4 weeks in Hawaii 2016

[Ken+]

Grab a pot of coffee...or save it for the weekend...

If you fancy the full, yet brief, daily blog posts, you can find it here starting on Day 1:

http://muskiebaitadventures.blogspot.ca ... day-1.html

** I'm not going to post all the links here...all 28 days of links. I hope you are capable enough to navigate the blog on you own.

It has been over 6 years since I visited my Grandma and my uncles in Oahu, Hawaii. When an opportunity occurred that would take me there, it was difficult to refuse. I chose to kept the blog posts focused on fishing and scenery, so there is little mention of family and other events that also occurred.

Hawaii was the place where my species hunting began. When I was 16, I returned to Hong Kong to obtain my adult citizenship card. On the way back to Canada, I made a stopover in Hawaii. During the 1.5 weeks in Hawaii, I fished with my telescopic rod to catch a few reef fishes. That first experience opened my eyes to traveling and fishing. Since then, I had made two trips, in 2007 and 2009, back to Hawaii and caught 32 new species.

In the past, my fishing was limited by the lack of transportation. I was too young to rent a car. Fishing was dependent on the availability of my family and friends when and where they could take me. Today, I am afforded more freedom as long as I can afford a rental car. Luckily, I made all the bookings early enough before the rental price skyrocketed.

Based on the advice of Steve, Elijah and George, I decided to add a week on the Big Island just for fishing. However, Maui was an island that I had wanted to visit and hiking in Haleakala was a big bucket list item. A few day in Maui was added. Before I knew it, my 4 weeks long Hawaii itinerary took shape.

I would like to thank my family for hosting me for so long, especially my Grandma. I would like to thank my friends Ji, Jason, Stan and Todd for making their best effort fish with me. I would like to thank my new friends Wade, Jamie, Jeffery and Peterson and hope we will have opportunities to meet again in the future.

Food

Keneke’s plate lunch



Shrimp plate from North Shore



Pancakes smothered in macadamia nut ice cream



HI-BBQ smoked beef brisket



McDonald’s taro pie!!!



Nenue sashimi



Menpachi and Moana ready for the pan



Poke – shoyu marlin and limu ahi



Rainbow’s Dine-In plate lunch



Some scenery

Ka’ena Point







Akaka Falls



Waipio Valley



Pololu Valley





Haleakala – 12 mile hike







Day 1

Masked Triggerfish (Sufflamen fraenatum) - Species #486



Manybar Goatfish (Parupeneus multifasciatus) - Species #487



Boomerang Triggerfish (Sufflamen bursa) - Species #488



Wedge-tail Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus) - Species #489



Blacktail Wrasse (Thalassoma ballieui) - Species #490



Stocky Hawkfish (Cirrhitus pinnulatus) - Species #491



Hawaiian Hogfish (Bodianus albotaeniatus) - Species #492



Blackside Hawkfish (Paracirrhites forsteri) - Species #493



Arc-eye Hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus) - Species #494




Day 2

Cocos Frill-goby (Bathygobius cocosensis) - Species #495



Rockskipper (Entomacrodus marmoratus) - Species #496



Thalassoma purpureum (Surge Wrasse) - Species #497



Day 3

Fantail Filefish (Pervagor spilosoma) - Species #498



Day 4

Millet Butterflyfish (Chaetodon miliaris) - Species #499



Threadfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga) - Species #500


Bird Wrasse (Gomphosus varius) - Species #501





Hawaiian Dascyllus (Dascyllus albisella) - Species #502



Day 5

Keeled Needlefish (Platybelone argalus platyura) - Species #503



Speckled Squirrelfish (Sargocentron punctatissimum) - Species #504



Iridescent Cardinalfish (Pristiapogon kallopterus) - Species #505



Shortfin Molly (Poecilia mexicana) - Species #506



Day 6

Whitespotted Boxfish (Ostracion meleagris) - Species #507





Spot-fin Porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix) - Species #508



Day 7

Common Parrotfish (Scarus psittacus) - Species #509





White-banded Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) - Species #510



Day 8

Yellowfin Surgeonfish (Acanthurus xanthopterus) - Species #511



Day 9

Bluespine Unicornfish (Naso unicornis) - Species #512



Brick Soldierfish (Myripristis amaena) - Species #513



Bandfin Cardinalfish (Pristiapogon taeniopterus) - Species #514



Day 10

Sixfinger Threadfin (Polydactylus sexfilis) - Species #515



Day 11

Daisy Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) - Species #516



Convict Surgeonfish (Acanthurus triostegus) - Species #517





Ringtail Surgeonfish (Acanthurus blochii) - Species #518



Eyestripe Surgeonfish (Acanthurus dussumieri) - Species #519



Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma velifer) - Species #520



Indo-Pacific Sergeant (Abudefduf vaigiensis) - Species #521



Undulated Moray (Gymnothorax undulatus) - Species #522



Day 12

Yellowstripe Goatfish (Mulloidichthys flavolineatus) - Species #523



Day 13

Yellowfin Goatfish (Mulloidichthys vanicolensis) - Species #524



Hawaiian Chub (Kyphosus hawaiiensis) - Species #525 (Potentially)



Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus) - Species #526





Spider-eye Puffer (Canthigaster amboinensis) - Species #527



Day 14

Brown Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus) - Species #528



Black Triggerfish (Melichthys niger) - Species #529



Lined Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lineolatus) - Species #530



Brighteye Damselfish (Plectroglyphidodon imparipennis) - Species #531



Whitespotted Frillgoby (Bathygobius coalitus) - Species #532



Day 15

Whitespotted Filefish (Cantherhines dumerilii) - Species #533



Forceps Butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus) - Species #534



Flathead Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus) - Species #535



Racoon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula) - Species #536



Day 16

Shy Soldierfish (Plectrypops lima) - Species #537



Shoulderbar Soldierfish (Myripristis kuntee) - Species #538



Day 17

Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys vidua) - Species #539



Ornamented Wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus) - Species #540



Tropical Half-beak (Hemirhamphus depauperatus) - Species #541



Paintspotted Moray (Gymnothorax pictus) - Species #542



Day 18

Brassy Chub (Kyphosus vaigiensis) - #543



Blotcheye Soldierfish (Myripristis berndti) - Species #544



Crown Squirrelfish (Sargocentron diadema) - Species #545



Day 20

Turkey Moray (Gymnothorax meleagris) - Species #546



Day 24
African Coris (Coris gaimard) - Species #547


Day 26

Gracile Lizardfish (Saurida gracilis) - Species #548



Day 27

Spotfin Burrfish (Chilomycterus reticulatus) - Species #549



Some pics of species I've caught previously that I also caught on this trip…

Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis)



Hawaiian Gregory (Stegastes marginatus)



Christmas Wrasse (Thalassoma trilobatum)



Bluefin Trevally (Caranx melampygus)



Blackspot Sergeant (Abudefduf sordidus)



Kuhlia sandwicensis



Kuhlia xenura



Redbarred Hawkfish (Cirrhitops fasciatus)



Blacktail Snapper (Lutjanus fulvus)



Bluespotted Cornetfish (Fistularia commersonii)

[fishnfool73]

Some great pictures ther. Have you ever caught a fish you couldn't identify ? When are you coming back to Florida ?

[Ken+]

I catch many fish that I could not identify immediately. From this trip, I'm still trying to confirm the two Sea Chub species and the one Lizardfish species. They are especially painful to identify since the species are so alike. Some of them require careful count of fin rays or scales.

From Florida, the Mojarra and those little brown Damselfishes (Dusky, Cocoa, Longfin, Threespot, Beaugregory...etc) are especially tough to identify. They are a huge pain in the arse.

Usually, I do have some idea of the family which a fish belongs to...but it may take some work to identify the exact species. With a lot of tropical fish, though, I see them at the local fish store quite often so I have better idea of them actually. Hawaiian species are very common in the pet trade.

I do try to brush up on common local species before a trip. Part of it is for my own species hunting purpose (can't know what is new to catch if you don't know what's available); part of it is to ensure I fish legally and ethically (not targeting species that has a closed season, or endangered species...but sometimes we can't help what bites our line, so knowing those fish helps to limit possession time and photography time if they were caught).

Next trip to Florida is yet to be determined. In all honestly, I can't see it happening until next Christmas at the earliest. I have to defend my thesis in the meantime. I'll let you know in advance if I have anything in mind...as long as we don't make last minute plans again.

[xtremeh18]

Awesome post man!

[phillybass71]

Great post

[Stubbs]

awesome post man. i always wanted to be a marine biologist as a kid so this is really cool to me

[Ken+]

Thanks guys! It's great to have an appreciative audience.

I would encourage you to appreciate the species you have in Florida. We drive 24 hours just to fish Florida. All of that is in your backyard. There are many beautiful (and sometime very powerful) reef fish in Florida that are just waiting for you. Don't ever let their size or table quality stop you from catching them. Florida's biodiversity rivals anywhere else in the world. I would say it is much richer than Hawaii. So go get 'em!

[gruntking]

Dude even tho your fish are small I must say I'm really impressed with how you always seem to slay


Ppl talk about me as if I'm a good fishermen but I think you are truly a great fisherman

[Ken+]

Dude even tho your fish are small I must say I'm really impressed with how you always seem to slay


Ppl talk about me as if I'm a good fishermen but I think you are truly a great fisherman

Thanks for the compliment, GK . But...I still can't catch a darn Bonnethead or any Florida sharks , so can't say I'm a great fisherman yet. Gotta even harder...or simply go to the right place at the right time.

[fishnfool73]

Never thought I would hear someone biatch about not being able to catch a bonnethead. I should have my boat this November and the wife wants to catch a big shark so maybe we can meet up when you come down.

[Ken+]

Never thought I would hear someone biatch about not being able to catch a bonnethead. I should have my boat this November and the wife wants to catch a big shark so maybe we can meet up when you come down.

The funny thing with this species hunting business is this:

When you are hunting the first specimen of a species, it will often frustrate you to no end. It could take even years before you crack the code on how to catch that species. It can become an obsession. It can become a constant picture in your mind.

When you have finally caught the first specimen of a species, that species will then follow you everywhere. That species will try to steal your bait or jump on your hook, and interfere with your attempt to catch other species. Regardless of size (at least to me), all of that species now becomes an annoyance. Sometimes you can't get away from that species wherever you go.

I'm sure this resonates with many people. That first Bonnethead may be cool, but they are just annoying after.

I'm at that stage where I want to catch a Bonnethead. I'm sure after I've caught it, they will be a no brainer and I will biatch about all the Bonnetheads to be caught in the future.

The first Slippery Oscar mayer was so cool. Now I simply hate them.

I won't complain about Pompano though...give me more! They are so tasty. And I will always welcome the hard fighting and beautiful Parrotfish species. They have a special place in my heart.

Anyways...

Thanks for the invite! I will certainly keep it in mind for the next trip...perhaps Christmas again I'm up for any sharks...Lemon, Bull, Blacktip, Spinner, Silky, BONNETHEAD! Anything but a Nurse.

[swordfish]

This is absolute GOLD. Hat's off Ken+!

Funny about the Bonnethead... A few weeks ago I had one take a crappie jig of all things and I broke him off when I saw him eat it lol. X2 when you come down again, if I can make the time we will go try for some bonnets and anything else that has evaded you thus far down here, maybe you can teach me a thing or two about targeting the plethora of species you have gotten throughout your travels. Fascinating stuff, truly. Always a great read!

-Swordfish

[Ken+]

This is absolute GOLD. Hat's off Ken+!

Funny about the Bonnethead... A few weeks ago I had one take a crappie jig of all things and I broke him off when I saw him eat it lol. X2 when you come down again, if I can make the time we will go try for some bonnets and anything else that has evaded you thus far down here, maybe you can teach me a thing or two about targeting the plethora of species you have gotten throughout your travels. Fascinating stuff, truly. Always a great read!

-Swordfish

Thanks Swordfish! Would love any and all help to get that Bonnethead off the list!

There are still lots of species for me to catch in Florida, but they are getting harder and harder as I knock off all the easy, common species. Here are some short list off the top of my head...

Species possible from shore, bridges or piers

Hogfish
Spanish Hogfish
Queen Triggerfish
Striped Parrotfish
Princess Parrotfish
Yellowtail Parrotfish
Permit
Atlantic Moonfish
Cottonwick Grunt
Spanish Grunt
White Margate
French Angelfish
Bonnethead
Blacktip Shark
Lemon Shark
Palometa
Rock Hind
Coney
Longnose Killifish
Gulf Killifish

Species more likely to be targeted from boat:

King Mackerel
Cero Mackerel
Blackfin Tuna
Little Tunny
Scamp Grouper
Yellowfin Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Blueline Tilefish
Golden Tilefish
American Red Snapper
Queen Snapper
Blackfin Snapper
Yelloweye Snapper
Silk Snapper
Dog Snapper
Cubera Snapper
Atlantic Sailfish

I also have a list of freshwater species to target.

American Flagfish
Bluefin Killifish
Marsh Killifish
Rainwater Killifish
Everglades Pygmy Sunfish
Okefenokee Pygmy Sunfish
Ironcolor Shiner
Coastal Shiner
Suwanee Bass

It never ends in Florida...

With that list of fish to be targeted from boat, I may have to consider some 24-36h trip in the future. But at the moment, I can't afford it...time or money wise...

[swordfish]

This is absolute GOLD. Hat's off Ken+!

Funny about the Bonnethead... A few weeks ago I had one take a crappie jig of all things and I broke him off when I saw him eat it lol. X2 when you come down again, if I can make the time we will go try for some bonnets and anything else that has evaded you thus far down here, maybe you can teach me a thing or two about targeting the plethora of species you have gotten throughout your travels. Fascinating stuff, truly. Always a great read!

-Swordfish

Thanks Swordfish! Would love any and all help to get that Bonnethead off the list!

There are still lots of species for me to catch in Florida, but they are getting harder and harder as I knock off all the easy, common species. Here are some short list off the top of my head...

Species possible from shore, bridges or piers

Hogfish
Spanish Hogfish
Queen Triggerfish
Striped Parrotfish
Princess Parrotfish
Yellowtail Parrotfish
Permit
Atlantic Moonfish
Cottonwick Grunt
Spanish Grunt
White Margate
French Angelfish
Bonnethead
Blacktip Shark
Lemon Shark
Palometa
Rock Hind
Coney
Longnose Killifish
Gulf Killifish

Species more likely to be targeted from boat:

King Mackerel
Cero Mackerel
Blackfin Tuna
Little Tunny
Scamp Grouper
Yellowfin Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Blueline Tilefish
Golden Tilefish
American Red Snapper
Queen Snapper
Blackfin Snapper
Yelloweye Snapper
Silk Snapper
Dog Snapper
Cubera Snapper
Atlantic Sailfish

I also have a list of freshwater species to target.

American Flagfish
Bluefin Killifish
Marsh Killifish
Rainwater Killifish
Everglades Pygmy Sunfish
Okefenokee Pygmy Sunfish
Ironcolor Shiner
Coastal Shiner
Suwanee Bass

It never ends in Florida...

With that list of fish to be targeted from boat, I may have to consider some 24-36h trip in the future. But at the moment, I can't afford it...time or money wise...

From what I see here, I know for sure between Fishinfool and I we can get some of those knocked off the list.

I have a good idea about the Killifish and maybe even some species you don't have up there. Cuberas are tricky, but I get them here and there targeting other species... Ceros is just a matter of targeting them.

-Swordfish

[Ken+]

I'm going to plan the next trip to Florida with your help and fishinfool's help then. Not sure when the next trip will be, but I will give you two enough lead time so we can plan. Thanks!

[swordfish]

I'm going to plan the next trip to Florida with your help and fishinfool's help then. Not sure when the next trip will be, but I will give you two enough lead time so we can plan. Thanks!

Yes definitely... I'll do my best to take a Friday, Sat and Sunday so we can do some damage. We'll do a little "globe trotting" if it isnt poppin down my neck of the woods. However it should be. It has been dead for a while now, which is unusual, but I know it will be going bat poop crazy soon.

If you make it while the tarpon are around in numbers you will have a ball. I want to see a guy your size tangle with one of the unlandables from land. I want to record it so we can all laugh at you "misfortune"

Don't be scared, we've ONLY lost two people and we were able to get enough of them back to have a memorial... Though we did have to bargain with the bonnets to not eat what was left of them.

-Swordfish

[ffishermen1]

Great post Ken.

I caught one of those cornetfish before it was very strange.

[Ken+]

Yes definitely... I'll do my best to take a Friday, Sat and Sunday so we can do some damage. We'll do a little "globe trotting" if it isnt poppin down my neck of the woods. However it should be. It has been dead for a while now, which is unusual, but I know it will be going bat poop crazy soon.

If you make it while the tarpon are around in numbers you will have a ball. I want to see a guy your size tangle with one of the unlandables from land. I want to record it so we can all laugh at you "misfortune"

Don't be scared, we've ONLY lost two people and we were able to get enough of them back to have a memorial... Though we did have to bargain with the bonnets to not eat what was left of them.

-Swordfish

I would be happy to provide comic relief to provide good fishing footage