Lawai'a Issue 16

$3.95

ISSUE NO. 16

barbless 12/0 VMC

Mitchell Taketa’s 21 LB. ULUA ON PG. 14

Display until January 31, 2015

ONO FOR AKI-NO-NO MEET GARY HASHIZAKI

MAUI CASTING CLUB PRESIDENT

Trophy or Lomi O‘io Bonefish

If you recover a tagged o‘io call 265-4962 Be prepared to provide the following critical information: 1. Your name, address, and telephone number.

2. Capture date, island, and fishing location.

3. Tag number.

4. Fork length – measure from tip of the nose to “V” in the tail.

5. There are 2 species - Sharp Jaw Albula virgata which has a bright green/yellow dot under the pectoral fins, and Round Jaw Albula glossodonta has no green/yellow dot.

Reward

In return for your valuable information, you will receive a free special edition t-shirt featuring original artwork (seen above) by artist and fisherman Mike Sakamoto.

For More Information

150 Hamakua Dr. PBN# 430 Kailua, HI 96734

Ph: 808 265-4962 Web: fishtoday.org

Sections 9 / INSIDE

ISSUE SIXTEEN FA L L 20 1 4

10 / E HOIKE MAI 12 / TOURNAMENT 14 / BARBLESS CATCH 16 / READER’S TIPS 18 / AUNTY KWONG’S KITCHEN 20 / SHORELINE TECH 22 / WHAT IS IT? 23 / FROM THE DECK 36 / FISH STORIES 54 / PIFG KOA 58 / GEAR REVIEW 60 / KELA A ME KEIA

Features

24 / ONO FOR AKI-NO-NO 30 / PREPARING IKA FOR BAIT 50 / AN INTERVIEW WITH GARY HASHIZAKI, MAUI CASTING CLUB PRESIDENT

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LAWAI‘A MAGAZINE

ISSUE SIXTEEN 2014

7

Inside

B Y T H E L AWA I ‘A E D I TO R I A L B O A R D

ISSUE SIXTEEN FALL 2014

VOTE TODAY TO FISH TOMORROW

Publisher Pacific Islands Fisheries Group

Hawaii’s Premiere Alaska Fishing Destinations

Editor Pacific Islands Fisheries Group pacificfisheries@gmail.com

• Anchor Point Lodge • Shelter Lodge

Design Darin H. Isobe > Art Director darini@hawaiiantel.net Contributing Writers Gary Beals, Kyle Castro, John Clark, Gabe Iaea, Kurt Kawamoto, Brian Kimata, Aunty Kwong, Garrett Lee, Jeremy Lee, John Madrigal, Bill Newton, Tyler Okimoto, Ed Sugimoto, Ed Watamura Advertising Inquiries pacificfisheries@gmail.com Letters and Comments pacificfisheries@gmail.com Lawai‘a Magazine Every attempt is made to publish Lawai‘a 4 times a year. Printed by Journal Graphics Portland, Oregon USA

GO ON AN

Alaska Reel Adventure!

www.Lawaia.net

Reservations & Info (808) 551-1993 info@alaskareel.com

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ISSUE NO.

16

barbless 12/0 VMC

eta’s MitchelULUAl Tak ON PG. 14 21 LB.

Display until

Salmon • Halibut • Black Cod • Rockfish Dungeness Crab • Alaskan Spot Shrimp

January 31,

2015

O-NO

IZAKI MEET GARY HASH SIDENT MAUI CASTING

CLUB PRE

ON THE COVER: MitchellTaketa’s 21 lb. ulua, caught baitcasting using fresh tako, barbless circle hook and 125 lb. leader.

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LAWAI‘A MAGAZINE

Photo: John Johnson

ONO FOR AKI-N

One of the great things about publishing Lawai‘a magazine is receiving the wonderful fishing stories and seeing memorable photos going into each publication.

There’s so much culture and tradition to be grateful for here in Hawaii and to share and celebrate these with our readers is truly rewarding.

Lawai‘a magazine was born out of concern for the future of fishing in Hawaii. There are many areas throughout Hawaii where our coastal environment and local marine resources have mutated into the highly impacted shorelines we see today. Population growth, housing construction, stream channelization, erosion, shoreline hardening, nutrient loading, introduced species, resorts, commercial water tour activities, golf courses and much, much more all factor into our current land and seascapes. However, too often fingers are wrongly pointed at our fishing community as the scapegoat to Hawaii’s marine resource ills.

To help inform the community about fishing in Hawaii and perpetuate our fishing and seafood eating heritage, we try to share with our readers today’s great fishing people-stories and images, in particular, those that exemplify the values of responsible fishing and caring for our resources. We choose to celebrate everything that makes fishing and seafood in our island communities great. But we must not take for granted the things we value today, otherwise they may not be there tomorrow.

Currently, there are many issues out there with the potential to threaten the continuation of our fishing and seafood practices and traditions. If you enjoy fishing and local seafood like many of us do, be responsible and informed and do your part when issues or problems arise that impact your way of life. Today, there are many of these issues on the horizon but, if you just take a moment to understand them, you can help assure our resources will continue to be healthy and sustainable for our children’s children. Together we will be able to preserve our fishing and seafood eating opportunities for them and future generations to come. Here’s a snapshot of some of the issues that deserve your immediate attention as they may have a negative impact on your way of life. Links have been provided for you to learn more and do your part!

AND, DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!!!

• Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument – President Obama announced a plan to close almost 50% of the US waters in the US Pacific Islands to fishing on June 17th. Despite outcries from the Pacific Island fishing communities, fishing organizations, Fishery Council, Governors from American Samoa, Guam and CNMI and others, President Obama established the world’s biggest marine reserve in the south-central Pacific Ocean on September 25, 2014. The new reserve enlarges the existing 50 mile no-fishing closures, created by the Bush Administration in 2009, to 200 miles around Johnston Atoll, Jarvis Island and Wake Island. The President’s original proposal also included expanded closures around Howland and Baker Islands, Palmyra Atoll and Kingman Reef, but these were dropped in his final announcement. Two thirds of the Hawaiian archipelago was also previously closed to fishing with the creation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Monument. (for more info www.wpcouncil.org and www.fpir.noaa.gov) • Hawaiian Monk Seals – NOAA has yet to issue a final decision on determining critical habitat for this endangered species. Monk seal populations continue to rise in the main Hawaiian islands while NWHI populations decline. (for more info www.fpir.noaa.gov) • Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary – NOAA plans to release their draft management plan that will feature a new ecosystem approach and potentially new species. The fishing community provided significant input during public meetings and comment periods on the initial drafts that suggested including other marine mammals, sea turtles and coral reef species. (www. hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov) • Coral listing under the Endangered Species Act – NOAA lists 20 new corals as threatened under the ESA, of which 9 are thought to occur in the US Pacific Islands.

Although none occur in Hawaii, the rationale for listing establishes a new precedent by including “impacts related to climate change and ocean acidification as the primary threat,” in addition to “ecological effects of fishing and poor land-use practices.” (for more info www.fpir.noaa.gov) • Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Areas (BRFAs) – The State Department of Land and Natural Resources unveiled a proposal in January 2014 to remove half of the 12 BRFAs that were established in 1998 and revamped in 2007. Since then, there has been no movement through the Chapter 91 public rule making process to initiate removal of the six BRFAs. (for more info www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar) • Implementation of the Billfish Conservation Act – Congress passed the Billfish Conservation Act in 2012 to prohibit the retention and sale of billfish or marlin in the United States. Through congressional support, the Pacific Islands, including Hawaii, were able to garner support for an exemption to this prohibition as we fish for and eat billfish here in the islands. If you want to keep marlin on the menu, keep an eye on this issue as strong recreational and sport groups will continue to encourage the US to eliminate the Pacific Island exemption. Also, Pacific Striped marlin has recently been listed as overfished by the international management organization. This will trigger the US to explore management changes for US domestic vessels who harvest this species. (for more info www.hfact.org) • New Bag Limits on Maui for Uhu and Kumu – DLNR recently took final action to approve new bag limits of two uhu and two kumu per person per day on Maui. The rule package must now be signed by the Governor to be implemented into law (www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar).

ISSUE SIXTEEN 2014

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Ava Puaatuua Mamo

Reno Young 197 lb Ahi

Tyrone Agapay 7 lb Papio

Aaron Arizo Ulua Gary Sharp 4.62 lb Moana Kali

Ladd and Sera Yoshimura Oio

Keith Yang Oio Lawsen Lee 2 lb Oio

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LAWAI‘A MAGAZINE

Brent Chung Ulua

Lisa Ito from Nuuanu Papio

SEND US YOUR PICS

Email digital photos as jpg files. Please take pics at your highest setting possible.

Email jpg photos to: lawaiamag@gmail.com Include all info please. All pics sent become the property of Lawai‘a Magazine.

Team Kash & Caz Kashimoto Papio

Johnny Bahng Oio

Lance Takamiya 27.5 lb Kagami Ulua

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Tournament 2014 S. TOKUNAGAULUA CHALLENGE PHOTOS BY KURT KAWAMOTO/BCHP

Kylie Kirihara 77.1 lb ulua

Gerald Llanes 103.8 lb ulua

Marcus Roberts 104.8 lb ulua

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Barbless Catches

Gordon Higa

Caught this small barracuda on barbless.

Mitchell Taketa 21 LB. ULUA

Bait cast with fresh tako with 125lb leader

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LAWAI窶連 MAGAZINE

Daniel Kalahele

Caught 4 oio on barbless and released 2 of the smaller ones.

Mike Ignacio Jr. 42 LB. ULUA

Tevin Tolentino ULUA

ISSUE SIXTEEN 2014

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Reader’s Tips STORY AND PHOTOS BY KURT KAWAMOTO

CAUTION - This could happen to you!

HANAPA‘A! THE SHORT OUTRIGGER SLAMMED DOWN AND THE FIGHT WAS ON. As the fish neared the boat we saw that it was a nice sized mahi. We took our time and the fish swam right to the boat. No problems at gaff.

Head shot, fish hardly moved a muscle as we brought it over the side. Box open, fish in…then out as the boat rolled with the swell. The 27 pound mahi decided to wake up and started flailing around as mahi always do. In an instant the free swinging 10/0 trailer hook did what it was designed to do…hook anything in its way.

This is one of the scenarios that play out daily on fishing boats. Run your favorite 2 hook lure, hook up, fight the fish, bring it over the side, then all hell breaks loose. There are a number of species that are known for causing problems once on deck. Leading the pack of them is the mahimahi that sometimes seems to jump on deck just as much as they do out in the water. This dangerous situation with a flailing hook can easily be avoided by using a simple single hook rig or by killing all of your fish outside the boat. Your choice. Be safe out there.

Lawai‘a- Gear Guys Visit the following stores to get your fishing supplies and next issue of Lawa‘a Magazine.

BIG ISLAND/HAWAII J. Hara Store 17-343 Volcano Hwy. Kurtistown, HI 96760 808-966-5462 S. Tokunaga Store Inc. 26 Hoku Street Hilo, HI 96720 808-935-6935 www.tokunagastore.com KAUAI Lihue Fishing Supply 2985 Kalena St. Lihue, HI 96766 808-245-4930 lihuefishingsupply@yahoo.com MAUI All About Fish 3600 Lower Honoapiilani Rd Lahaina, HI 96761 (808) 669-1710 www.mauifish.net

Maui Sporting Goods 92 Market Street Wailuku, HI 96793 808-244-0011 New Maui Fishing Supply 1823 Wells Street #4 Wailuku, HI 96793 808-244-3449 newmauifs@clear.net West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply 843 Wainee Street #F3 Lahaina, HI 96761 808-661-6252 wmauispt@maui.net MOLOKAI Molokai General Store 301 Ala Malama Kaunakakai, HI 96748 808-553-3569 OAHU Brian’s Fishing Supply 1236 S. King St. Honolulu, HI 96814 808-596-8344

Charley’s Fishing Supply, Inc. 670 Auahi St., #A10 Honolulu, HI 96813 808-528-7474 www.charleysfishingsupply.com Ewa Beach Buy & Sell 91-775 C Papipi Road Ewa Beach, HI 96706 808-689-6368 www.ewabeachbuyandsell.com Hana Pa’a Fishing Co. 1733 Dillingham Blvd.

Honolulu, HI 96819 808-845-1865 He’eia Kea Pier 46-499 Kamehameha Hwy. Kaneohe, HI 96744 808-235-2192 Kaya’s Fishing Supply 901 Kekaulike St. Honolulu, HI 96817 808-538-1578

Maui Sporting Goods 851 Kapahulu Ave. Honolulu, HI 96816 808-735-3897 McCully Bicycle & Sporting Goods 2124 S. King St. Honolulu, HI 96826 808-955-6329 www.mccullybike.com GUAM Blu Wave Tackle 153 Marine Corps Dr. Ste 140 Chamorro Village Hagatna, Guam 96910-5060 (671) 475-9238 crisostomoglen@yahoo.com

SAIPAN Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods Beach Road, Susupe P.O. Box 500726 Saipan, MP 96950 (670) 234-6320 info@fishingtacklesaipan.com

NANKO FISHING & DIVING SUPPLY

• Rod & Reel Repairs • Bait • Bulk Ice • Beer • Sundries • Novelties

A Place Where Tails Come True

(808) 247-0938 16

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ISSUE SIXTEEN 2014

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Aunty Kwong’s Kitchen

Spicy Fried Poke Sushi

We are OC16’s top-rated show for the second year in a row thanks to you!

Yield: 48 pieces From Cynthia Pratt, Kapolei HS Culinary Arts Program Retired Ingredients: • 4 cups short grain rice, rinsed, cooked with 6 cups water • 2 to 3 teaspoons salt • 2 tablespoons togarashi (Japanese red chili pepper) • 6 sheets nori • 1 pound ahi poke, finely chopped • Soy sauce and sriracha to season poke, as desired • 1 box tempura mix, prepared as directed

Dedicated to Hawai‘i’s fishing community

• 4 to 5 cups panko (Japanese bread crumbs) • 1 quart vegetable oil • finely shredded greens • Sauces: wasabi-mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, sesame-miso dressing Directions: Cook rice and allow to cool slightly. Place rice in a large mixing bowl and season with salt and togarashi. Allow rice to cool to room temperature.

Place a sheet of nori on the sushi mat. Place one heaping cup of rice on the nori and spread evenly, leaving the top 1” on the nori bare. Place 1/3 cup poke in an even band along the bottom of the nori about 1/2” from the edge. Roll up nori, packing ends of sushi with additional rice, if necessary. Roll a total of 6 sushi.

Cynthia writes: “I created this recipe as an alternative to maki sushi. It was entered into a pupu contest sponsored by Don Ho Island Grill where then-chef Robert Denis featured it as the pupu of the month. It has become a favorite pupu among the staff at Kapolei High School. I hate the mess of frying, but I will cave in for this delicious recipe. It’s quite yummy with the right beverage.”

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LAWAI‘A MAGAZINE

JESSE VICTOR AND RACHEL SAMSON

Cut each sushi into 8 pieces. Coat with tempura batter and roll into panko. Place on a wax paper-lined tray to set the panko. Heat oil to 350˚F. Fry each piece until golden, turning once. Drain. Serve on bed of shredded greens with sauces.

ISSUE SIXTEEN 2014

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Shoreline Tech B Y B R I A N K I M ATA

QUESTION:

Do you know of a formula that can calculate the weight of a fish?

Answer: I get this question every once in a while at my

back to the original question, I guess that there is really no formula to do

store and what’s great about it is that it usually involves someone

many of our species reliably. What I’d recommend here is something that I have

who has a memorable catch and was willing to release it for another

found to work quite well and the best part is, you don’t have to calculate anything!

lucky angler. The answer to your question really depends on what

First of all, record the length of your catch, measuring it from the nose to the “V”

you’ve caught. Gamefish come in all kinds of shapes and sizes

of its tail. Next, go online and visit: Fishweights.net, the online fish calculator.

and because of this, there are many different formulas for their

Select a species, enter the length and voila, your fish’s weight is calculated

“guesstimation.” The formula I’ve seen most commonly and have

for you. It’s fast, easy, and you only need the length, not the girth. It’s not

known the longest is: Length x girth x girth / 800, where the length

perfect, and every species is not listed, but many are. In the huge inventory

is measured from the nose of the fish to the tip of the tail. I

available, I’m sure you’ll find a species similar enough to give you a pretty

have used this formula myself on quite a few fish, many of them

good idea. Give this website a try and let me know how it tests against your

ulua, with results ranging from “close” to, “I could have done

next fish, I think you’ll find it a “keeper!”

a better job guessing.” So I guess it’s use is limited. I feel the reason for this lies in the unusual shape of the trevally itself.

Its compressed body is not shared with many other gamefish and this unique profile does not lend itself to any one size fits all calculation. It may however have use in other applications.

There are other formulas as well. Length x girth x girth / 900, is often used on slender fish and is something you might try on an awa awa or mullet for example. Very slender fish can be calculated with

Today’s tip: Measuring and calculating the weight of your fish can be great but better still, get yourself a good scale. There are many affordable ones around and from my experience, they can be quite accurate. Most have long lasting batteries included and some even have a tape rule and flashlight attached. Get one and you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it!

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LAWAI‘A MAGAZINE

Length x length x length / 3500 and this might be handy on your next barracuda. Going beyond this, I have searched the internet and found scores of calculations for a variety of fish, both fresh and saltwater. Honestly, I never knew there were so many! But, getting

ISSUE SIXTEEN 2014

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From the Deck

What Is It?

BY GARY BEALS

The Moving Barnacle

Basic Seamanship – 3

will usually consist of a length and size of chain

on the bow of the boat, to the seafloor is 10 feet,

Anchoring

which is determined by the size of the anchor, the

the boater should let out 70 feet of rode.

Most boaters in Hawaii will, at some time, drop

boat and the ability to lift the rode with or without

The boater should always be aware of the potential

In early January 2014, Brea Tam was out trolling outside of Kaneohe when he happened upon a current line that had a collection of debris.

anchor. A basic knowledge of what makes up an

a winch. The line attached to the chain is usually

‘anchoring system’ and how to use the system will

nylon, which has the benefit of elasticity and will

existing mooring if available. If a mooring is not

help any boater in having a safe trip.

stretch a third or more under load. The anchor, chain

available, caution should be taken to not damage the

and line should be attached to one another with

coral when setting or pulling up an anchor.

Knowing that fish may be hanging around the

The ‘ANCHORING SYSTEM’ consists of all the gear

debris, he followed it for a while. Along the

of damaging the coral here in Hawaii and use an

used with the anchor. This system usually consists

the proper gear such as a thimble and or shackle.

of the anchor, line, chain, shackles and swivels.

Because of the wide variety of set-ups, it would be

Basic Nautical Terms – 3

The anchor line and chain is called the ‘RODE’.

best to consult with a knowledgeable marine store

Anchoring System

Many boats in Hawaii used homemade anchors of

and obtain the proper gear.

Anchor rode: The line connecting an anchor with a vessel.

Once you have your anchor system in place and

Bow chocks: Fittings near the bow of the vessel to

way he got lucky and picked up an otaru and a

rebar, pipe, or similar materials. For the purpose

couple of mahi mahi which made for a

of this text, we will refer to a store bought anchor

you are ready to ‘drop anchor’ you must consider

guide the anchor rodes and other lines.

nice Holo Holo trip. With fish in

of the Danforth variety. This type of anchor will

the ‘SCOPE’ or the ratio of the length of the rode

Scope: The ratio of the length of the anchor rode to the

hold well with most types of bottoms found in

to the depth of the water you are going to anchor

vertical distance from the bow chocks to the bottom.

Hawaii. The Danforth anchor comes in weights of

in. The scope may change due to the weather and

2 ½ to 180 pounds and the weight selected should

water conditions as well as the type of bottom

be compatible with the size of the boat.

but a good ‘rule of thumb’ is a scope of 7:1. An

the box and the start of the New Year, it couldn’t get any better.

Up ahead in the distance he noticed a bird hanging in this one area so headed towards it,

The ‘RODE’ attached from the anchor to the boat

Basic Marlinspike Seamanship – 3 Anchor Bend: May be used when attaching a small

example would be; if the distance from the deck

anchor directly to the nylon line (no chain used).

hoping to get lucky. As he got closer he noticed something small floating in the water glistening under the sun as it bobbed up and down. “Hmm,” he thought, “maybe it’s just a piece of rubbish like a plastic container?” But as he got closer to the object he could not believe his eyes. It was a floating glass ball that was still wrapped in netting and covered with barnacles. Wow! What a rare find, surely something you don’t see very

COVER TO COVER FISHING LIVES HERE

often these days.

Upon returning home he cleaned up his boat, took care of his fish and went to sleep.

The next day he showed me his rare find that he had left out overnight on his boat. Since it

returned the crab to the ocean in hopes that it could survive.

Not knowing, I asked my good friend, NOAA Biologist Kurt Kawamoto, if he knew what kind of crab it was. He was not quite

Plus, quarterly drawings for new

glass ball along with his catch. As I was taking

sure and referred me to crustacean expert, Dr. Bob Moffitt, who

subscribers to WIN

close up photos of the glass ball through the

is a retired NOAA Fisheries scientist. I emailed Bob a photo of the

camera lens, I noticed that one of the barnacles

crab and got an immediate response. “The crab is in the family

was moving. “What? But how can that be?

Grapsidae along with the a‘ama. Yours is Planes cyaneus (syn P.

Pelagic goose barnacles don’t have legs and

minutus). It is the more common of the two species and much smaller (circa 1/2 inch). Color is very variable!! The chocolate

place”, I thought. Putting down my camera to

and white form that you have is not the most common, but the

better see what was moving, I was surprised to

prettiest in my opinion.”

find that it was actually a crab with markings that mimicked barnacles. It was still alive so we

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was fresh I wanted to take some photos of the

are attached by a stalk, generally cemented in

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uMaldnuesas Throw Net 45lb Ulua?

KEPA FUNN’S STORY PG 44

Barbless

Ulua alla’s 92lb Rody Das Circle Hook s On Barbles

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AHI FROM THE BEACH

‘o Nui Marks • Po

DRIED O‘IO TAEGU RECIPE ISSUE FIFTEEN 2014

Lawaia issue 15.indd

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1

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4/15/14 8:16 PM

PM 7/15/13 9:19

You never know what you will find out there in the ocean, so it always pays to keep a watchful eye when you are out on the water.

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SAYING YES YES TO

STORY BY ED SUGIMOTO * PHOTOS BY STERLING KAYA

I got a random text from Aunty Kwong one day that said, “Eh, what about Aki no No?” Fresh Oysters - $15

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Kahuku Shrimp Karaage - $15

Lisa and Aki Ito

From those words alone, I knew exactly what he, er “she” was talking about. One, that the Aki-no-No referred to that cute little hole-in-the-wall restaurant I always see driving along South King Street, and two, that he wanted us to cover it for our next Lawai‘a food piece. “Shoots!” was my reply and it was set.

The exterior of Aki-no-No is quite unassuming. It looks more like a

Hamburger Steak - $15

corner bar than a full-fledged Japanese restaurant.

Take one step inside however, and you’ll quickly realize that it is indeed a full-fledged restaurant, complete with a kitchen, sushi bar, and seating for about 60.

Besides the ono kine grindz, which we’ll get to in a second, Aki-noNo has an interesting backstory.

Owners Saiaki “Aki” & Lisa Ito are a husband and wife duo who came to Hawaii some 20 years ago from Los Angeles, by way of Japan. They originally ran a cute little bento/plate lunch-ish kind of place in downtown called Ito Chan Sushi for 11 years before opening and successfully operating Aki-no-No for the last 9.

They are also the proud parents of Yuna Ito, a 2001 McKinley grad and legitimate J-POP superstar in Japan. The walls of Aki-no-No’s interior are in fact covered with glamour photos and posters of their famous daughter.

Ahi Belly (Toro) Steak - $13 26

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Rainbow Roll - $18

Excited, I got to the restaurant a tad early, so I took the opportunity to chat with Lisa-san before the rest of the gang and crowd arrived. Aside from asking her about the origin of the restaurant name, which actually came from a Japanese poem, and how her singing pipes were (which she boasted were quite good), I asked about their establishment’s food and philosophies.

Baby Bok Choy with Garlic - $8 Ahi Poke Salad - $15

“We try to use as many local ingredients in our dishes as possible. From our Moi to our baby bok choy to the Kahuku Shrimp in our Ebi Karaage.”

Their Ahi Belly (Toro) Steak is one of their most popular dishes and one taste is all you need to understand why. Soft and buttery with a hit of shoyu, da buggah just melts in your mouth. It’s so good that even local

Kinki Nitsuke (Nimono) - $12

longline captains and Japanese fishermen frequent the restaurant just to have it. A true testament to the quality and addictiveness of the dish.

Their Hamburger Steak is also a favorite here. Here’s a shot of that dish, along with all of the other good eats we enjoyed that night.

Yuna Ito’s last album was entitled “Love” and that pretty much sums up how we felt about the food that night. From the Toro Steak to the Hamburger Steak and everything in between, it was a wonderful dining experience and we can’t wait to go back again.

We’ll just wait for the next random text from Aunty Kwong....

Aki-no-No 2633 S King St, Unit 1 Honolulu, HI 96826 (808) 947-1001 Tue-Sun 5pm-2am

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How To Prepare Ika F O R

The Ika I buy comes frozen and needs to be thawed prior to prepping.

I thaw mine out in the refrigerator the day before I plan to use it. I don’t recommend re-freezing Ika once thawed; it will often turn pink and isn’t as appealing to the fish. I’ll usually prep an entire box at once. I use

B A I T

fresh Ika strips for the day and salt the rest for later use.

The following is how I prepare salted strips for O‘io / Papio fishing and for use on a damashi.

I WAS EATING AT GENKI SUSHI in Ewa Beach, and a raw Ika (E-Ka) Nigiri-style sushi came down the line. I got to thinking… What the hell, I’ve used it for bait so many times but never tried it. Well, apparently

Sea Wave Ika

I’m not a fan when it’s not breaded and fried. Luckily for me, there’s plenty of fish out there that love it, including Papio, O‘io, Ta‘ape, and Moana.

I’ve tried different brands of Ika, but the one that consistently works best for me is the SeaWave Brand in the Blue Box, which I buy from Foodland in Ewa Beach.

1. Peel the skin and propellers off of the body of the Ika.

Start by pulling the propeller away from the body.

Be sure to use thawed Ika right away!

BY BRUD DA H BIL L N EW TON REPRINTED WITH P E R M IS S ION F ROM “ BRUD DA H BIL L’S FISHING BLO G” AT H T T P: //BB. IF IS H H AWA II.COM

Peel the skin back toward the bottom.

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Lay the body flat on the cutting board.

Grip the body, and pull the tentacles out.

Slice the body down the middle.

Sometimes I keep the tentacles and insides to use for palu, but most of the time I just throw them away. I’ve always gotten more bites using just the body cut into strips.

3. Cut the body into strips, and size the strips according to the type of fishing you’re doing.

2. Remove the insides and pen.

Scrape the remaining membrane from the insides.

Remove the pen (plastic-looking thing).

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Cut into strips from wide part to tip.

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Longer-Thicker strips for Papio/O’io, Thinner Strips cut in half for damashi.

4. Use fresh that day or salt strips for later use.

Lehi

Opakapaka

Onaga

Sprinkle the bottom of a re-sealable plastic container with Hawaiian or Sea Salt.

Recover a Tagged Bottomfish or O‘io?

Call (808) 265-4962

Ehu Gindai

The salt removes the moisture from the Ika, toughening the bait and preserving it so that it will last much longer under refrigeration. Once the moisture is drawn out after a day, you can pour out the excess water and then even freeze the salted strips to use weeks down the road. The best part of using this method is that once salted, it reduces the chances of your bait going bad, and if you’re lucky, your wife will Once you’ve layered your salt and Ika, you can shake it around a bit to evenly coat the strips.

let you keep bait in the fridge again.

Be prepared to provide the following critical information: 1. Your name, address and telephone number 2. Capture date, Island and fishing location 3. Tag number 4. Fork length: measure from tip of the nose to “V” in the tail 5. Species: (The Deep Seven) Opakapaka (Pink Snapper), Onaga (Longtail Snapper), Hapu‘upu‘u (Hawaiian Grouper), Ehu (Squirrelfish Snapper), Kalekale (Von Siebold’s Snapper), Gindai (Brigham’s Snapper), Lehi (Silverjaw Snapper) and Oio (Bonefish).

Kalekale

Reward: In return for your valuable information you’ll receive a special t-shirt reward plus a recovery letter stating how much the fish grew, distance traveled and days at liberty.

Hapu‘upu‘u

O‘io

For more information about PIFG and its programs, visit www.fishtoday.org 34

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Fish Stories

B Y K U R T K AWA M OTO , F/ V A L I S S A’ S P E L I C A N

Oops, he did it again!

AFTER A LONG HIATUS FROM FISHING CAUSED BY THE WEATHER AND A WHOLE HOST OF WORK AND FAMILY OBLIGATIONS, we finally got to hit the water. Got to X and it was already crowded with at least 9 boats. The buoy looked like an obstacle course with mostly small boats making drifts tight to the buoy while deep jigging.

We decided to give it a try since we were there. We selected our colors and tied on our lures. Jamie was trying out a new color that was rumored to be the hot new color. I tied on my old favorite buss up lure for a comparison.

This was the second time that Jamie had caught a double on this kind of lure.

On this day the new color was not as effective as the old standby but on any given day any color could be the hot color.

After a slow start Jamie switched colors and started getting more hits from the eating sized shibi around the buoy. After catching enough shibi to eat we decided to leave to look for mahimahi. Jamie wasn’t ready to give up yet (he’s never ready to stop jigging) so he pleaded for just “30 more seconds”. Wouldn’t you know it?

That’s when the double happened... and he got our first aku. He said the aku hit first swimming towards the boat and then the shibi hit, taking everything deep. “Color.

Looks weird, whaaaat? Again!” When we saw the 2 fish on one lure, we had to stop and take few pictures. Luckily they were both solidly hooked.

This was the second time that Jamie had caught a double on this kind of lure. The other year he had caught a mahi/shibi double, with the mahi getting hooked up first. Looks like the shibi are very aggressive feeders, even to the point of stealing prey from other fish. Aku is our favorite fish to eat so we had to try a couple more passes to see if they would turn on. No luck with that but the double was a highlight of the day for us. I guess lightning can strike twice.

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Fish Stories

BY GABE IAEA

THANK YOU JESUS! My girlfriend catches her first papio! The story starts off where she tells me one morning that she had a crazy dream where she catches an ulua! She also goes off telling me the detailed bits and pieces of what she remembered and it just puts a smile on my face. As she starts to walk away, she tells me, “Babe, let’s go fishing tonight!” The supporting boyfriend that I am (who is still chasing a papio and ulua for the year lol) decides to follow her instinct. The whole day she’s calling me about where I’m taking her and it’s making us both excited! I already know of a spot and can’t wait to take her there. We get to the spot and, what do you know, the spot’s taken. We drive a little more down and we see another fisherman just getting ready to set up. There’s one more spot open just before we hit another group fishing and decide to check it out before someone else comes. I park and tell her to hold on so I can look at the grounds first because I never fished here before. She tells me, “No, have faith, babe, no need look. Let’s bring out all the gear and set up already.” So we hopped out of the car, set up shop, and had our poles in the water within 15 minutes (our personal best time, lol).

With the sun already down, we decide to check out the water’s edge, the whole time hearing the bells from the fishing groups on both sides go off. We eagerly wait for ours to go off also, checking our bells to see if they are still working, lol. All of a sudden we hear big bombs going off in the distance. It’s Ko Olina setting off their fireworks display. My girlfriend looks at me with a big smile and I give her the look like, “Oh yeah, babe, it was all part of the plan.”

I swear, as soon as the show ends, we hear our pole go off. The smallest pole out of everyone’s starts ringing! At first we thought it was the waves but then the tip of the pole started to bend over, and over. I yelled “FISH ONI” and quickly grabbed the bell, took the pole out of the holder and gave it to her. She panicked at first but took it without hesitation. I stepped back and watched her fight her fish, letting her know where the line was and how close it was getting. Within a couple of minutes, we had it near the shoreline. I reminded her to time her lift with the wave so that it wouldn’t get stuck on

Hawaii’s Home For Poke

2013 FIRST PLACE

Proud to be voted Hawaii’s Best Poke for four years in a row!

the rocks in the front of us. She times it perfect but the line goes slack and she tells me that she doesn’t feel anything anymore. I thought that we lost it.

I see the loose line on the shelf and follow it the water’s edge where I spot the lead. But then I see a tail wedged in the rocks! I run to grab the fish and, with my “aama crab rock crawling skills,”secure it and run back, just missing the next set of waves.

As I return, my girlfriend is already screaming and jumping up and down, lol. Priceless! Congrats, Kehau Bajet, and many more to come.

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Fish Stories

Fish Stories

BY TYLER OKIMOTO

BY KYLE CASTRO

Crystal’s Ulua ON MAY 9TH 2014, my friend, Jarrick Dasalla, and I decided to go on a family camping/fishing trip. He brought his fiancé, Crystal Castillo, and his friend Eric. With me there was my girlfriend, also named Chrystal (Raquel), and my one year old son, Kyden. We’ve all been hard at work for awhile so we wanted to make sure we would all at least have fun, even if we no catch.

On Friday we headed out to the Kau coastline.

Water was nice. Friday night we got a couple big game poles out but had no luck. Saturday came and we got some diving in. Jarrick got a few nice tako and speared a nice onio eel for bait. We were ready for the night. Night fell and we were able to catch some taape and menpachi for bait as well. Crystal really wanted to fight an ulua so

Night To Remember I wanted to share the story about my first ulua of the 2014 ulua fishing season with Lawai‘a magazine. This was a very memorable catch for me because for the past 2 years I have missed the summer ulua run from working at Shelter Lodge in Juneau, Alaska.

Just before leaving this summer we decided to go “holoholo” fishing one evening. I called and met my fishing partners at one of our favorite beach parks on the west side of the island. We quickly set up our poles and had our lines in the water by sunset. At 7:00 pm on the dot, one of my bells went off. I saw my lucky extra heavy neon green nitro pole bend over and heard the ratchet of my S550 Newell reel screaming.

Now the fight was on. The ulua hit a live weke rigged with a number 28 maruto circle hook. It took me 30 long minutes with assistance from my fishing partners to beach my first ulua of the 2014 season. We celebrated with cheers and handshakes as the ulua weighed in at 30 lbs. It was a night to remember!

At 7:00 pm on the dot, one of my bells went off

Jarrick told her, “The next strike is all yours.”

At about 12:00 am we were walking the rocks catching a’ama crabs for eat when, all of a sudden, we hear a bell, then ratchet. Jarrick set the hook then handed the pole to his fiancé.

After fighting the fish “wicked tuna” style, the fish pinned for a long period of time. With lots of praying and help from God, the fish freed itself and the fight was back on. We told her “The fish is tired and it’s your turn to boost.” After a few minutes of boosting we saw color. As the fish surfaced, Jarrick sunk the gaff in and we had a nice 41 pounder on the rock. Crystal’s first ulua, almost as big as her, lol. High fives and hugs were being thrown around. That right there made the trip even more worth it.

At about 2:00am, my friend Jarrick was bugging me to go re-slide, but I was so cold and tired. He won and got me back out on the rocks.

Ten minutes after re-sliding, boom! my pole goes off. After a fast fight, a big kaku surfaced.

Once again Jarrick sunk in the gaff. This fish ended up being a nice 33 pounds and it was caught on a barbless hook. All happy, we went back to bed.

At about 6:30 am, we woke up to the best alarm clock: a strike on Jarrick’s pole. After another fast fight he lands a nice 29 pound ulua on a barbless hook. We were stoked but that’s not it. I was lucky enough to get my son, Kyden, hooked up with his first fish - one beautiful hinalea. He was so happy that he made my trip. It was time to pack up and head home. One of the best and most fun fishing trips we’ve had. Really want to thank God for helping to keep us safe and helping us land fish. Also, thanks to Uncle Rody for letting us use his camp site while fishing.

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4/29/12 10:14 AM

Fish Stories

BY JOHN MADRIGAL

Stay Positive and Motivated

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LAWAI‘A MAGAZINE

SINCE THE END OF 2012, I’VE BEEN TRYING TO CATCH AN ULUA

After running the gambit of lures and finding what works for

BY WHIPPING. I had caught a few with slide gear, and also with

me, I quickly realized the cost of buying these high quality lures

my spear gun, so I figured I should challenge myself to catch one

was leaving me broke. Luckily my brother, James Madrigal, had

whipping. I found some success with small-game whipping and,

made his own poppers in the past and decided to make a few for

during one of my fishing trips in Kona, I met a young man named

me. Little did I know the luck it would bring me in the coming days.

Nate Tsao. He’s a very well-known guy in local fishing circles. After

Two days prior to my catch, I partnered with Paul Leopoldino, a

a short talk about whipping, he gave me some critical information

knowledgeable fisherman and master pole wrapper. On that trip

about gear size and what knots to use. As you advance in this

we had many close calls with missed strikes and spit hooks. We

sport, you begin to question everything about it when there are

saw multiple Uluas in a very short period of time and our hopes

no results - what lures work? what colors? and what time of day?

were high for the rest of the weekend. Our morning started out

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with good action. We saw pairs of nice Uluas and had a couple missed strikes resulting in boiling water so we were questioning “why? “ Amongst this action we saw a pair of Uluas: one about 80#, and the other about 15#. A few casts later, the larger of the two took my lure right at the edge of the white water and quickly drained my reel out to the dropoff, cutting my line. Luckily the line cut on the fish’s end and I retrieved 90% of my line. I began to re-rig my leader.

A big splash erupted as soon as my lure hit the water and immediately began screaming my line to my left.

Prior to this trip, I met Laron Takeo Kageyama, who is

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LAWAI‘A MAGAZINE

known for his gyotaku printing, on a trip to S. Tokunaga

us. Perhaps the shark turned the Ulua for me, but gaining some line back and watching

fishing store. He took the time to show me the correct

the shark swim away were both good signs.

method of tying the FG knot which had been suggested by

This is when I got the first glimpse of my fish. I told Paul to snap a few pictures of

Nate. I have tried to watch U-tube videos of this, but I am

it in the water, still thinking I could lose this fish. At that point in the fight it was a

the kind of person who learns by doing things hands-on. I

tug of war, and watching this fish go back and forth, all my instincts told me to just

practiced this knot a few times at home and began to doubt

reel but Paul coached me well and said “let it get tired on the outside to make for an

if I tied it correctly. All of a sudden my wandering thoughts

easy gaff job”. After a little trouble with the gaff, we got it on the line and slid down.

were interrupted by Paul, saying he was hooked-up. I dropped

That’s when the size of this fish became known. We had only brought a small slide gaff

everything and ran to his side, watching the action.

and it could not bite on a fish this thick. The fish was sloshing around the boulders at

Paul has a very calm and smooth demeanor as he fights his

the base of the cliff for what seemed like forever. Paul kept trying and finally the gaff

fish. My job as the slide-gaff man just barely gets done and

entered the Uluas mouth and caught on the middle of its upper lip. With the gaff rope

approximately 5 minutes after the strike we got Paul’s first

caught around a protruding rock, I climbed down the cliff a little, took the rope and

catch whipping on land. A nice fish by any means, but whipping

began pulling up. This fish was heavy. I couldn’t see the fish, and the 1/4 inch rope was

makes it that much more rewarding. Now I was very happy for

rubbing heavily on the rocks. All of a sudden I saw the head come over the rocks and

Paul, and finally seeing some results was enough for me to go

I just pulled as much as I could. Paul picked up the slack and I passed the fish up to

home happy. But my day did not end there. Paul said his fish

him. Finally, my first Ulua whipping was landed.

was still fresh and I should continue fishing because of all the

The next few seconds were a blur. I was celebrating with screams, hugs, handshakes

action we’re having. Talk about a good fishing partner. I rigged

over and over again. I called my dad, brother and girlfriend to tell them what had just

my brother’s lure up and cast. Immediately I got a big fish

happened. I couldn’t believe we had each caught our first two Uluas whipping on the

to chase. Cast after cast we could see a big wake created by

same trip. We quickly packed up and headed for J. Hara Store, where the fish weighed

the Uluas chasing after my lure. A big splash erupted as soon

out to 15# and 68.7#.

as my lure hit the water and immediately began screaming

After trying without success for so long, I always said when I caught one I would

my line to my left. “Just hang on” was all I could think. It is

sell all my gear. But not only did I catch an Ulua, I also caught a strong addiction to

amazing how much goes through your head with just a few

the sport of whipping. My fish was landed on a Tsunami Airwave Elite XH rod and

seconds of fishing action: “Are my knots good?, how big is this

Daiwa Saltist 4500 reel, loaded with 65# Superslick Powerpro main line and a Predator

fish?”, and “will I lose this one?” After multiple lost fish, I tried

80# test leader. Along this journey the most important thing I learned was to talk to

to keep from getting my hopes too high because this felt like

everyone you can about the sport. There are so many good people, like the ones I’ve

a huge one. Right next to me, was Paul telling me to “let him

mentioned, out there who are happy to teach and help you on your way. Stay positive

run, it’s only going to burn itself out”. With all my focus on

and motivated; keep casting. You never know when your day is coming. Anything

my line draining from my reel, my partner pulled me out of

that is this challenging brings an indescribable reward. I would like to thank my dad,

that tunnel vision and pointed out a huge shark headed for

Jacinto Madrigal, for teaching me about fishing, my brother, James Madrigal, for his

my fish. Though it was never said, we both thought that was

game-changing lures, Nate, Paul and Laron, S. Tokunaga Store and J. Hara Store for all

going to be the end of this fish. There was about 150 to 200

the support, and my girlfriend, Kahili Hahn, for having the patience to have me fish

yards between the fish and us, and with the shark closing that

while watching my baby girl, Sierrra Melia Madrigal. This was my first, and definitely

distance, the Ulua turned on to the reef and headed towards

will not be my last.

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Fish Stories

BY GARRETT LEE

A day that will last forever!

“I think I goin’ stay home with my family this Father’s Day.” Those words were the beginning of something special for the Lee family.

The Ahi Fever Fishing Tournament is always on Father’s Day weekend and like many dads and sons, our third crewman Preston, had spent most of them fishing in the tournament. This year he decided it was time to give back and spend the time with his family. As soon as he said it, a thought that I never had before came to me: Brandon and

I turned the boat and bumped up the throttle to begin our climb and then, bang, the rigger came down.

I should ask our dads if they want to fish the tournament with us.

After all, they are the ones who passed down the passion for fishing to us. My dad still runs his 26’ Funai out of Sand Island and, although I was very young, I have memories of dad and Uncle Mike off loading

gone so I turned the second skirt to fill the hole in the belly of the

fish from Uncle’s boat at Heeia Kea pier in Kaneohe. Brandon and I

top skirt. Then, I stole a skirt from another lure and used it for the

have been fishing partners for a long time but, until this Ahi Fever,

bottom skirt. I changed the leader and held it up to show Brandon.

we had never fished with our dads on our boat. After spending all

He said, “You running that tomorrow? The cut skirts make it look like

my life going fishing with my dad on his boat, it felt awkward asking

it has the whiskers of a goat fish.” ”Heck yeah I’m running it!” Our

him if he wanted to come with us. But both dads agreed and we

dads met us at the boat on day two. In the morning a marlin knocked

all looked forward to spending the day together fishing. Day one of

our spread around but didn’t stick. It was enjoyable listening to dad

the tournament it was just Brandon and I so we charged up to the

and uncle’s old fishing stories. At one point an old Hawaiian song

North Shore. It was a full day of rough and windy weather with only

was playing on the radio and my dad said, “This music reminds

a marlin bite that didn’t stick. As we were slowly making our way

me of Grandpa.” Uncle Mike replied, “I was just thinking that.” It

back, just after stop fishing, we took a double ono with one of them

was one of those days when just being out there was great but,

cutting one of my favorite ahi lures pretty much in half. With the

being fishermen, I’m sure we all were thinking it would be even

rough conditions we didn’t get back to the marina till just before

better with an ahi.

dark. After finishing up for the day, my thoughts turned toward day

It was a slow day for us with just that one bite. With an hour left

two of fishing and then of the cut lure. The belly of the skirts were

before “stop fishing,” there was time to climb back up and make one more down sea run before we called it a day. I turned the boat and bumped up the throttle to begin our climb and then, bang, the rigger came down. As I turned to look back, bang, the other side rigger took off and both Shimano’s screamed the sweet sound of a double. The port side rigger came off on the run and we settled in on the other fish. After about fifteen minutes the first ahi with the uncles, cousins, sons and dads hit the deck of our boat. The boys are stoked, dads are proud and grandpa is smiling down on us all.

That fish weighed 225 lbs. and was enough to get us second place on Sunday. It was the second largest ahi of the tournament and we got it on the Tsutomu 9” Moke bullet lure I fixed the night before. At the marina we were met with the smiles and congratulations from our families and friends. Our traditional Father’s Day BBQ on the dock was as bright as ever. We caught an ahi, during Ahi Fever with both of our dads and we placed in the tournament. That’s a day that will last forever.

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Fish Stories

BY JEREMY LEE

Tug of War

About an hour into the session, I make a good cast and start making some heavy chugs on my popper.

MY FRIEND, WHO I HAVEN’T FISHED WITH FOR OVER A YEAR, says he’s free on Friday and he wants to go fishing. I usually work on Fridays and was still trying to get over a cold. But after seeing so many people catching fish recently, I used some of my vacation time and decided to go fishing.

We head out before dawn to hit the early morning minus tide and do some plugging. At 5:45am, we get to the spot and the weather looks perfect: overcast, passing showers, and light winds. Just had the feeling was going have some action today. We setup our gear, pull on the tabis, and make our way to the spot. About an hour into the session, I make a good cast and start making some heavy chugs on my popper. Pop, pause, pop, pause. When the lure is still about 30 yards out, a huge ulua comes from the deep and totally engulfs my lure! I pull back hard and set the hook. Hanapa’a, fish on! As soon as he feels the hooks, he heads back into the deep, ripping drag from my reel. I can now tell he’s a big boy.

It’s a hard, back and forth battle. After about 5 minutes, I start to get him in close and can see that he might rub my line on the coral. I try my best to pull him away from the coral heads, but he was very powerful.

The fish started yanking me around, which got me scared that he would dive down and cut my line. About a minute later I finally see him...chee, das one monster! I make one last boost and got him on land. My second ulua! Measured 42” long. Approximately 50lbs. We celebrate, take some pictures, and release him back to his home.

I’ve been waiting a long time to have a tug-of-war with a beast and he gave me an awesome fight! Was even better to see him swim off strong. He deserved to be set free, he earned it.

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an Interview with Maui Casting Club President Gary Hashizaki

PIFG had a chance to sit down and catch up with Gary Hashizaki, President of the Maui Casting Club, at the Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center food court in Kahului, Maui.

We talked last December on the latest happenings with his Club that was formed in the 1950s. If you don’t know Gary, he is the sitting president of the Maui Casting Club and has been for the past 29 years.

Gary Hashizaki and sons at their favorite spot 50

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To this day I love the scream of the reel, pull of the pole, legs shaking and back straining.

Lawaia: When did you first start getting into fishing?

Lawaia: So how did you get involved in the Maui Casting Club?

Gary: I was born in 1944 and grew up in Spreckelsville, Maui.

Gary: My fishing buddy, Don Ginoza, was a member of the Maui

I started fishing when I was 3 over in the local reservoir. By

Casting Club. I joined the Club in 1983, then in 1985 I became

the age of 7, my uncle George taught me how to dive for

the president, which is the position I’ve held till today.

fish and, at eight or nine, I was poking tako. We would fish along the north side of Maui biking to our fishing and diving

Lawaia: Can you tell us about the Club, its history and some of

spots along the coast, sometimes all day and night. We’d

the things that have changed over the years?

go whipping during the day and night for menpachi and aweoweo. Back then, we didn’t have coolers or ice. When we

Gary: I don’t know what year the club started, but I think there

caught fish or tako, we’d dig a hole in the sand, bury it, mark

is a record of all Club tournament winners over the years.

it with limu, then go back and pick it up on the way home.

When I joined in 1983, there were over 100 members. Today there is a limit of 50 members. To get in, someone has to leave

Lawaia: When did you start getting into ulua fishing?

and then you must be sponsored to be considered and receive a unanimous vote. Most club members are middle aged with

Gary: I graduated from Maui High School in 1962 and was in

veterans as old as 75 years. The youngest member is 16 years

an apprentice program, graduating from the Maui Technical

old who is a son of a member. This club is multi-generational.

Lawaia: So Gary, do you get to go fishing very often now days?

slowed down because of work. I picked up fishing ulua in 1981

Our fishing year ends on the second Wednesday of December

Gary: I used to go fishing on the Kaupo side and down at Chang

with my friend Don Ginoza. I remember my first ulua well. I

each year. The annual awards banquet is held the following

Beach. But my old fishing buddy, Elton Sumida, passed away.

was fishing at Seven Sacred Pools with my wife, Lynn, and two

month in January. Each member pays an entry of fee of $25

Lately, I’ve been fishing with the club secretary, Roy Moriyasu.

sons, Rance and Sean. The youngest one was a year and half

and monthly fee thereafter of $3, which hasn’t changed since

Last year I went fishing maybe 12 times. I still haven’t caught

at the time. The sun had set and it was just getting dark. I had

I’ve been in the club.

my 100 pounder yet. I’ve caught three in the 90+ pound class,

School in carpentry in 1964. During that time, my fishing

but not the big one.

two poles, Sabers with Penn 4/0s, out over a 25 foot cliff area

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with tako slid down for bait. One pole went off! Adrenaline

We have an annual ulua tournament held over the Labor Day

kicked in and when it was all said and done, I landed my first

holiday. It’s a shorebased tournament - no boats, kayaks, or

Lawaia: Anything else you’d like to comment on?

ulua – 50 lbs. I was oblivious of my young son, who was right

swimming out bait. There are 15 places with cash prizes, $500

along side me during the entire ordeal. To this day I love the

for first, $400 for second and $300 for third. The prize amount

Gary: Fishing is getting harder now-a-days because access to

scream of the reel, pull of the pole, legs shaking and back

goes down from there. We also have prizes for a running

fishing spots is getting harder. More and more areas are being

straining. I have dreamt about ulua to the point where my

“biggest fish of the month” competition, 100 pound plus club,

blocked off by private property and development. Because

wife would tell me to stop talking in my sleep.

and trophies for specific species and keiki categories. We also

there are less spots available, there’s more competition for those

receive a lot of support and donations from the local fishing

spots that remain on weekends and during tournaments. We gotta

and business community.

go earlier and earlier to get and hold the good spots.

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PIFG KOA We hope you had a productive 2014 summer fishing season this year! The coconut wireless reported some really nice “big ones” that made it to the box and also trickled in reports of bumper crop recruitments of a number of species from across State. It appears that the oama run came in early and ran long with huge schools at the usual spots and some at off sites too. Juvenile papio also showed up strong this summer biting anything you put in the water. Although not a food fish, reports of flying gurnard rolling up on the beach was picked up by the news and reminded us of the days of the 1980s file fish

Call to All Fishermen to Get out and Vote bloom. Reports of strong recruitment were also reported for kala, aweoweo, menpachi and an assortment of surgeon species. It looks like the stars lined up and ocean conditions were just right for numerous species to have strong keiki recruitment this year.

In this issue from the PIFG Koa we’ll catch you up on some cool cooperative research that is starting to show interesting information. We’ll also provide an update on a couple of programs that got away this year – Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival and the Call to all Fishermen to get out and vote.

Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival For the last 8 years, October bought the Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival at Pier 38, Honolulu Harbor.

The Festival has grown into one of Hawaii’s premier community events drawing over 20,000 visitors each year.

Unfortunately, this year PIFG will not be able to host the Festival. We are truly grateful to all those who have supported PIFG in putting on the wonderful event over the years, especially all the volunteers, participants, vendors, donors, businesses, Pier 38 tenants, agencies and organizations. All of you made the Festival a true community event that honored our fishing and seafood community, culture and heritage. MAHALO!

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To encourage fishermen to do their part and provide a voice in the sound management of our fishery resources and support our fishing culture, heritage and traditions, PIFG launched a campaign in partnership with fishing tackle stores from across the state to support a raffle drawing for fishermen that voted in the 2014 elections. As incentive for casting their ballots in the primary and general elections, fishermen were to receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win great prizes. Unfortunately, prior to the primary election PIFG was notified that the voting campaign (although not endorsing any particular candidate) may have created potential issues with existing rules governing elections.

Therefore, to err on the side of caution, PIFG recalled the Get out and Vote program as requested. We apologize for any confusion or problems this may have created in the fishing community. We would like thank all the fishing stores and business that graciously supported this effort and continues to support all the PIFG programs. Be sure to stop by and get your next issue of Lawaia Magazine from any of these great locations.

Big Island: Da Fishing Store, Honokaa (808) 775-1310 J. Hara Store, Kurtistown (808) 966-5462 Tokunaga’s, Hilo (808) 935-6965 Maui: All About Fishing, Lahaina 808) 669-1710 Maui Sporting Goods, Wailuku (808) 244-0011 New Maui Fishing Supply, Wailuku (808) 244-3449 West Maui Sports and Fishing Supply, Lahaina (808) 661-6252 Kauai: Lihue Sporting Goods, Lihue (808) 245-4930 Mark’s Place, Lihue (808) 245-2522 Rainbow Paint and Fishing Supply, Eleele (808) 335-6412 Oahu: Brian’s Fishing Supply, Honolulu (808) 596-8344 Charley’s Fishing Supply, Honolulu (808) 582-7474 Hanapa‘a Hawaii, Dillingham (808) 848-5640 Hanapa‘a Hawaii, Pearlridge (808) 486-5775 J. Hara Store, Kaimuki (808) 737-7702 Kaya Fishing Supply, Honolulu (808) 538-1578 McCully Bicycle and Sporting Goods, Honolulu (808) 955-6329 Nervous Waters Fly Fishers, Kaimuki (808) 734-7359 Nanko’s Fishing and Diving Supply, Kaneohe (808) 247-0938 POP Fishing and Marine, Honolulu (808) 537-2905

Lawai’a Subscription Drive Mahalo to all Lawai‘a Magazine supporters and especially to those who signed up for a one or two year subscription. The subscription drive continues through 2014 so look for our ad in this issue of Lawai‘a Magazine or email PIFG at pacificfisheries@gmail.com. Sign up today to have Lawai‘a sent to you directly for $24.00 for one year or $44.00 for two years.

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PIFG Launches new Ahi Satellite Tagging Project Working with Atlantic Bluefin scientist Dr. Molly Lutcavage, Director of the Large Pelagics Research Center (LPRC), PIFG successfully launched a new tuna tagging project on Kauai this past June by placing two pop-up archival satellite (PSAT) tags in yellowfin tunas of 160 and 180 pounds. Two experienced Kauai-based boat captains assisted the tagging team in finding, capturing and releasing the large yellowfin tunas in June and July 2014. A third tagged ahi of about 120 pounds was tagged and released in August.

The goal is to tag 2 more yellowfin tunas this summer then to direct efforts to tag 5 bigeye tunas in the winter.

The purpose for tagging these mature ahi is to unveil the secrets of their migration patterns and behavior while in Hawaiian waters and beyond. These “smart tags” estimate daily position, sea temperatures and water depth for a nine month period after which the PSAT automatically releases from it tether, floats to the surface and, hopefully, transmits the data it’s collected to receiving stations on NOAA satellites. Once received, the data is examined and analyzed by Dr. Tim Lam from the LPRC. The PIFG team held a public meeting on Kauai, presenting information on the PIFG Ahi Tagging Project and also conducted an ahi tag training and certification workshop in preparation for the tagging events. Tag Recovery Reward flyers are posted at fishing tackle stores and fish dealers statewide should anyone catch the tagged ahi. Look for project updates in future issues of Lawaia magazine and on the PIFG website www.fishtoday.org.

Mahalo to our Kauai fishermen who have been instrumental in making this project happen: Captain Ryan Koga, Captain Marvin Lum, Captain Alan Horikawa, Cory Nakamura, Eric Hadama, Craig Koga, Mark Oyama, and Bryan Hayashi. This cooperative research tagging project would not be possible without the support and funding from the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council.

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Bottomfish Cooperative Research NOAA PIFSC Reaches out to the Maui Fishing Community. During the 12 day Maui PIFG Cooperative Bottomfish Research cruise in April 2014, fishermen participated in the first fishery independent bottomfish pilot survey with the National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Fishery Science Center (PIFSC). Contracted fishing vessels provided detailed fishing and environmental information on factors effecting fishing effort such as wind, current speed, drift, catch, and other fishing details. Deep 7 bottomfish caught during the cruise were retained for PIFSC bio-sampling and analysis. Bottomfish caught in good condition were tagged and released as part of the ongoing cooperative research Bottomfish Tagging Project.

For the first time during a cooperative research cruise, PIFSC and PIFG were able to reach out to the Maui bottomfishing community and provide a rare open house opportunity onboard the research vessel Oscar E. Sette (R/V Sette). On April 12, 2014, a handful of bottomfish fishermen and their families from Maui boarded the R/V Sette where fishery scientists showcased their research on

the Hawaii bottomfish fishery.

It was a Saturday morning, half way through the 12 day research cruise, when fishermen arrived at Lahaina wharf to tour the R/V Sette that waited just offshore. Two safeboats were dispatched from the R/V Sette to pick shuttle participants from the wharf. Several trips were made to accommodate all eager participants. Once onboard guests were greeted by Chief Scientists Ben Richards and Faith Knighton as they welcomed everyone to the vessel then proceeded to conduct a fully guided tour from bow to stern. Following the guided tour, guests retreated to the ships galley for a filling lunch which was provided by Chef Clem. Next, a demonstration was performed of the live deployment and recovery of the AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) which is used to video record bottomfish and other species as they live in their natural habitat. Once the AUV was brought back aboard, the R/V Sette returned to port. The Open House was exciting and educational for all who participated and huge success.

It provided the fishing community a glimpse into the complex, yet sometime plush, world of fishery researchers.

Special thanks to NOAA PIFSC Director Sam Pooley, Deputy Director Michael Seki and Stock Assessment Scientist Gerard Dinardo and the captain and crew of the R/V Oscar E. Sette for making this all possible. Also, mahalo to those who participated in the open house: Basil Oshiro, Sally Oshiro, Norman Tan, Bradley Saito, Tony Acain, Linda Acain, Kaipo, Acain, Chris Kele, Ben, Raymond Higa, Nathan Abe, Kevin Awa, Kent Onaka, Chris Demarke, and Clay Tam. We’ll look for more opportunities in the future to bring Hawaii’s fishing community and scientists together to exchange experiences and ideas through Cooperative Fisheries Research efforts.

Keiki Fishing Day Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Gardens It was a beautiful Saturday on June 28th, 2014 when the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group and Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay teamed together to take the youth of Kaneohe, Kailua, and Kahaluu fishing! There were 22 children and their families ranging in ages from 20 months to 16 years old.

The event featured four educational workstations on knot tying, ocean safety, Hawaii State fishing rules and regulations, and fishing tackle and gear. The kids rotated through each station in 20 minute sessions. The knot tying station allowed students learn how to tie simple clinch and polamar knots. Ocean safety station gave students the basics on what to wear, dangerous ocean conditions and basic safety procedures in case of an emergency while fishing. The Hawaii State rules and regulations station focused fish identification, measuring fish, promoting catch and release along with barbless hooks, as well as, other basic rules. The fishing gear and tackle workstation taught the kids about different fishing equipment and supplies used for diving, shore casting, trolling, large game fishing, and net throwing.

Once the learning stations were done, the participants ate a quick lunch and it was off to the water for some fishing. With their self-tied hand poles and bread bait in hand, all the kids managed to catch fish with ease. Each fish was identified, measured, information recorded, then released to be used in the friendly event tournament. At the end of the productive day, awards were given to the fishers that caught the most, largest and smallest. Overall, it was an awesome day with great weather, great kids and great fishing!

Mahalo to NOAA for providing funds through their Marine Education and Training grant program for supporting this educational community event.

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gear review B Y E D WATA M U R A

Cool Name, Cool Product, for Cool Drinks Cool Name? Robocup. Cool Product? Dis bugga can clamp on to anything up to 2” in diameter and strong enough to stay clamped. You can not only put your drinks inside but anything you can think of including a rod and reel. When I was walking out of POP with this product, my good friend Dennis K said, “Why we neva think of that?” That’s what we all think when someone comes up with a product like this.

Problem. Whea I going put my drink? Solution, Robocup. The rubberized jaws operate by squeezing two powerful stainless steel springs together and clamping on to anything round or flat. The cups are made from co-polymer that is treated with UV inhibitors for extra long durability and come with velcro straps that can be used to customize the cups to any use imaginable. The bottom caps can unscrew for even more adaptability. By the way the clamping mechanism is so strong that you can build your pectoral muscles with a few reps. Hahaha!

We Catch Da Beeg One Mention to any mainlander that our Ulua fishermen catch fish that weigh over one hundred pounds from shore and you’ll get looks of amazement. Surprisingly, considering our small market, Penn has developed a rod and reel combo that is tailor made for Ulua Fishing. They started by revamping the classic 113HLW-4/0 Senator.

This “Island Special” was designed by Hawaii’s Ulua Fishermen for Hawaii’s Ulua Fishermen and can proudly claim to be made in the USA. The technology of drag systems has greatly improved over recent years due to the invention of braided lines, and the new 4/0 is equipped with the famous Penn “Versa Drag System” and boasts a maximum drag of 27 pounds.

The gear ratio is 4.3:1 and is ideal for fighting big Ulua’s. A One-Piece Machined Aluminum Frame that is unique to the US Senator family will insure that there will be no twist or warp. The new spool will hold an increased capacity of approximately 360 yards of 60# mono and the

New Name Same Face

stainless steel main and pinion gears are heat treated for the long run.

Sometimes you no need reinvent da wheel. You remember those lures that you jerked

you well and this newly revamped 113HLW will definitely follow in that

at the buoy and the shibi would jump on ‘em like it was going out of style. Well, they

tradition. Once you hold this reel in your hand, adjust the drag and

didn’t go out of style but the unnamed manufacturer decided to stop making them. I

crank it, you can feel the difference.

I know many of you guys still have Senator reels that are still serving

guess these lures were so popular here in Hawaii that Tazer Lures decided to recreate them.

They have retained the dynamic swimming action and the open mouth that pushes water and leaves a smokin’ bubble trail that fish find irresistible. The protruding gill plates allow you to custom cut side venting holes for even more smoke. Through wire construction was a must because we all know how big those shibi’s are that jump on these lures. Holographic scales and realistic eyes add to the attraction. The Tazers weigh 1-7/16 ounces and measure 5-1/2 inches long and come in six colors (Shiner, Pink, Frog, Orange, Blue Black Spot, and Red). Check ‘em out at POP and Hobbietat.

The next step in the development of this new system was to match this reel up with a rod of equal caliber. The new Penn Carnage was also developed here in Hawaii specifically for Hawaiian Shorecasters. This 13.5 foot rod is made with 100%

You Broke ‘Em, No Need Buy ‘Em

graphite for light weight and has a thick inner wall

Guaranteed for life. That’s right, Mark White’s lures have been drop tested from 6 feet on

this rod was designed with slide baiting in mind.

cement for 50 times and the only thing that broke was the cement. How many times have you

The Fuji DPS reel seat has black stainless steel

destroyed a lure head by accidentally dropping it or how many times have ono, mahi, ahi, or

hoods that are centered in sculpted rubber grips for

marlin trashed your resin head lures? Maybe you’re not a klutz like me, but when a mahi is

extra grip surface while casting and boosting “da

going wild in da boat that lure is going wild right along with it. Originally from Long Beach,

beeg one”. Even the Pac Bay high profile stainless

California, Mark loves to fish. Like other lure makers, his lures are field tested by his his fishing

steel wire frame guides are specifically designed

friends. He and his wife have been operating a pottery studio for over 30 years and through

for Ulua Fishing. Two other features tailor made for

extensive R and D that spanned six years he has developed these unique and durable lures. As

Ulua Fishing are the stainless steel butt cap and, of

you can see from the pictures his lure head shapes are classic Hawaiian and those big red and

course, the bell holder so you know when to jump

black eyes are proven attractants. Check out his website to see all the lures and the fish they

up and yell “Hanapa‘a.”

for additional strength. The Carnage was designed to cast far, but still have the backbone for the battle. Rated for 50-80 pound test and 8-10 oz lead,

catch. I personally can say they work really, really good.

Mahalo to Penn for creating this combo just for Hawaii’s Ulua Fishermen and Mahalo to all you Ulua Fishermen out there who have brought some “big time” respect to this fishery that has a history and a future that is deserving of these two awesome products.

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BY JOHN CLARK

From 1834 to 1948, approximately 125,000 pages of Hawaiian-language newspapers were printed in more than a hundred different papers. These newspapers are now an invaluable cultural and historical repository that follow Hawai‘i as it moved from a kingdom, to a constitutional monarchy, to a republic and to a territory of the United States. Online and searchable in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Papakilo Database, this archive offers a wealth of information on many subjects, including fishing. Recently, the editor of a blog called Nupepa [newspaper] published this ad from page 5 in the August 15, 1902 issue of Ka Nupepa Kuokoa. He also provided a translation.

We Have Fishing Supplies Here within our stock of fishing equipment are Nets (Upena) of all sorts and sizes as per your desires priced right. We also have Hooks (Makau) which are very sharp and fine at very low prices. We also have Line (Aho) and Rods (Mokoi paeaea) and large Hooks good for large Fish as well as other fishing accessories. Pearson & Potter Co., Ltd. Hotel and Union Streets.

When I saw this ad in Nupepa, I decided to do a search in the Papakilo Database for “upena,” the Hawaiian word for “nets.” I got 3,190 hits, and as I scanned through the first few pages of the list, I ran across a name I’d never seen before, “upena kiola.” The Hawaiian Dictionary told me “kiola” means “to throw away,” so upena kiola is a name for a throw net. In one of the earlier issues of Lawai‘a (April 12, 2012), I did a column on throw nets and listed the three names I knew then: upena hoolei, upena kiloi, and upena poepoe.

Using the name upena kiola, I refined my search in the Papakilo Database and came up with 8 hits, which ranged from 1907 to 1937. One article on page 6 of the November 11, 1910 issue of Ka Nupepa Kuokoa is actually a photo story that features five black and white photos of a throw net fisherman on Kauai. While the quality of the printing is poor by today’s standards, these photos are probably some of the earliest ever taken of throw net fishing in Hawaii. The brief text and photo captions are as follows.

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Me Ka Upena Kiola

With the Throw Net

O na kii lehulehu malalo iho nei, e hoike ana ia i ka Arthur Rice lawai‘a ana me ka upena kiola, kekahi o na kanaka akamai loa i ka lawaia ana me ka upena kiola. He mau kii keia i lawe kokeia mai nei ma Kipukai, Kauai.

1. Ke Kii Mua E Kiai Ana I Ka I‘a.

2. Ooloku Loa Ke Kai No Ke Kiola Ana I Ka Upena.

3. Ke Kiola Ana. 4. Ke Kii Ana E Ohi Mai I Ka Upena.

5. E Hoi Ana I Kula Me Ka Upena Ame Na I‘a I Hei Mai.

The many pictures below are showing Arthur Rice’s way of fishing with the throw net, [he being] one of the most skilled persons in fishing with a throw net. These are images that were snapped at Kipukai, Kauai.

1. First Image - Watching the fish.

2. The sea is very strong for throwing the net.

3. The throwing.

4. Going to gather up the net.

5. Returning ashore with the net and the fish that were snared.

(Translation by Puakea Nogelmeier.)

These discoveries- the term upena kiola for a throw net and the five photos from 1910 of a throw net fisherman- are examples of the wealth of material that is still to be found in the Hawaiian-language newspapers. Give it a try at papakilodatabase.com.

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When

the ocean decides to happen to you

it doesn’t ask where you bought your gear

or how much you paid it only asks if you’re ready .

Really Ready.

We got it. next to nico’s at pier 38 1133 n. nimitz hwy. • honolulu, hi 96817 • 808-537-2905 • toll-free (u.s.): 1-800-288-6644 • pop-hawaii.com