Just got back from Kona....

[Cuba Libre]

Took a 3/4 day charter with Capt Jeff Rodgers on the "Aloha Kai" This skipper knows his stuff, having a number of State and IGFA records to his credit. But it was a case of "Shoudda been here last week! "

I saw a bunch of 100 lb yellowfin tuna being off loaded at the commercial dock but they were from a commercial outfit fishing offshore about 100 miles off.
Jeff was a good coach, and tuned me up on "the way the locals do things" We caught bait-- skipjack tuna, and a couple of small big eye tuna trolling. We then switched over to deep water jigging (300-400ft) for yellowfin and what ever--- nada. Watched the fleet closely and saw nothing of consequence being caught. We then headed to his honey-hole and tried using the skippys for bait. The bait kept getting thrashed by nibblers, until finally a good hook-up. It was most likely a big shark and there was some frantic head shaking going on. But we never saw it as the crimp on the wire leader gave out! But I found Jeffs jigging reel set up intriguing. Saltwater spinning reels loaded with 100 lb braid with TWO handles (ONE EACH SIDE OF THE REEL) It is an awesome set up and bringing a large fish up from the deep gets tiring, and being able to switch hands make life a whole lot easier! It is NOT for casting -- strictly jigging, and it really is a good setup.

 

[Downchild]

That is an Fkn awesome reel!!

 

[fshnfnatic]

X2 Love that frickin' thing! Could grind some serious coffee with that baby.I can see how that would be a great setup for
crankin' up big fish from the depths.

 

[TheRock]

Wow that brings back some memories, I did a 3/4 day charter with Captain Jeff Rodgers about 5 years ago in Kona on the same boat. In my case I was a week to early... he landed a Grander (1,000+ lb. Marlin) a week after my charter.
He posts all his fish photos of every trip on his web page http://fishinkona.com/page4.htm
When he updates it you will be on it..

 

[Bennie]

Cuba Libra, your PM box is full,I'd like to send a PM for some info. Regard's

 

[Cuba Libre]

Done......

 

[SpringVelocity]

I love fishing Hawaii.... Doing some more later this year... I think were going back to Kauai again.. I found it a deal I paid hardly anything just had to share the charter with group of people but it was good times... Its ridiculous how different it is and the water is so blue/clear...You see everything, and fishing is incredible.

BTW..Though if you are slightest bit squeamish with motion sickness be in for a big surprise. The weather there makes the west coast look like a walk in the park. And most of these guys go out regardless.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Cuba Libre]

I paid for the 3/4 day charter and went out solo because I figured that it might be years (if ever) before I get back to Hawaii. At least I knew that I would be in the chair if and when we hooked up. I have done this previously in Mexico and not regretted it. I may be going to Mexico later this year (got to burn off some RCI time share points-), and i will possibly pair up-- but no more. Actually I have fished in rougher weather in Florida... But it sure can blow up in a hurry on the windward side of Hawaii , and the guides recommend Dramamine.

 

[Finished Business]

Cool report CL. Thanks for sharing. That reel is sweet! But my first thought was not switching hands...I thought maybe it was a shoulder strapped rod and reel and the angler just goes ape **** two handing that reel....twice the torque. The original 2 speed!! LOL