Fishing in Hawaii offers a unique experience, blending the thrill of the catch with the serenity of its waters. But before you cast your line, it’s essential to understand the regulations surrounding fishing licenses in the Aloha State. This guide aims to provide you with a concise yet comprehensive overview of fishing license in Hawaii, ensuring you fish responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
Do You Need a Fishing License in Hawaii?
While the allure of Hawaii’s waters might be tempting, it’s crucial to know when a license is required. For marine recreational fishing, residents of Hawaii are in luck – there’s no need for a license. However, specific licenses are necessary for other types of fishing, such as freshwater game fishing or commercial fishing. This article will delve deeper into the types, processes, and fees associated with fishing licenses in Hawaii.
Types of Fishing Licenses in Hawaii and Their Costs
Hawaii’s diverse aquatic ecosystem offers a plethora of fishing opportunities. However, it’s essential to ensure you have the right license for your fishing activity. Here’s a breakdown of the licenses available:
Freshwater Game Fishing License
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Applies to | Freshwater fishers |
| Fees | – Minor: $4 – Resident: $6 – Non-Resident: $26 – 7-Day Tourist: $11 – 30-Day Tourist: $21 – Senior: $1 |
| Where to Purchase | Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Authorized license agents, In Person. |
Bottomfish Fishing Vessel Registration
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Applies to | Bottom fishers |
| Fees | None |
| Required for | Any vessel owner aiming to catch any of the Deep 7 bottom fishes. Vessel identification must be provided. |
| Where to Purchase | Online or In Person. |
Wahiawa Public Fishing Area Entry Permit
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Applies to | Freshwater fishers |
| Fees | None |
| Required for | Entry to fish in the Wahiawa Public Fishing Area on the island of Oahu. |
| Where to Purchase | Online, In Person, Authorized license agents. |
Hawaii Fishing License Renewal
To renew your freshwater fishing licenses, visit the available channels where you made the original purchase and repurchase through the existing login you’ve initially set up.
While marine recreational fishing doesn’t require a license in Hawaii, specific licenses are essential for other types of fishing, such as freshwater game fishing. Always ensure you have the appropriate license to avoid any legal complications and to support the conservation efforts of Hawaii’s aquatic resources.
Fishing Regulations in Hawaii
Hawaii’s fishing regulations are designed to ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect the marine ecosystem. The regulations cover various aspects, including fishing seasons, size and bag limits, and restricted areas.
Bag and Size Limits for Certain Fishes
In Hawaii, specific fish species have established bag and size limits:
| Species | Minimum Size | Bag Limit | Closed Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| ‘Ahi | 3 pounds (sale) | — | — |
| Āholehole | 5 inches | — | — |
| ‘Ama‘ama | 11 inches | — | December – March |
| Awa | 9 inches | — | — |
| Moi | 11 inches | 15 | June – August |
| ‘Ō‘io | 14 inches | — | — |
| Uhu | 12 inches | — | — |
| Ulua | 10 inches | 20 | — |
| Kūmū | 10 inches | — | — |
| Moano | 7 inches | — | — |
| Kala | 14 inches | — | — |
| ‘Ōpelu | — | — | — |
| Nehu | — | 1 gallon | — |
| ‘Iao | — | — | — |
| Mano | — | — | — |
Prohibited Activities
Certain fishing activities are prohibited in Hawaii, including the use of explosives or poisons, fishing during closed seasons, and using certain fishing gear in restricted areas.
Special Management Areas
Hawaii has designated Special Management Areas (SMAs) with unique fishing regulations. Always check the specific regulations for each SMA before fishing.
Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCDs)
Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCDs) in Hawai‘i are designed to conserve and replenish marine resources. These districts allow only limited fishing and other consumptive uses, or prohibit such uses entirely. They provide fish and other aquatic life with a protected area in which to grow and reproduce. MLCDs are home to a variety of species, and fishes in most MLCDs are fairly tame and often show little fear of humans. These districts are popular sites for snorkeling, diving, and underwater photography.
Hanauma Bay on O‘ahu was the first MLCD introduced to Hawai‘i in the fall of 1967. The increase in fish populations there was significant, making the bay world-famous. Currently, there are eleven MLCDs across the state, with other sites being considered for future inclusion.
The Process of Creating an MLCD
- Recommendation: Suggestions for areas to be included in the MLCD system may come from the State Legislature, the general public, or the DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR).
- Evaluation: The DAR evaluates the recommended area based on various criteria, including public accessibility, marine life values, safety, compatibility with adjoining area usage, and minimal environmental changes.
- Investigation: The DAR conducts a thorough investigation, which includes bottom topography and fish surveys. Public input is also considered.
- Public Meetings: Public meetings are held, followed by the drafting of regulations for the area. A public hearing is then held on the proposed regulations.
- Final Approval: The final approval is obtained from the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the governor.
Regulations in MLCDs (Marine Life Conservation Districts)
The primary purpose of MLCDs is to protect marine life. Therefore, the taking of any type of living material (fishes, eggs, shells, corals, algae, etc.) and non-living habitat material (sand, rocks, coral skeletons, etc.) is generally restricted. Fishing may be allowed but is subject to certain gear restrictions. Signs located at each MLCD indicate the district’s boundaries and describe the regulations for the area.
For more detailed information on specific MLCDs and their regulations, it’s recommended to consult the current Hawai‘i Fishing Regulations booklet or contact the nearest DAR office.
Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Areas
Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Areas (BRFAs) in Hawai‘i are designated areas where fishing for certain bottomfish species is restricted to protect essential fish habitats. These areas are crucial for the conservation of bottomfish populations, ensuring sustainable fishing practices.
Bottomfish Species Covered by These Rules
The primary bottomfish species covered by these rules include:
- ‘Ula‘ula koa‘e or onaga (Etelis coruscans)
- ‘Ula‘ula or ehu (E. carbunculus)
- Kalekale (Pristipomoides sieboldii)
- ‘Ōpakapaka (P. filamentosus)
- ‘Ūkīkiki or gindai (P. zonatus)
- Hāpu‘u (Epinephelus quernus)
- Lehi (Aphareus rutilans)
These species are often referred to as the “Deep 7.”
Regulations in BRFAs
- Closed Season: It’s unlawful to fish for, possess, or sell the bottomfish species listed above during the announced closed season, except by permit.
- Gear Restrictions: Taking bottomfish with any trap, trawl, bottomfish longline, or net is prohibited. It’s also unlawful to possess, while on board a vessel, both bottomfish and any trap, trawl, bottomfish longline, or net other than a scoop net or Kona crab net. Scoop nets may be used to bring on board a vessel any bottomfish that has already been caught. Kona crab nets may be used to take Kona crabs.
- Trip Reporting: Commercial fishers must report all “Deep 7” bottomfish catches within five days after the end of a trip.
- Minimum Size: Onaga and ‘ōpakapaka minimum size for sale is one pound.
- Non-commercial Bag Limits: It’s unlawful for any person without a current commercial marine license to take or possess more than a combined total of five “Deep 7” bottomfish per day.
- Vessel Identification: It’s unlawful for any person to take or possess bottomfish while on a vessel without registering the vessel with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and obtaining a bottomfish fishing vessel identification number.
All bottomfish restricted fishing areas are now open. However, it’s essential to stay updated with the latest regulations and changes, as these areas can be subject to periodic closures or modifications.
For more detailed information on specific BRFAs and their regulations, it’s recommended to consult the official Hawai‘i Fishing Regulations booklet or contact the nearest DAR office.
Using Lay Net in Hawaii
Lay nets are a traditional method of fishing in Hawaii, but their use is regulated to ensure sustainable fishing practices and to protect marine life.
Dimensions
- Mesh Size: The minimum mesh size allowed for lay nets is 2¾ inch stretched mesh.
- Net Length: The maximum length of a lay net is 125 feet.
- Net Height: The maximum height of a lay net is 7 feet.
Permits and Identification
- It’s unlawful to possess or use a lay net without first obtaining a lay net permit. The fee for Hawaii residents is free, while non-residents are charged $25. A duplicate permit costs $10.
Aquarium Fish Collecting in Hawaii
Aquarium fish collecting is a practice that has been regulated in Hawaii to ensure the sustainability of marine life and to prevent over-exploitation. The state has implemented rules that govern the collection of aquarium fish, especially within three nautical miles of the O‘ahu shoreline.
New Regulations
- Nets: There are new limits on nets used for collecting marine life. It is unlawful for any aquarium fish collector, whether commercial or recreational, to possess a small mesh net more than 30 feet long or six feet high. Joining more than two such nets together for a combined length of more than 60 feet is also prohibited. These regulations aim to reduce the use of long nets that could increase injury to the collected fish.
- Prohibited Species: The collection or possession of certain fish species is strictly prohibited. This includes the ornate butterflyfish, oval butterflyfish, and reticulated butterflyfish. These species are prohibited because they feed strictly on coral, making them extremely challenging to maintain in captivity.
- Commercial Bag and Size Limits: New daily commercial bag and size limits have been established for specific species, including yellow tang, kole, naso tang, Achilles tang, Moorish idol, Potter’s angel, bandit (banded) angelfish, and cleaner wrasse. These limits are set to ensure the long-term viability of the fishery.
Rationale Behind the Regulations
The new rules were initiated by a group of experienced commercial aquarium collectors from O‘ahu who recognized the need for better management of the fishery. They were concerned about the potential waste of limited resources when fish, due to rough handling or overcrowding, become injured before being sold to dealers.
For a comprehensive understanding of these regulations and any updates, it’s recommended to consult the official Hawai‘i Fishing Regulations website or contact the nearest Division of Aquatic Resources office.
Miscellaneous Provisions
While Hawaii offers a plethora of fishing opportunities, it’s essential to be aware of various provisions that ensure sustainable and responsible fishing practices:
- Legal Document: The information provided by the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) acquaints sport and commercial fishermen with State laws and rules pertaining to fishing in Hawaii. However, it’s not to be used as a legal document. Any discrepancies between the summary and the official statutes and rules will be enforced according to the official documents.
- Fishing License: Currently, there is no marine recreational fishing license required for residents in Hawai‘i. Visitors might need one in the future, but as of now, it hasn’t been implemented. However, if you plan to fish in freshwater areas, a Freshwater Game Fishing License is necessary for certain species.
- Private Property: Many marine shoreline and freshwater areas in Hawaii are private property. Fishermen must obtain permission from landowners before accessing or fishing in these areas.
- Current Information: The information provided is up-to-date and is subject to change. For the most recent regulations, it’s recommended to consult the official Hawai‘i Fishing Regulations booklet or contact the nearest DAR or Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) office.
By adhering to these provisions, anglers can ensure they are fishing responsibly and in compliance with Hawaii’s regulations, ensuring the conservation of marine life for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a marine recreational fishing license in Hawaii?
No, currently, there is no marine recreational fishing license required for residents in Hawai‘i. However, if you plan to fish in freshwater areas, a Freshwater Game Fishing License is necessary for certain species.
What are the “Deep 7” bottomfish species?
The “Deep 7” bottomfish species in Hawaii include ‘Ula‘ula koa‘e (onaga), ‘Ula‘ula (ehu), Kalekale, ‘Ōpakapaka, ‘Ūkīkiki (gindai), Hāpu‘u, and Lehi.
Are there any restrictions on using lay nets?
Yes, there are specific regulations on the dimensions of lay nets, and you must obtain a permit to use them. The minimum mesh size allowed is 2¾ inch stretched mesh, and the maximum length is 125 feet.
Can I collect aquarium fish in Hawaii?
Yes, but there are regulations governing the collection of aquarium fish, especially near the O‘ahu shoreline. There are gear restrictions, prohibited species, and specific bag and size limits.
What are the Marine Life Conservation Districts?
Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCDs) are underwater areas designed to conserve and replenish marine life. Fishing might be limited or prohibited in these areas to protect marine ecosystems.
Are there any areas restricted for bottom fishing?
Yes, certain areas in Hawaii are designated as restricted for bottom fishing to protect essential fish habitats. It’s crucial to be aware of these areas before fishing.
How do I renew my fishing license in Hawaii?
The renewal process for fishing licenses varies depending on the type of license. It’s best to consult the official Hawai‘i Fishing Regulations website or contact the nearest Division of Aquatic Resources office for specific renewal procedures.
Are there any prohibited activities while fishing in Hawaii?
Yes, there are several prohibited activities, including the use of explosives, poisons, or electric current to fish. It’s also unlawful to fish in certain restricted areas or during closed seasons.
Can I sell the fish I catch?
There are regulations governing the sale of certain fish species, especially the “Deep 7” bottomfish. For example, Onaga and ‘ōpakapaka have a minimum size for sale of one pound.
What should I do if I catch a prohibited species?
If you accidentally catch a prohibited species, it’s essential to release it immediately and ensure it’s unharmed.
Where can I find the most up-to-date fishing regulations for Hawaii?
For the most recent regulations and updates, it’s recommended to consult the official Hawai‘i Fishing Regulations website or contact the nearest Division of Aquatic Resources office.