No Skunk on a Stormy Saturday

I took Marlon out to the flats this morning. We dismantled our experimental tank and wanted to return the rocks, sand and occupants back to where we borrowed them from, but since we were there... I took a spinning rod and a pocketful of ika (squid cut into strips). I brought this fat hawkfish to hand. I actually had hooked this fish just a few minutes before, but it swung the leader under the reef ledge and cut me off. The second time I hooked it, I got it to hand it still had the other hook and leader in it's mouth!!! Marlon opted to just observe today and armed with a tako box, he did just that. He saw tons of Convict Tangs (manini), baby long spined sea urchins (vana), a type of fish we are still trying to identify, and the prize sighting... an octopus (he'e)!!! I did get another bite later in the session. It took the bait and started a screaming run and kicked up a rooster tail - I stopped to set the hook, but it didn't take and the fish spit the hook... I've said it before and I'll say it again - there is something primal in listening to a reel peeling drag... that sound is awesome!!!! Most likely a barracuda (kaku) - it even shredded my small wire leader a bit. We packed it up when the wind and rain started to come down on us. Great day on the flat!!!

Sunday Catching - ALMOST!!!

I decided to get schooled again, I mean go flyfishing this morning. Saw lots of life on the flat - urchins (collector/pincushion, ina/rock borer, vana/ouchie pokie), some triangular rocks (large snails), and BONEFISH!!! I saw about 20 in total, but they were big ones and way smart. I did predict correctly where a pack of three would go, and I got one to take the crab fly - but I couldn't get the hook set... Murphy is riding my back.... BUT THIS WAS NOT THE "ALMOST" Oyster party!!! I did get a couple of fish to hand, but not by the hook. This guy looked like it had a bad date with an ulua (giant trevally) - pretty dazed and confused. I just corralled it and picked it up. I think it is an aweoweo (Hawaiian Big Eye), but it was really pale, not red. This one was just plain dead. Ladyfish (big one too). I also saw a few tangs and a couple of boxfish fighting. There was even a guest appearance from a blacktip. Good day on the water (oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARLON!!!!)

Same Place, Different Tide, Hopeful Results

Went out to the flats again to see about a wrestling match with some fish. This time I saw some signs that at least the targets are present. My rod is pointing to two large bonefish tailing. I cast a tan and white clouser to them thinking it was the closest fly in my box to a mantis shrimp, but they weren't interested. I did see several other large bonefish, but again - no takers. I saw tons of oama (juvenile goatfish) and mullets just taking in the sun and enjoying not being chased by the bigger fish. On the subject of Mantis Shrimp - I saw another one. This one was probing the limu for something to eat. More animals in the limu (medusa worm???) And some urchins. Vana (OUCH) and pencil sea urchins. Fishing this flat has not produced many wrestling matches - but the opportunities to observe have been awesome. This is going to be fun!

Iridescent Green OUCH!!!

This guy was in shallow water and in easy "stepping on" range.

Check out the green on the spines - way cool! Until you step on this guy -