Bottom Fishing on Maui, Hawaii
There are no halibut, rock cod, calico bass, sheephead, red fish, drum, yellow tail, jew fish, or giant grouper here (oh yeah, I get folks asking me about the halibut season in Hawaii)
There is no wreck or artificial reef bottom fishing.
Deep water bottom fishing is done at anchor in 500-900 feet of water. Obviously, this is not done with a rod and reel! This is strictly a commercial style of fishing. It is accomplished using hydraulic or very large electric pullers. The boats that do this go out for 3-5 days. Some trips, they do very well. Other trips, all they get is a wet ass, cold smelly hands, sleepless nights, and an near empty fish box! I know I did it for a while. Unless you know someone here that fishes this way, you won't be doing this on your Maui vacation. They catch deep water snappers, such as onaga (red) and opakapaka (pink), as well as hapu'u pu'u (butter fish) and other, lesser known species. You can, however, enjoy eating some of these delicate white fish at the better seafood restaurants, like the Waterfront Restaurant (my favorite) or Mama's Fish House. ...and NEVER turn down Onaga if one of the better restaurants offers it!!!
Shallow water bottom fishing is done by drifting in 60-180 feet of water. They fish with either spinning or small open face reels using bait, usually squid strips. They catch smaller varieties of reef fish such as ta'ape, nabeta, ehu, aweoweo, barracuda, moi'lua, goat fish, trigger fish, shark, gray snapper, and trevally. Most of the fish are under 5lbs., but anglers do get lucky and land much larger fish. Many of the fish are considered good eating. Ya just don't know WHAT'S going to bite down there!!
Strike Zone (43' Delta out of Maalaea harbor). 6 hour morning bottom fishing on Mon., Wed., Fri., and Sat.. $168 per adult angler/ $138 children 12 and under (up to 15 anglers max) $75.00 per rider or share pole. Includes: All bait & tackle, expert instruction and a light lunch (roast beef, ham, or turkey sandwich; chips; soft drinks & water). Fish Policy: Guests are welcome to keep their catch. 0630 hrs. departure.
Marjorie Ann (25' Farallon out of Maalaea harbor). 4 hour morning bottom fishing. $600 private /$139 per person share rate). Bait, tackle, snacks, and the personal attention of the experienced crew are all provided. 0730 hrs. departure.
Hokua (40' catamaran out of Maalaea harbor). 4 hour afternoon bottom fishing. $128 per adult angler/ $99 children 12 and under (up to 10 anglers max) $50.00 per rider or share pole. Includes: All bait & tackle, expert instruction and a light snacks. Fish Policy: Guests are welcome to keep their catch. 1230 hrs. departure.
Ho'okela (35 foot Hatteras out of Lahaina harbor) 3 hour private sunset bottom fishing trips. $395 + tax. Includes: All bait & tackle, expert instruction. Fish Policy: Guests are welcome to keep their catch. 1630 hrs. departure.