The Molokai Reef

Along the southern shore of Molokai lies the famous Molokai reef, one of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world. The reef has a rich abundance of marine life, including a robust variety of fish, along with octopus, rays, sea turtles, and the definitive star of the reef, the Pacific bonefish, or as they are known in Hawaii, the O'io.

The bonefish on Molokai are big, fast and extremely powerful. These fish average 6-8 pounds, with many fish exceeding 10 pounds. If you've never hooked a bonefish on a fly rod, hold on because things can get crazy in a hurry. It's common for Molokai bonefish to peel off well over 100 yards of line and backing during their initial run.

With the reef line extending one-half to three quarters of a mile out from the shoreline, the amount of fishable water and the size of the Molokai fishery is substantial.

Native Molokai Guide

The eastern portion of the reef, where guide Joe Kalima concentrates his bonefishing is covered with coral, large rock beds, and multiple blue holes. Because of this, Joe's preferred method of fishing the reef is by boat.

Using a boat provides the opportunity to cover significantly more water than does wading. The boat allows a guide to spot more cruising fish and from greater distances. And casting from the bow of the boat enables an angler to make more accurate casts and have a better line angle and leverage when fighting fish.

Fly anglers who've experienced bonefishing in the Caribbean will find Molokai bonefishing a bit different. Instead of encountering frequent schools of smaller fish, on the Molokai flats you'll primarily be hunting and casting to a single large cruising bonefish, with the occasional double or triple.

While a number of outfitters offer bonefish guiding services on Molokai, Joe Kalima is the only native Molokai guide. Joe was born and grew up on Molokai, and today lives with his family on the southeastern shore of the island, right on the Molokai reef that he loves and fishes.