A needlefish lives at the surface, long and pencil thin, with both jaws drawn out into a narrow beak lined with small teeth. It hunts little baitfish in the top of the water, and when it is frightened it leaps and skips across the surface, sometimes at real speed. The hard beak makes it awkward to hook. Needlefish are edible, but their bones are green, which puts plenty of people off.
The only boat on our site that lists needlefish is Ohana Fun Fishing's Sashimi II in Honolulu. It runs a three hour shared bottom fishing trip, leaving Kewalo Basin Harbor at 11:00 and fishing off Oahu's south shore with Waikiki and Diamond Head in view. The lines go down for fish on the bottom, so a needlefish is a fish you meet near the surface, not one anyone books for.
You buy a seat rather than the whole boat, so other guests fish beside you. Sashimi II is a 60 foot Delta with a restroom on board, and the crew help beginners and families get comfortable with the gear and guide everyone through the trip. Gear, bait and water are included; bring food, extra drinks and sun protection, and check in 20 minutes before departure. Ask the crew about keeping your catch, since cleaning is included.
Questions and answers
Short answers to what people ask before they book. Anything else, ask the captain in chat.
Can you target needlefish on the Sashimi II trip from Honolulu?
Not really. The trip is three hours of bottom fishing from Kewalo Basin Harbor, and needlefish live at the surface. One may show up, and the crew can tell you what it is, but book the trip for the bottom fishing rather than for needlefish.
Is a needlefish safe to handle?
With care. The beak is long, hard and lined with small teeth, so hold the fish behind the head and keep it away from your face. If unsure, let the Sashimi II crew deal with it.