Catfish wait at Nu'uanu for August fishing season

By Kapono Dowson
Advertiser Staff Writer

Anglers can bait their hooks for channel catfish at Nu'uanu reservoir No. 4 starting Aug. 11, the beginning of the summer open season, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Fishing will continue on consecutive weekends until all anglers with assigned fishing times are accommodated. Anglers must participate during the period they are assigned.

Before anglers are allowed in the fishing area,they will need to obtain an entry fishing card and a valid state freshwater game fishing license.

Prospective anglers may pick up applications now for entry fishing cards at DLNR's visitor center/permit counter at 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 130, or from various licensing agents on O'ahu.

The deadline for submitting applications to the DLNR is 4 p.m. July 20. Fishing dates and times will then be determined through a drawing.

Freshwater game fishing licenses can be purchased at local sporting goods stores or directly from the DLNR. Department officials suggest that anglers hold off purchasing their licenses until they receive their entry cards to make sure that the times assigned meet the anglers' schedules.

Good for one year statewide, licenses cost $5 for residents over 15 years old, $3 for 9 to 15 years old, and free for seniors 65 or older.

Children under 9 do not need a license, but without a license their fish count as part of their supervising adult's limit. The bag limit is two channel catfish per licensed angler.

The next opening for catfishing season will be in November.

For more information, call DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources on O'ahu at 587-0100.