STAR-BULLETIN / 1996 Mana Manfredi, front, and Christopher Amero waited for the tilapia at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden's "catch and release" fishing day.

Windward lake
holds rustic charm

Ho'omaluhia Garden bets
families will get hooked

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By Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.com

Fishing with the whole family can be a great treat -- an opportunity to spend some time outdoors, possibly learn a new sport or just create some family memories to cherish.

The majestic Koolau mountains and a 32-acre lake is the setting for family fishing sessions on Saturdays and Sundays at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe. Even if you don't care to fish, prop up a chair or lay down a blanket to bask in your family's company on a lazy afternoon.

"A big part of fishing is just coming out and enjoying the scenery," said Olive Vanselow, recreation specialist at Ho'omaluhia. The garden receives up to 300 visitors per day.

STAR-BULLETIN / 1998 Families gathered at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden's Family Fishing Day program.

A trail of red fish signs lead to the shoreline -- approximately a 20-minute trek.

Red devils, tilapia, bass and catfish swim along the shore waiting for a snack. "White bread is a favorite type of bait used," said Vanselow. Roll it into a ball and attach it to the hooks.

Others use tako, worms or even bread soaked in olive oil or fish oils. "Any non-live bait may be used," she added.

In celebration of National Fishing Week, a derby will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow in conjunction with the "catch and release" family fishing program. Prizes will be awarded for the longest fish, the most eventful catch and to the person catching the most gold-colored midas cichlids (Amphilophus citrinellum). "No one caught the gold ones last year, so it's a talent," said Vanselow.

Eleven-year-old Matthew Chang was experiencing a lucky streak this past Saturday, managing to catch two fish in less than 10 minutes. Lorna Chang, Matthew's mother, said it was the family's second time fishing at the garden. "The fish just tease us, but we will keep coming back," she said.

"The ranger told us that the biggest fish have been caught with the bamboo pole and no bread," said Lorna. "The fish are smart after being hooked so many times."

It was the Suda family's first fishing adventure. Jonathan Suda, 5, was awaiting his big catch. "Once they catch a fish, they don't mind waiting for the next one. It's nice to know you can do it," said his mother, Eileen Suda.

Jonathan's dad reminisced about his own fishing experiences. "When I was growing up, we used to have tilapia fishing in the Ewa swimming pool. Every summer it was a part of the carnival. The fish in the pool were a lot bigger though," he said.

Shane Hayakawa, 6, also patiently sat at the water's edge waiting for a bite. His patience paid off and he caught not one, but two fish.

Fishing Derby Where: Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow Admission: Free Call: 233-7323 Note: Family "Catch and Release" Fishing is held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Wear walking shoes and bring a picnic lunch, insect repellent, rain gear, sunscreen and bait. Bamboo poles may be borrowed at the site. Groups of 10 or more can set up special fishing times by obtaining a permit at the Visitor Center.

"Some of my earliest memories are of following my grandfather around to various fishing spots. And, now I'm glad I have the opportunity to share these kinds of memories with my own children," said Jamie Cooledge, who was there with his 7-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son. "This is a great place to teach young kids how to fish," he said.

"Fishing takes a lot of patience," said Vanselow.

As frustration set in, many keiki began feeding the baby ducks that roam the area, along with geese and coots. Four-year-old Natalia Hayakawa said she wished her family lived closer to the park, though not because of the fishing.

"Fishing is boring," she said. "I wish we could catch the ducks instead."

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