Hawaiibassfishing Forum

Another TV show in the can. Ben Wong and I took our ultra-light spinning and fly rods down to a secret spot (Ala Wai) and fought the wind and rain to land a few barracuda. Hooked and lost a lot more than we landed... I guess they were just camera shy. Most were fooled by a 2" Senko on a #4 worm hook. (pink and white) Used a 4" wire leaders this time (who says I don't learn from my mistakes)
As for the fly rod... they hit everything.... keeping them hooked was the problem.
It was nice sitting there on the boat fishing while everyone on the street was stuck in traffic.
LOL

Thanks Stan! Now I have something else to get for my trip next year.

I was able to fish the Ala Wai twice in the past week, but only for one hour each time. I work in Waikiki (Hint: my company's stores are on most every block!) so I like to do a little fishing after work to relax.
I fished right upstream of the bridge on Ala Moana Blvd. On Friday, I caught 2 nice papio and my first ever Lai. Today, I caught 2 even nicer papio and some type of snapper. Shaped exactly like a Taape, but didn't have stripes. I saw many barracudas, but they wouldn't bite. Also saw a lot of mullet.
Good fun on UL spinning tackle. I used a 1/16 oz. jighead with a 2" black or clear curly tail grub. I retrieved it as fast as I could reel while jerking the rod erratically.
All fish were released, and that's not only because I was at the Ala Wai.

The nice part about fishing the Ala Wai.... you don't have to clean the fish.... NO one ask you to bring them any fish from there.
LOL
Seriously, I understand one of the biggest polution problems in the Ala Wai is all those chemicals used to treat houses for termites. Most of which is no longer leagal to use, but has been used in Manoa Valley for many years.

Hey skunked,

I tried there 3-4 times during my stay. I don't have as great number of catches as you did, but I did managed a couple of barracuda and one to'au. I think it may be a to'au that you caught?

Here's a pic of a to'au. No...this one was not caught in Ala Wai



Here's my first kaku. I was casting beyond another kaku and my cast went behind a tree and out of sight. As soon as my Spook landed, I felt a tug and it was another kaku that took the lure. The kaku I was casting to was about 3lbs...this one is only 15" long.



Can't wait for the next trip...I have yet to catch a white papio.

Ken

skunked wrote:I was able to fish the Ala Wai twice in the past week, but only for one hour each time. I work in Waikiki (Hint: my company's stores are on most every block!) so I like to do a little fishing after work to relax.
I fished right upstream of the bridge on Ala Moana Blvd. On Friday, I caught 2 nice papio and my first ever Lai. Today, I caught 2 even nicer papio and some type of snapper. Shaped exactly like a Taape, but didn't have stripes. I saw many barracudas, but they wouldn't bite. Also saw a lot of mullet.
Good fun on UL spinning tackle. I used a 1/16 oz. jighead with a 2" black or clear curly tail grub. I retrieved it as fast as I could reel while jerking the rod erratically.
All fish were released, and that's not only because I was at the Ala Wai.

I know of some really nice handpoured grubs that are made locally in California. They are made by Big Hammer, and you guys should really try out their 1 3/4in perch grubs, and the 3in swimbaits.

Ken,
Yes, that's the fish I caught. To'au, huh. I heard that fish name before, but didn't know what they look like. Thanks.
Thanks bsp for the lure suggestions.

I've been wanting to take my boat to Ala Wai. Can anyone give me directions to where to launch at?

Alec

The Ala Wai boat harbor over behind the Ilikai Hotel has a launch ramp and plenty of parking.

Sorry I forgot to put up a link. It is www.swimbait.com
For colors, I would go with Clear Red and Silverside in the 3in swimmies. Then Clear red, motor oil Christmas, and rootbeer gold in the grubs.