Fishing

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Deep-Sea Fishing -- Kauai's fishing fleet is smaller and less well recognized than others in the islands, but the fish are still out there. All you need to bring are your lunch and your luck. The best way to book a sportfishing charter is through the experts; the best booking desk in the state is Sportfish Hawaii (tel. 877/388-1376 or 808/396-2607; www.sportfishhawaii.com), which books boats not only on Kauai, but on all islands. These fishing vessels have been inspected and must meet rigorous criteria to guarantee that you will have a great time. Prices are $1,050 for a full-day exclusive charter (you and five of your closest friends get the entire boat to yourself), $850 for a three-quarter day exclusive, and $650 for a half-day exclusive.

Freshwater Fishing -- Freshwater fishing is big on Kauai, thanks to its dozens of "lakes," which are really man-made reservoirs. Regardless, they're full of large-mouth, small-mouth, and peacock bass (also known as tucunare). The Puu Lua Reservoir, in Kokee State Park, also has rainbow trout and is stocked by the state every year. Fishing for rainbow trout in the reservoir has a limited season: It begins on the first Saturday in August and lasts for 16 days, after which you can only fish on weekends and holidays through the last Sunday in September.

Before you rush out and get a fishing pole, you have to have a Hawaii Freshwater Fishing License, available through the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, P.O. Box 1671, Lihue, HI 96766 (tel. 808/241-3400). The license is also available through any fishing-supply store, like Lihue Fishing Supply, 2985 Kalena St., Lihue (tel. 808/245-4930); Rainbow Paint and Fishing Supplies, Hanapepe (tel. 808/335-6412); or Waipouli Variety, 4-901 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaa (tel. 808/822-1014). A 1-month license costs $3.75; a 1-year license is $7.50. When you get your license, pick up a copy of the booklet State of Hawaii Freshwater Fishing Regulations. Another great little book to get is The Kauai Guide to Freshwater Sport Fishing by Glenn Ikemoto, available for $2.50 plus postage from Magic Fishes Press, P.O. Box 3243, Lihue, HI 96766. If you would like a guide, Sportfish Hawaii (tel. 877/388-1376 or 808/396-2607; www.sportfishhawaii.com) has guided bass fishing trips starting at $265 per person for a half day and $375 for a full day.

Not So Close! They Hardly Know You -- In your excitement at seeing a whale or a school of dolphins, don't get too close -- both are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act. Swimmers, kayakers, and windsurfers must stay at least 100 yards away from all whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals. And yes, visitors have been prosecuted for swimming with dolphins! If you have any questions, call the National Marine Fisheries Service (tel. 808/541-2727) or the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (tel. 800/831-4888).