Hawaii on the Fly

Hawaiian Bonefish Fishing

Oahu is home to some of the largest bonefish on earth. Hawaiian bonefish average 8 pounds with fish regularly exceeding 10 pounds—true giants compared to other tropical destinations. The flats on both eastern and southern sides of Oahu offer wade and boat fishing for these elusive trophies.

The Water

Oahu's flats feature sandy to muddy bottoms where bonefish feed in shallow water. Unlike many tropical destinations, Hawaiian bones often feed in deeper water where their tails aren't visible, making guide expertise critical. Protected bays and inside reef areas provide calmer water away from heavy surf.

The Fishing

Sight fishing from Captain Mike's 16-foot Action Craft Tournament Series boat, designed to "hover" over flats in less than 7 inches of water with stealth approach. Days include wading and poling flats based on wind, tides, and sun. Accurate casting (30-50 feet) is more important than distance—practice before your trip for best success.

Target Species

Bonefish - O'io (Albula vulpes)

Hawaii has two species: round jaw (primary target on shallow flats) and sharp jaw (deeper water, occasionally on flats).

• Size: Average 8 pounds, fish over 10 pounds common, occasional double-digit fish
• Season: Year-round; best May–October, challenging January–March (cooler temps, more rain)
• Behavior: Feed on sandy/muddy bottoms, often in water deep enough to conceal tails
• Techniques: 7-8 weight fly rods, shrimp and crab patterns
• Notes: Largest bonefish in the world, smart and hard-fighting

Giant Trevally - Ulua

Apex predators that chase baitfish into shallows.

• Behavior: Feed with tides, backs sometimes visible in shallow water
• Techniques: Poppers and baitfish flies
• Notes: Powerful fish, explosive strikes

Golden Trevally - Pa'o Pa'o (Gnathanodon speciosus)

Extremely rare catch.

• Habitat: Shallow sandy bottoms, same as bonefish
• Notes: Beautiful colors, excellent fight

Blue Trevally - Omilu

More common than Golden Trevally.

• Behavior: Feed on flats, aggressive
• Notes: Great colors, hard fighting

Freshwater Peacock Bass

Available on Lake Wilson (Wahiawa Reservoir) in central Oahu.

• Season: Best May–October (summer/early fall)
• Size: Varies, aggressive fighters
• Techniques: Baitfish patterns (Clouser Minnow)

Notes: One of few places in US to catch peacock bass

Typical Fishing Day

Captain Mike doesn't fish by the watch—he fishes by nature. Days are flexible based on winds, tides, and sun for optimal fishing.

Half Day (4-5 hours):

• Meet at designated location or hotel pickup ($50 fee)
• Fish prime flats based on conditions
• All gear, snacks, and drinks included
• Return mid-day

Full Day (8-12 hours):

• Meet at designated location or hotel pickup ($50 fee)
• Extended time on flats with multiple locations
• Lunch, gear, snacks, and drinks included
• Fish optimal tides and conditions

What's Provided

• 16-foot Action Craft Tournament Series flats boat
• Top-of-the-line fly and spinning gear
• Hennessy Cognac Fly Series and other proven patterns
• Snacks and drinks
• Lunch (full day only)
• Expert guide Captain Mike Hennessy

What to Bring

• Your own gear if preferred
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Light layers
• Camera
• Cash for tips

Shot Expectations

Average day: See 40-100 fish with up to 30 good shots at trophy bonefish

Skill Level

All levels welcome. Accurate casting at 30-50 feet is more important than distance. Practice before your trip for best results.

Travel to Oahu

Airport

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Honolulu, Oahu

Airlines

Multiple carriers serve Honolulu from mainland US including Hawaiian Airlines, United, Delta, American, Southwest, Alaska Airlines.

Direct Flights From:

• West Coast: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Portland
• Other: Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Chicago
• Flight time: 5-6 hours from West Coast

Ground Transportation

Rental car recommended for flexibility. Hotel pickup available for fishing ($50 fee).

Lodging

Front Range Anglers provides recommendations based on your fishing location and budget. Options range from Waikiki hotels to North Shore rentals.

Trip Length

Combine fishing with vacation. Most anglers book 2-4 days of guided fishing with beach time, surfing, hiking, and sightseeing.

Guide Rates - Captain Mike Hennessy

Full Day (8+ hours): $700 per angler

• Minimum 8 hours, can extend to 12 hours based on conditions
• Includes: all gear, lunch, snacks, drinks
• Hotel pickup/dropoff: $50 additional

Half Day (4+ hours): $500 per angler

• Minimum 4 hours, typically 4-5 hours
• Includes: all gear, snacks, drinks
• Hotel pickup/dropoff: $50 additional

Additional Fees:

• 5% surcharge on credit card payments

What's Included:

• Professional guide (Captain Mike Hennessy)
• 16-foot Action Craft flats boat
• Top-of-the-line fly and spinning gear
• Hennessy Cognac Fly Series and proven flies
• Snacks and drinks
• Lunch (full day only)
• Cooler with ice

Not Included:

• Flights to Honolulu
• Lodging
• Hawaii fishing license (not required for saltwater)
• Hotel transportation ($50 if needed)
• Gratuities (15-20% customary)
• Personal gear

Cancellation Policy

• At booking: 50% deposit due
• 90 days before trip: Remainder due
• Cancellation 90+ days: Full refund minus $100 fee if replacement found
• Cancellation within 90 days: No refund unless replacement found
• No refunds for weather, acts of God, or travel issues

Travel Insurance

Front Range Anglers strongly recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (Global Rescue) and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

Contact: Kim D'Amico – kdamico@globalrescue.com – 617.459.4200

Connect with Our Hawaii Experts

Ready to plan your Hawaiian bonefish adventure? Our team can match you with Captain Mike Hennessy and help coordinate your trip.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager

Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide, Sage Elite Pro, and can provide insights on tackle, Hennessy Cognac Fly Series, and techniques for trophy Hawaiian bonefish.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator

John handles logistics and coordination, ensuring your Hawaii adventure is seamless from booking to departure.

What We Can Help With:

• Booking with Captain Mike Hennessy
• Tackle recommendations for 8-10 lb bonefish
• Hennessy Cognac Fly Series (in stock at FRA)
• Travel coordination and flights to Honolulu
• Lodging recommendations on Oahu
• Combining fishing with vacation activities
• Gear lists and preparation
• Freshwater peacock bass fishing options

Contact Us:

Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder shop to see Hennessy Cognac Fly Series, saltwater gear for trophy bonefish, and talk about your Hawaii plans.

What to Bring to Hawaii

Fishing Gear

Top-of-the-line fly and spinning gear provided, but you're welcome to bring your own.

If Bringing Your Own Fly Gear:

Rods & Reels:

• 7-8 weight rod for bonefish (8-weight recommended for 8-10 lb fish)
• 9-10 weight if targeting GT
• Large arbor saltwater reel with strong drag
• Saltwater-safe reel
• Backing (200+ yards)
• Weight-forward tropical floating line

Flies:

Bonefish:

• Hennessy Cognac Fly Series (available at FRA)
• Shrimp patterns (Gotchas, Crazy Charlies)
• Crab patterns
• Sizes 4-8

Trevally:

• Baitfish patterns
• Poppers
• Clouser Minnows

Leaders & Tippet:

• Bonefish: 10-15 lb tippet
• GT: 20-30 lb tippet

Clothing for Hawaii Climate

Sun Protection (Essential):

• Long-sleeve UPF fishing shirts
• Lightweight quick-dry pants or shorts
• Wide-brim hat
• Neck gaiter or buff
• Flats boots or wading shoes

Layers:

• Light rain jacket
• Fleece for early mornings (cooler months)

Essential Accessories:

• Polarized sunglasses (multiple pairs—crucial for sight fishing)
• Sunglasses retainer/strap
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef safe required in Hawaii)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insulated water bottle

Personal Items

Documents:

• Valid ID
• Cash for tips and expenses
• No fishing license required for saltwater

Other Essentials:

• Personal medications
• Basic first aid
• Toiletries
• Waterproof phone case/dry bag
• Camera

Practice Before You Go

Accurate casting at 30-50 feet is more important than distance. Practice before your trip for a more enjoyable and successful experience.

Gear Consultation

Front Range Anglers stocks Hennessy Cognac Fly Series and can outfit you with everything needed for Hawaiian bonefish. Visit our Boulder shop or contact our team.