April 2006

April in Haleiwa marked the return of the Mahi Mahi to the north shore of Oahu. Good numbers of fish in the 10-20 pound range were being caught from the 100 fathom line out as far as you cared to venture.Capt. Dave on the Foxy Lady skippered Bill Willamson and his 4 boys to a 477# Blue. In 3 days of fishing the Willamson gang landed well over 1000 pounds of Mahi Mahi. Lance Galapia on the Laurin 4 ran over the biggest fish of the month. Estimates put the beast at close to 700. The Foxy lady now has an IGFA certified scale on board so we don't have to "guess-ta-mate" how big the big ones are any more.

"Go Like Hell" Chin on the Keani Aloha was making his usual dent in the fish population Mahi Mahi and Marlin don't stand much of a chance with Chin in the area. The Gonzalves boys on the Carol Joe were up to thier usual tricks leaving very few fish behind for the rest of us. Unfortunately a little engine trouble put them out of commission for a week. Lucky for the fish. Capt. Rusty on the Kuuloa Kai stumbled over a nice palm tree on his way home and rounded up 1000 pounds of Mahi Mahi for his charter. Those were 2 tired guys. Two confirmed Ahi were landed as well. One on the Homalani and one for the crew of the Nacny O. Always nice to see a few scout tunas early in the year. Maybe we will get some schools like back in the 80's...and maybe the price of fuel will go back to $1.00 a gallon. And as usual any small Yellowfin Tunas that took up residence near any north shore FAD got the holy hell knocked out of them by the buoy fleet. Could that be why there are fewer and fewer real Ahi??? Well, it can't help.

April unfortunately marked the end of an era in Haleiwa Harbor. Richard Murakami of the Maura Maru was killed in an accident on his way to the harbor on the morning of April 25th. Heart felt condolences go out to the Murakami family. Richard's amazing fishing talent, energy and friendly smile will be missed at the harbor.

Hopefully the fishing in May just keeps getting better.

Hang On.