Why Kauai is Ideal for Sportfishing Adventure?
Beyond the tropical jungles and white sand beaches, there is another reason why tourists flock Kauai every year. And that reason is sportfishing. From amateur anglers to those who love to go into the deep waters and catch Yellowfin Tuna and Mahi Mahi, the experience is utterly heavenly. You can consider Kauai as your base camp to start your sportfishing adventure campaign. But from where should you start your charter and which season is ideal for sportfishing? Here’s a guide that will help.
Sportfishing season in Kauai
Kauai sees thousands of anglers hoarding into this small island between April and July. This is the time when you will see a variety of fishes, including the rare breeds, such as blue billfish and yellowfin tuna. That doesn’t mean Kauai will disappoint you if you go sportfishing during other months. This island has thousands of near-shore fishes available throughout the year. But experienced anglers usually come between April and July. Therefore, plan your trip accordingly.
Types of fishes to catch
The deep waters around Kauai Island attract hundreds of anglers for sportfishing. They consist of thousands of varieties of fishes, some of which are so colorful that you may want to keep them in your aquarium. Here are a few breeds that you can look out for if you go into the deep waters.
- Tuna – Tuna is widely popular, both in the near-shore and in the deep waters. However, if you want to catch the yellowfin tuna, you need to go to the deep waters and wait for hours. Apart from yellowfin, you will also find wavy back, skipjack, albacore, and bigeye tuna.
- Billfish – Billfish is the second rare breed of fish available in Kauai. It has six varieties, such as black, short-nosed spearfish, swordfish, blue, striped, and sailfish.
Apart from these two, you will also come across Mahi Mahi, Ono, and a few common near-shore breeds, such as Amberjack, Shark, Giant Trevally, and Green Job Fish.
Where to go sportfishing in Kauai?
Amateur anglers should start with near-shore waters. These areas contain thousands of fishes throughout the year. You don’t have to specifically target the April to July period. The near-shore waters have a maximum drop-off of 1000′. This is ideal for relatively small fishes. But if you want to challenge yourself and learn the tricks of catching the bigger fishes, you need to travel to areas with at least 3000′ or 6000′ drop-offs. The best way to explore these deep-sea fishing depths is by a reputable Kauai Fishing Charter Company.
In fact, you can reach one of the deepest sportfishing areas if you take your fishing charter three miles off the Nawiliwili Harbor to Makahuena. It doesn’t take much time to reach Makahuena and the fishing experience is also incredible. Although the fathom ledges start with 1000′ drop-offs, it quickly becomes deeper as you move toward Anini or Anahola.
With so many fishing areas and tons of fishes available, it is hard to say no if your friends plan a trip to Kauai. Make sure you take ample fishing supplies because you may not want to come back to the shore until late in the evening.