How To Catch Opelu (Tips) | Hawaii Kayak Fishing

This Video serves as a part 2 of the "Opelu How To" Series. When I was learning how to kayak fish, I had wished there was a video on this subject. Opelu (Scad Mackerel) are often the key to success on the water. In this video I cover my top 10 tips for catching opelu as well as show a rare circumstance on the water.
Part 1: • How to tie an Opelu Sa...
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[@jeffcchrist]

I'm about to pull the trigger on my first kayak here in Oahu. This information helps. Everyone I've talked to said "learn how to catch bait fish first"... Thank you the video!

[@lilbroinhawaii1]

Thanks for tips. Couple more. 6ft lead line seems to help when opelu are finicky. Can use store bought fluro rigs but tear off fish skin and replace with maworms or similar soft plastic. Have not tried chum bag but have been thinking of using small chum bag on weight. Bust bag then drop down into chum.

[@mrtintmaui4295]

Thank you so much for this video. So helpful for me just starting out. I was able to catch bait on my first day out with my new fish finder. Really appreciate you sharing.

[@shanedecambra9894]

What brand fish finder would you consider ideal & where can I get one?

[@Loganthewaterman]

Nice video, love the big boy at the end with the live bait

[@richardyuen6354]

This is all great tips! The very same thing I’ve experienced and what I would tell someone, instead I can just link you video lol 😂 tight lines bro

[@richardyuen6354]

Dropping lower yes can be Ta’ape, Toau, and that damn lizardfish lol

[@craigu9099]

Thanks for sharing

[@josephdimon3144]

Thanks, that was helpful!

[@onexplorerhawaii7969]

Thank you for sharing this info!!!!!!!

[@arboraction1474]

Killer tips thanks. My only criticism is it’s op”e”lu not opaylu😂 Eh eh 🤙🏽

[@commodore_connor]

Haha this was early on, I got that one corrected a while back hahaha. Still feel silly listening to myself from years ago trying to say things lol

[@jeffreylaviolette9000]

Thank you from Lahaina! I suck at bait fishing!

[@commodore_connor]

All it takes is practice!

[@michaelweis6643]

Good video -thanks! I'm on the big island and have trouble finding the opelu schools.

[@keatonskorner4547]

Would you be willing to make a video showing the rigs you run on the kayak with these opelu? Or any other baits. Getting into kayak fishing on Oahu as well and have a hard time learning what rigs to tie with line strength, length, hooks etc

[@commodore_connor]

Take a look at my channel! Video is on there. I run the wire predominately in case ono are around

[@jeffreylaviolette9000]

Egg sinker, swivel leader hook... Less is better in my opinion

[@gametocore808]

Aloha Braddah, I’m a super new to Kayak fishing. I just got my kayak a week ago. Would you mind sharing your set for catching Opelu?

[@AK-ms5zk]

Hello 👋 hey what kind of fish finder do you have in this vid? Mahalo 🤙🏽

[@commodore_connor]

Garmin 64CV!

[@miketilka6789]

Question, in general what is the best water depth to find Opelu in? I fish out of Keauhou Hawaii Island. I appreciate your videos, great information, well done!

[@commodore_connor]

It really varies. Sometimes they are shallow and sometimes they are deep. Main thing is that they are always in the column. Check out one of my older videos that goes over what I look for!

[@commodore_connor]

There are a few that I mention it, big island is very different though. Much deeper water quicker and I hear they find bait deeper than I normally do

[@patrickhenry2324]

Very good video. I am coming to Maui in May. Are there any spots that rent out kayaks? Any that are already set up for fishing? Thanks

[@commodore_connor]

Unfortunately I don’t think there are about places that rent out fishing kayaks (huge liability) but there are people that do guided tours

[@punasurf4697]

How do know how deep your lure or bait is? You see fish half way to the bottom, how do you know that you don't drop your lures below the fish? Do you see your lure on the fish finder? I've seem some who have reels that tell you how much line you spool out. I'm just getting ready to get a kayak and set it up. Seems a little over whelming trying to get it right without wasting a ton of cash.

[@commodore_connor]

I can judge the drop rate at this point. It’s about getting dialed with your weight/line diameter

[@MarktheMartian]

cool dude subbed

[@hanaibyLai]

what kind of fish finder are you using? I think its a pretty cool finder for a kayak.

[@commodore_connor]

Running a Garmin 64CV. Been enjoying it so far

[@Brian-co2xh]

Thank you for an informative video!

[@punasurf4697]

Thanks for the tips. What kind of fish finder do you use?

[@commodore_connor]

I have a garmin 64CV. I like the maps!

[@punasurf4697]

@@commodore_connor Mahalo!

[@samksy007]

Very helpful video! Thank you! Btw, how many ounce of lead are you using.

[@commodore_connor]

I tend to run 4-6 ounce depending on current

[@samksy007]

@@commodore_connor Thank you! =D

[@BrandonLong-hl8sc]

Aloha Conner, thanks for the great suggestions! I live on Maui and am new to Kayak fishing (and fishing at all!!!). What do you use for a live well? You mentioned bait tube? I have a Hobie Revolution 13 with a PVC rod holder in the back where I also keep my kill bag and am trying to find a good solution. Any suggestions? Mahalo

[@commodore_connor]

I use a homemade bait tube! It stays in the water and keeps the bait flushed with fresh aerated water

[@BrandonLong-hl8sc]

@@commodore_connor no shark fear?

[@commodore_connor]

@@BrandonLong-hl8sc they have only messed with the tube when they are trying to get other things I’m reeling in

[@BrandonLong-hl8sc]

@@commodore_connor Perfect! I just watched a video and added stuff to my Home Depot cart. Mahalo!

[@commodore_connor]

@@BrandonLong-hl8sc thanks for watching the vid, and if you haven’t subscribed please do. I keep trying to add more stuff likes help the videos out!

[@richardyuen6354]

Sup Connor, what’s your bait rod and reel?Right now I’m using a pretty expensive jigging rod but would like to interchange out to free it up for jigging. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@commodore_connor]

I run the cheapest setup imaginable. I have a Shimano sienna 4K and pair it with the cheapest 6’6” medium rod I can find. (Currently a Diawa from Walmart) the key is to have it be expendable. I’ve lost 4 due to corrosion and surf launches.

[@richardyuen6354]

@@commodore_connor sounds smart, have an overly expensive setup just for bait. Good to hear. Trevala with a saragosa but wanna free up that Trevala for actual jigging. Nice to know the cheaper stuff will work too thanks 🙏🏽

[@commodore_connor]

@@richardyuen6354 at the end of the day it’s meant to catch bait only, better to free up the money for the big fish gear

[@davidryan9056]

Excellent video! 👌🏻

[@gardenislandbradda]

What’s your bait rod and reel setup??

[@commodore_connor]

I just have a medium 6’6” gander mountain rod and a 4000 size Shimano Sienna!

[@gametocore808]

What fish finder are you using?

[@commodore_connor]

Garmin 64CV

[@dustinroben4018]

which transducer do you use?

[@commodore_connor]

Gt 24!

[@brandonviernes928]

Nice one🤙

[@mikerivera201]

@commodoreconnor what do you find is best time of day to catch opelu? Thank you

[@commodore_connor]

Sunrise. It’s always harder (but not impossible) once the sun gets high in the sky

[@AS-st6ie]

How deep do you find them?

[@commodore_connor]

I tend to look anywhere from 60-130 feet getting deeper as the day goes on.

[@AS-st6ie]

@@commodore_connor Thanks great video.

[@McJoosher]

What size sibiki hooks are you using?

[@commodore_connor]

Size 10 or 12. There is a whole other video on the specifics on my channel.

[@isaacpannell8957]

@@commodore_connor hey what size reel and pole you recommend this is great video

[@commodore_connor]

@@isaacpannell8957 I use a 4000 size spinning reel and a 6.5 ft medium rod

[@isaacpannell8957]

@@commodore_connor thanks so much! Can’t wait to try it