Fish to Catch in Hawaii: Oahu Edition

Matthew Ratoni
Sep 23
3 min read

If you're planning a fishing trip to Oahu, you're in for a real treat. From powerful offshore predators to colorful reef dwellers, the waters around Oahu are home to an incredible variety of fish, promising you adventure in every cast. This guide introduces you to the range of species found around Oahu, along with when they're in season and how likely you are to catch them.

Pelagic Fish to Catch in Hawaii’s Offshore Waters

Oahu’s deep blue offshore waters are home to some of the world’s most exciting game fish. These species are known for their strength, speed, and fight, making them favorites among sportfishing enthusiasts.

Billfish

Highly prized for their strength and size, billfish are legendary in Hawaiian waters.

Blue Marlin (Kajiki) illustration with a long bill and sleek body. Vibrant blue dorsal fin and silver-white underside. No background.

Blue Marlin (Kajiki): Caught from April to September in deep waters. The largest and most iconic Hawaiian game fish, often exceeding 1,000 lbs.

Fight: 10/10 · Catch Likelihood in season: 6/10

Illustration of a striped marlin or Nairagi in Hawaiian with a long bill and prominent dorsal fin. The body is blue with lighter undersides, set against a plain background.

Striped Marlin (Nairagi): Peaks in winter. These smaller, acrobatic fish are more common and thrilling to hook.

Fight: 8/10 · Catch Likelihood in season: 7/10

A detailed illustration of a Shortbill Spearfish (Hebi) with a long, pointed bill, blue-green body, and prominent dorsal fin against a white background.

Shortbill Spearfish (Hebi): An occasional catch, fast and aggressive with a sleek profile.

Fight: 6/10 · Catch Likelihood: 3/10

A vibrant blue sailfish with an extended dorsal fin and pointed bill, isolated on a white background. The fish is detailed and striking.

Sailfish: Rare around Oahu, but notable for their speed and dramatic dorsal fins.

Fight: 7/10 · Catch Likelihood: 2/10

Tunas

Tuna are known for their muscle and make excellent table fare.

Yellowfin tuna (Ahi in Hawaiian) illustration with a streamlined body, metallic blue and yellow stripes, silver belly, and sharp fins, isolated on a white background.

Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi): Peak season is spring through summer. Found near FADs and known for intense fights and sashimi-quality meat.

Fight: 9/10 · Catch Likelihood: 7/10

A detailed illustration of a Skipjack Tuna (Aku) fish with a blue-green top and silver belly. The fish is set against a plain white background.

Skipjack Tuna (Aku): Available year-round. Smaller and more abundant, often caught in schools.

Fight: 5/10 · Catch Likelihood: 9/10

Bigeye Tuna illustration with a sleek body, dark top, and yellow fins. Set against a plain white background.

Bigeye Tuna: A rare but powerful find, usually caught deeper than Yellowfin.

Fight: 8/10 · Catch Likelihood: 2/10

Other Pelagic Fish Found Around Oahu

Illustration of a wahoo (Ono) fish on a teal background. The fish is sleek with blue and silver stripes, prominent dorsal fin, and a pointed snout.

Wahoo (Ono): March–October. Known for blistering speed and razor-sharp teeth. Excellent grilled.

Fight: 8/10 · Catch Likelihood: 5/10

Illustration of a vibrant green and yellow mahi-mahi fish with blue speckles on a plain teal background.

Mahi Mahi: Available all year, especially in winter. Their acrobatics and vivid colors make them a favorite.

Fight: 7/10 · Catch Likelihood: 8/10

Oahu Bottomfish and Reef Species You Can Catch

These species are found around reefs and ledges in nearshore waters. They’re often targeted by vertical jigging or baited rigs.

Bottomfish

A detailed illustration of a red snapper fish with a speckled pattern. The fish has prominent fins and a streamlined body, against a white background.

Pink Snapper (Opakapaka): Found in deep water. Valued for its delicate, flaky meat.

Fight: 4/10 · Catch Likelihood: 6/10

Long-tail Red Snapper (Onaga) with large eye and detailed scales, isolated on white background. The fins and tail have a translucent, vibrant look.

Long-tail Red Snapper (Onaga) : Another deepwater favorite, prized by chefs.

Fight: 4/10 · Catch Likelihood: 5/10

Green Jobfish (Uku) fish with scales and prominent dorsal fin, facing left on a white background. The fish's eye is round and yellow.

Green Jobfish (Uku): Year-round catch. A challenging fighter with delicious white flesh.

Fight: 7/10 · Catch Likelihood: 6/10

Sea Bass (Hapu‘upu‘u) fish with speckled white spots and prominent dorsal fins is centered against a white background.

Sea Bass (Hapu‘upu‘u): Deep and slow-moving, but satisfying to land and great to eat.

Fight: 3/10 · Catch Likelihood: 4/10

Reef Predators Around Oahu’s Nearshore Waters

Giant Trevally (Ulua) with a green tint and speckles, swimming against a plain white background, displaying fins and scales.

Giant Trevally (Ulua): May–September. Explosive and aggressive, often found near rocky ledges.

Fight: 10/10 · Catch Likelihood: 4/10

Amberjack (Kahala) fish with a silver body and brownish top, isolated on a white background.

Amberjack (Kahala): Strong fighters that strike deep around reef edges.

Fight: 9/10 · Catch Likelihood: 5/10

Fishing the Inshore and Shallow Waters of Oahu

If you're staying close to shore or introducing kids to fishing, these species offer fun, fast-paced action.

Reef Fish & Others

A side view of a Goatfish (Moano) with whisker-like barbels against a white background, showcasing its textured scales and fins.

Goatfish (Moano): Found around reefs. Active and fun for beginners.

Fight: 3/10 · Catch Likelihood: 9/10

Colorful Parrotfish (Uhu ‘ele‘ele) illustration with vibrant green, blue, and yellow scales on a white background.

Parrotfish (Uhu ‘ele‘ele): Colorful and common in shallow reefs. Known for their algae-scraping teeth.

Fight: 4/10 · Catch Likelihood: 6/10

Colorful Triggerfish or Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa swims over sandy ocean floor near rocks. Vibrant and serene underwater scene.

Triggerfish (Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa): Hawaii’s state fish. Best released after a photo or two.

Fight: 2/10 · Catch Likelihood: 8/10

Soldierfish (Menpachi) fish with large eyes and spiky yellow dorsal fin, set against a plain white background.

Soldierfish (Menpachi): Nocturnal reef dwellers perfect for night fishing charters.

Fight: 3/10 · Catch Likelihood: 6/10

When to Go Fishing in Oahu: Seasonal Catch Calendar

Here's a month-by-month overview of when the top species are most active around Oahu:

Lucky Lass Haleiwa Charters: O'ahu Fish Seasonality Calendar

At Lucky Lass Haleiwa Fishing Charters, we tailor your trip to target the best available species during your visit.

Ready to Cast Off?

Now that you know the best fish to catch in Hawaii, and what to look out for, it’s time to plan your trip! For a personalized, small-group charter experience, reach out to Lucky Lass Haleiwa Fishing Charters and let Captain Matt help you reel in the fish of your dreams.

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