Freshwater Bass Fishing on Kauai, Hawaii
Your Guide:
Guide Tom Christy with Peacock Bass on Kauai
Meet Tom Christy, expert bass fisherman, avid baseball player, and your guide for Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Butterfly Peacock Bass fishing on the beautiful island of Kauai. Tom has been a Peacock Bass guide on Kauai since 1982, and he has been featured in several magazines and television shows along the way.
Considered a celebrity in Japan, Tom was once the holder of an IGFA world record for Peacock Bass, at 8 lb 9 oz. It has since been surpassed both by another angler and himself. The current record is 10 lb 8 oz, and Tom’s personal best is 9lb 7 oz. Although the average Peacock Bass on Kauai are smaller, Tom also holds the Hawaii state record for Smallmouth Bass at 5 pounds. This amazing fish was 22 ¾ inches long!! Other accomplishments include Tom being a four time Interisland T.O.C. champion, a four-time Interisland Classic Champion, and the 1996 BBWC Hawaii State Champion.
More than just the record books, Tom has been featured in US magazines such as Western Outdoors, Arizona Angler, Al Linder’s Infisherman (magazine and TV), and Bassmasters, and Japanese publications such as Bass World, Basser, Rod and Reel, and Zeal hotline Magazine. He has been featured on ESPN, TNN, Outdoor Life with Dick Butkis, and Charlie White’s Fishing Machine.
The Fishing Grounds:
There are over 165 reservoirs and nine rivers on Kauai, and Tom has fished them all. Tom’s techniques developed in the early years of fishing Waita reservoir made that lake famous, but new ownership and regulations have nudged Tom into finding and fishing river locations on the east side of the island. Use Tom’s experience and skill guide you to the best spots to catch you the fish you want to catch.
Who can go?
All skill levels are welcome! From novices to experts, from kids to adults, Tom will make everyone feel right at home.
The seasons
The following species are caught in fresh waters all year round, but certain times are often better than other for certain species. (Note: This is just a guide. Since the fish can't read the guide, success rates do vary year to year and month to month and fishing can be slow at times even when it's normally excellent or good. Because it’s nature and we humans truly have no control, there is no guarantee you will catch a Peacock or other species, but Tom will do his best to try)
Butterfly Peacock Bass - Excellent: June to Sept Fair: May & Oct Poor: Nov - April
Largemouth Bass - Excellent: March & April Good to Fair: Remainder of the year
Smallmouth Bass- Excellent: Mid May - Aug Good to Fair: Remainder of the year
Freshwater Barracuda - Good to Fair: All year
Freshwater Papio - Good to Fair: All year
The Fishing Style
In order to get where the fish are, Tom uses several fishing techniques. He has several "johnboats" which are small skiffs with flat bottoms and electric motors. He also has an 18' bass boat and a 17' bass boat. He can also do fishing from shore, float tubes or wading into the water from shore. Because the water is warm year round, wading and float tubing can be done all year. The guide does provide the float tubing gear. The usual trip is from the bass boat or a johnboat. If you would like to try wading or float tubes, please let us know.
The gear
Tom has an arrangement of Bass gear to suit novices and anglers. Expect to be questioned on your preference of tackle at the time of your booking so all of your gear is ready to go on departure. The choices are spinning gear or baitcasting gear. Tom also has push button for beginners. Tom will prepare several rods ahead of time for your trip so please let us know upon booking your choice. You may choose more than one type if you want to try multiple styles.
Anglers may bring their own gear if so desired, as we know some are just partial to their own stuff. Anglers wishing to use fly tackle are also welcome to bring their own also. Please call to discuss the needs and requirements to get your flies and tackle selected before you leave home. Please note that the guide does not have fly gear so you will need to bring all of your own gear for fly fishing.
The Rates
Half day trips
Approximately 6:30 am to 11:00 am
Meet time is 6:30am in Kapaa
Afternoon trips available upon request
1 or 2 Persons: $365.00
3 persons: $500.00
Full day trips
Approximately 6:30am to 3:00pm
Meet time is 6:30am in Kapaa
1 Person: $475.00
2 Persons: $550.00
3 persons: $675.00
All prices include expert guide service, rods, reels, bait, and beverages. For full day trips, you will need to bring your own lunch. Tom does provide a cooler and ice to keep your lunch. Rates are plus 4% State Tax. Gratuity not included. Trips are exclusive private trips so it will be just your party and Tom.
Travel Note: Airport pickup is available at no extra charge. Inter-island anglers or those visiting other islands don’t have to pass up a chance to battle Peacock Bass.
When you are ready to make a reservation, or if you would like more information, please select the "Send Inquiry or Make Reservation" button below or call us toll free at 1-877-388-1376 or send an email to kathy@sportfishhawaii.com and we will be happy to answer your questions and/or complete your reservation.
For further information or to make reservations please call toll free 877-388-1376 or email kathy@sportfishhawaii.com.
"My friend Darryl and I had a fantastic time with Tom Christy. We fished for peacock bass in Dec/Jan. Tom made it very clear about these fish (not the best season), however we we're not going to let the time of year make for a bad trip. We responded with 6 very nice peacocks to 4lbs. Tom really knows his stuff and can't wait to get back maybe in April for more of these great fish...Joe"
"We had a great time. Tom is quite a character. The river was off-color because of all the recent heavy rain and mud from the mountains so the fishing wasn't great, but we had a great time nonetheless. It was the most beautiful setting that I have ever fished. We had the river absolutely to ourselves; we did not see another soul all day. Tom provided some great tips and instruction that we will definitely be able to use to catch more fish in the future. The gear was great and Tom was just fun to be with. We will definitely book with him again on our next trip to Kauai. Thanks...Todd"