Posted on: Tuesday, July 6, 2004

Licenses available for catfish season at Nu'uanu reservoir

Advertiser Staff

Fishing aficionados will flock to Nu'uanu reservoir on Aug. 7, signaling the start of catfish fishing season. In order to fish, prospective anglers must obtain a state of Hawai'i freshwater game fishing license and entry fishing card.

Fishing will continue on consecutive weekends until all licensed anglers have been accommodated. Entry cards drawn randomly will specify the date and time fishers may enter the reservoir.

Applications for the cards can be picked up and dropped off at the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources at 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 330, and various other licensing agents on O'ahu. They must be turned in by 4 p.m. July 23.

Fishing days are divided into a morning session from 7 to 11 a.m. and an afternoon session from noon to 4 p.m. The bag limit is two channel catfish per license, and anglers must show a valid freshwater game fishing license while fishing.

Anglers 8 years old and younger do not require a license but must be accompanied by a licensed adult. All cardholders younger than 15 must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Catfish caught by unlicensed anglers under 8 years old will count toward the bag limit of the supervising adult. Licenses may be purchased for minors to obtain their own bag limit.

Freshwater game fishing licenses may be purchased at the following rates: minors, $3; residents and military, $5; nonresident, $25; seven-day tourist, $10; 30-day tourist, $20; senior citizens 65 years and older, no charge.

The state granted 4,503 fishing licenses in last year's fishing period.