Hello good folks of the Rodboard!

I am a trout and bass bum from Pennsylvania headed for grad school this fall (MS botany) and one of the schools to which I have been accepted is University of Hawaii in Honolulu. I certainly hope to work some fishing time into my weekends but have zero saltwater experience and so do not know where to begin. I enjoy both fly, bait and lure fishing and the heaviest equipment I have are 8 & 10 wt fly rods (both 9’, the 10 is my first build) and a 7’ 8-15 lb. Shakespeare “tiger spinning” combo. What of these are worth taking, and what else do I need? What would be good for bait and lure fishing in the surf? I will not be able to transport a large number of rods and so the ones I do take need to be versatile. As a student money is certainly an issue, but at the same time I appreciate the value of a quality tool and am willing to save for a while. One thing I will add is that I am not a fan of the extremely high modulus blanks. While working part time at a small fly shop I have had the opportunity to cast a large variety of equipment and the supper fast rods do cast like a dream, but to be practical a fishing rod must also be a rugged field weapon and rods brittle enough to snap while casting in the yard (I once saw this happen to a ~$900-$1,000 fly rod) just do not cut it with me. Anyway, thank you all ahead of time for helping to reduce my ignorance. Adam.

I would get on the Batson website (Rainshadow link to left) and click through the links to their Hawaii vendors, then call Roy (the shop bears his name). Super-nice guy and a wealth of information about how they fish there. He can probably also give you very specific information based on where you tell him you will be fishing. Don Becker of Don's Tackle (also left) lives there as well I think. Call them tonight and they'll be working in the afternoon (~6hr difference?).

The fly rods would come in handy as there is some Bonefish fishing here. The guys that fish from shore use big spinning and casting rods, rods that will throw up to 6 ounces of lead. Send me an email if you like. I'm on Oahu.

Erik

Hi Adam,

As mentioned, Oio (bonefish) are a great sport fish. I have seen people use 50# mono and JigMaster size reels to go after these fish. There are other more sporting alternatives. You do not need to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun. The spinning tackle you mention will be fine for targeting smaller fish (under 5#).

For bait casting, you will need something a little longer. About 13' to 15'. Reels go from the Penn 525 to 114 HLW (wide 6/0) or a Newell equivalent. There is no need to rush out and make any purchases.

For fly fishing, bring along your heaviest rod. A shop called Nervous Waters specializes in this area. You may want to touch base with them a little later on.

Please refer to my website for the following links:

[www.donstacklehawaii.com]

Retailer Stores, Roy's (Leeward Oahu), Nanko's (Windward Oahu), Brian's (Honolulu), each shop has its pros and cons.
Message Boards, Hawaii Fishing News (for Hawaii state records), Ulua Fishing (message board)

Roy has the longest hours of operation.
9:30 am to 8:00 pm monday thru Friday
9:30 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday

My hours are a little strange, so feel free to call anytime.

Don