fishing edge of reef on zero tide

Continuing my survey of the Fisheries Management Area (FMA), I fished from the east most beach park on Diamond Head Road to Tongg’s, which is near the east end of Kapiolani Park.  That general area has a very flat reef without too many deep holes, so it’s best to try to walk the reef on a zero foot tide and fish the dropoff or channels that cut through the reef.  If you expand the picture you’ll see Kawika doing just that.  He said he’s caught some nice fish at the dropoff at times and had caught a legal moana earlier this day.  I just got the usual suspects: humus, hinalea and po’opa’a.  I finally caught a 6 inch omilu by Tongg’s which was undersized and let go.

Please keep in mind, there are some spots on the shoreline only passable on a very low tide, and please be careful if you venture out to the edge of the reef.  Besides sharp rocks, wana (sea urchin) and eels to nip your feet, the waves can surprise you.

If you’re a visitor to Oahu staying in Waikiki, the reef fish can be very accommodating.  Use light tackle and a 2 inch grub or piece of bait and you’ll be able to sample the reef fish buffet.

It’s probably best to catch and release if you’re not sure of the legality and edibility of the fish.    Here are the minimum size limits, measuring from the nose to the fork of the tail.