Fish

• The Hawaiian Islands offer a wide variety of large and medium-size saltwater game fish. Popular species to be caught by kayak include mahi mahi, bluefin and yellowfin tuna, wahoo, ono, ahi, ulua, barracuda and kahala. Many fish in the waters surrounding Hawaii are pelagic, meaning that they tend to avoid the deepest waters, which makes them accessible to the kayak fisherman. Fish available in Hawaii's fresh waters include large and smallmouth bass, trout, channel catfish and bluegill.
  
  

Equipment

• Fishing in the Pacific Ocean suggests heavy tackle, but fishing from a kayak does not. A versatile seven- to eight-foot spin or jig rod should suffice, though you should be prepared to cut your line. Six- to 12-pound test line will hold the type of fish you want to be boating. If you are supplying your own kayak, make sure it is wide enough to hold all your fishing gear. Modern fishing kayaks usually include a bottom hatch to store bait and fish, and mesh at the bow will be help you store your paddle quickly when you have to. Rudders can also be beneficial, especially while traversing rough waters or while being pulled by a fish on a mission. Fishing pole holders will allow you to troll while paddling.
  
  

Locations

• Ideal kayak fishing spots are available all over the Hawaiian Islands, but well-known locations include the Kona coast on the "big island" of Hawaii, Kihei in Maui, virtually the entire coast of the island of Kauai, and Kailua and Haleiwa in Oahu. The Big Island's Kona coast is world-renowned for its excellent game fishing, and kayakers benefit from the deep waters that can be accessed within a mile of the shore.
  
  

Tours

• Many tour operators offer kayak fishing packages. Tours are generally guided by a local fishing authority with a good knowledge of the water. All inclusive tours include kayak, rod, reels, bait and safety supplies, and they typically also include a meal. Prices for 2010 for all-inclusive tours range from $200 to $300 a day. Another option is to rent or buy your own kayak, and hire a guide for the day. The Hui Wa'a Kaukahi Kayak Club is a nonprofit club on the island of Oahu that organizes regular kayak fishing expeditions. Planned trips and times are posted on the organization's website.
  
  

Licenses

• No license is required for recreational fishing in salt waters, but a freshwater game fishing license is needed to fish large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and oscars within the state's fresh waters. An annual freshwater game fishing license is $5 for residents and $25 for nonresidents.
  
  

Considerations

• Sport fish in Hawaii can put up quite a fight, and it is not uncommon to be struggling with a fish for 30 minutes or more. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water, wear a hat and pace yourself. While sharks are generally not a problem, they are present and it may be wise to invest in a shark shield for your kayak.