UTERBluefin trevally fishing in Hawaii
In Hawaii, bluefin trevally peak May–August and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Summer schools hunting the reef edges.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Bluefin trevally in Hawaii, month by month
- JanuaryAroundOmilu and papio on the reef flats — whipping small plugs and flies at dawn.
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAroundSpring mahimahi run begins. Troll the current lines and FADs for mahi; omilu on the reef at dawn.
- AprilAroundMahimahi peak. FADs and floating debris for mahi; last of the spawning ōʻio.
- MayPeakSummer schools hunting the reef edges.
- JunePeak
- JulyPeakPeak; poppers in the surf zone.
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberAroundStill good on the flats.
- OctoberAround
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish bluefin trevally near Kona, Hilo, Honolulu
Volcanic islands with deep water close to shore — the Kona coast drops to thousands of feet within a few miles — fringing reefs, sand channels and flats on the older islands, and a network of FADs (fish aggregation buoys) offshore.
Fish Scouter charts 29 artificial reef spots in the The Hawaiian Islands map area — the kinds bluefin trevally hold on.
What to use for bluefin trevally
- Live shrimpUnder a popping cork or free-lined, hooked under the horn on a #1 to 2/0 circle hook; on a jig head for the bottom. The universal inshore bait.
- Opelu (mackerel scad)Bridled live and slow-trolled or drifted down for ahi, ono and marlin; cut for bottom fishing.
- Leader20–40 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#1–4/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 74–84°F water, best at 76–82°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch bluefin trevally in Hawaii?
Peak season is May–August. Bluefin trevally are here year-round. May: Summer schools hunting the reef edges.
Where do bluefin trevally hold in Hawaii?
Look on artificial reef, grass flat, pass / inlet, beach / surf, channel edge — around Kona, Hilo, Honolulu, Waianae, Lahaina, Kahului.
What is the best bait for bluefin trevally in Hawaii?
Live bait: live shrimp, opelu (mackerel scad). Live shrimp: Under a popping cork or free-lined, hooked under the horn on a #1 to 2/0 circle hook; on a jig head for the bottom. The universal inshore bait. Tackle: leader 20–40 lb fluorocarbon, hook #1–4/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for bluefin trevally in Hawaii?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Hawaii DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and change — read the current rule at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/fishing-regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/licenses-and-permits/.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores bluefin trevally for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about bluefin trevally · The Hawaiian Islands, the whole year