Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s almost Oama season. How to catch Oama is a question that all Hawaii summer anglers aim to answer.
Oama, juvenile goatfish (Weke), are a priceless baitfish, and learning how to catch Oama will instantly boost your nearshore fishing game.
Oama fishing requires a unique skillset that is very different from targeting any other species. In addition, the Oama fishing season is highly regulated with restrictions on the allowable methods used to target them.
Just as offshore fishing would suffer without healthy schools of skad or opelu, nearshore fishing would diminish without healthy juvenile goatfish and papio populations. So all fishermen have a vested interest in respecting the regulations, which can be found on the DNLR’s website here.
Your Oama fishing technique will come with practice, but having the right gear is crucial for setting yourself up for success. The good news is that there are a ton of cheap, DIY solutions for catching Oama and keeping them alive, from the old boogie board and bucket rig to the bamboo pole.
But if you’re interested in truly dialing in your strategy, these tips and gear options will greatly increase your Oama strategy.
Here are 10 critical tools to help you learn how to catch Oama this season and keep them alive.
10 Essential Tools for catching Oama
1. Use the Rod
An ultra lightweight rod is the first most important tool you’ll need for targeting Oama. You’ll see a lot of guys with simple, reel-less poles or bamboo poles that are specifically for this purpose. However, I prefer the more versatile Okuma ultralight spinning rod because I can attach a reel to make this lightweight rod a multipurpose tool all year round.
2. Use a Knotless, Mesh Net
A well-designed, mesh, knotless, telescoping catch net is the second most important tool in bait fishing. The Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net is the perfect catch net for this purpose. The knotless, mesh fabric won’t tangle, and the telescoping handle allows for the necessary maneuverability to effortlessly catch and land your bait.
3. Keep Your Bait Alive
The Frabill insulated bucket with built-in aerator is a critical tool for keeping your bait conveniently contained, alive and happy. The built-in aerator will maintain the proper oxygen level, so your baitfish don’t suffocate before you have a chance to put them to good use.
4. Stay Invisible
Ultra lightweight fishing line is the next indispensable piece of equipment in Oama fishing. Spiderwire’s EZ fluorocarbon 2lb test is the best fishing line for targeting small baitfish like Oama. It’s invisible underwater, and it’s low-stretch makes it extra sensitive to the Oama’s little nibbles.
5. Keep Organized
Staying organized is key to success, and LESOVI’s light tackle box is the best solution for keeping all your essential light tackle hooks and sinkers needed for targeting Oama. The small design has more than enough compartments, it’s watertight, and fits in your pocket.
6. Keep Your Baitfish Healthy
The Bubble Box is probably the most popular aeration tool used today. If you already have a perfectly useful 5gal bucket, all you need is a clip-on aeration tool like the Bubble Box to keep your baitfish happy and healthy.
7. Store Your Excess Catch
Once you hone your craft and start landing huge schools of Oama, you’ll need a way to store your catch. Aeration and filtration systems are ideal, but they can be complicated and expensive. Most guys on a budget seal and freeze their extra Oama for use throughout the year. There’s no better piece of equipment that’s up to the task than Nutrichef’s vacuum sealer. It will ensure that your hard-earned baitfish don’t end up with freezer burn, which will render them useless.
8. Keep the Oama Lively
Frabill’s Magnum 19qt livewell bait station is a step up in bait management. When your Oama catch starts thriving, you’ll quickly outgrow the standard bucket with a clip-on aerator. This Magnum Livewell bait station is well designed for functional use and to keep your Oama lively for a longer period of time.
9. Use the Right Tools
The Rapala 4 inch bait knife is another necessary tool for targeting Oama. You’ll need a proper bait knife to cut small, Oama-sized portions of bait, whether your using pieces of shrimp, tako, or some other local secret. When dealing with saltwater fishing, steer clear of fancy foldaway knives. The hinges will rust, and the knife will quickly become unusable. Rapala’s bait knife with safety sheath is the perfect tool for nearshore bait fishing.
10. A Multi-tool for Every Occasion
PLUSINNO Fishing Pliers are a versatile, must-have tool for any fishing excursion. Their stainless steel and titanium carbo-nitride coating make them ideal for salt water fishing and fighting rust and corrosion. The hook removers, braid cutters, and pliers make them one of the most popular multi-tools available. The sheath and lanyard make them highly useable and convenient.
Whether you’re just starting to learn how to catch Oama or simply looking to dial in your methods, these 10 essential tools for catching Oama are guaranteed to improve your game.
Wondering what fish species to target this summer with your pile of Oama? Check out this other post for the best Hawaii fish species to target this summer.
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