommend
    always gives good service to the customer. Did you let them know
    about my recommendation? My comments to the skippers was that I
    would recommend their boats as long as they gave good service.
    
    Hope your next trip comes soon and you land a trophy fish.
    
    Also hope you had a great time in the islands. Let us know.
    
    Aloha
    
    Hawaii_Harry
    

    
    
    Actually, it's my husband who is the fisherman, so he got most of
    the thrills out of the trip. I was just along for the ride...
    To answer the rest of your questions, maybe we were on a different
    HOWDY, actually the boat we went on was called the HOWDY DO and
    the skipper was Mike Stanford (not sure on the last name).
    As for the JANET B, only one of the two twin brothers was on board
    and our main objection to the JANET B was the way the skipper treated
    his mate, really nasty if the poor guy didn't move quite fast enough.
    We did mention you to the JANET B skipper and as a matter of fact
    he
    told us he was supposed to send you T-shirts or something, but lost
    your address? Maybe you should contact him...
    
    Jessica
    
    

    Just returned from Hawaii, and have some updated news on the fishing
    scene on the Kona Coast.  I tried the Janed B. and discovered that
    she had changed hands.  The new owner and captain, whose name I
    do not remember, is a "rookie" and not only double booked for my
    day, but did not seem to care much.  Treated my son and I very
    shabbily, to the point that I complained to the charter association
    (not the first complaint about him).  To make a long story short,
    we wound up with one of the better captains and boats, Ray Nibert
    on the Summertime II (808-326-1491).  Ray has been around Kona for
    many years, knows what he is doing, and has won many of the
    tournaments.  His mate, Jess, is full Hawaiian (huge), and is a
    lot of fun.  I highly recommend them!
    
    By the way, we went out twice with Summertime  II, on Aug 16 and
    18.  Caught a couple of small tuna (20-25lbs) on the first day,
    and my 10 year old son landed a 200lb Marlin on the second day.
    Ray was really great with my son, and there is no doubt that without
    Ray, there would have been a disappointed 10 year old on board.
    If anyone out there takes my suggestion and books Summertime, tell
    them hello from Dan and Mike Doherty.

    Can anyone give me the name of a good deep sea fishing charter in
    Wakakki, Hawaii?  We are heading out there for vacation next week 
    and I would love to send my husband off for the day so I could get
    in some nice peaceful shopping.  I would also like to make sure 
    that we get what we pay for so that he has a good time.  I have heard
    many horror stories about what a bad place it is to go for charter
    fishing.
    
    Thanks,
         
    

    OH, I forgot, what does a day of this type of fishing out there
    cost as a rule??
    
    Thanks -

 You can look to spend $700-850 for a single day long charter for marlin and
tuna. The price is independent of the number of people (1-6) that charter
the boat, so it is generally advisable to have 4 people to keep the cost to
a reasonable level while not having so many people that you don't get a chance 
to fish personally. I'm not sure of which charters to take out of Waikiki. 
Kona is alleged to have the best fishing in Hawaii.

 Your best bet is to call the chamber of commerce and ask for the local charter
fisherman's association. They will have what is probably your best source of
advice.

 Good luck, and let us know how things go!

 The Doctah

    Alternative suggestion:
    
    		Find a copy of Saltwater Sportsman, or similar mag.
    
      Listings of charterboats, captains and 
    guides are usually found in the final section.
    

 Great suggestion, Harlan. I can't believe I didn't include that as well.

 The Doctah (with a 4 year subscription to SWS and Sportfishing)