786 | Bonefishing Hawaii with Mike Bressler – Fly Fishing Oahu

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/786

Presented By: Fish The Fly, Stonefly Nets, On DeMark Lodge, Visit Idaho. 

BoneFishing in Hawaii might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of saltwater adventures, but for Marine veteran Mike Bressler, it's become both a calling and a way of life. In this episode, we head to the island of Oahu to uncover what makes Hawaii’s flats fishery so unique—and so challenging. From bonefish (known locally as ō‘io) to golden trevally, Mike shares what it’s like to guide in one of the Pacific’s toughest but most rewarding destinations. Whether you’re planning a DIY trip or dreaming of landing a 10+ pound bone, his insights are packed with practical value.

We talk about everything from how to master casting in Hawaii’s relentless trade winds to how moon phases affect bonefish behavior. 
Mike also opens up about building his homegrown “Bone Lodge” for guests, the cultural realities of fishing in local waters, and why he takes veterans out monthly for healing on the flats. This episode is more than a fishing guide—it’s about patience, local respect, and finding purpose through saltwater fly fishing.

Notes with Mike Bressler on Bonefishing Hawaii

2:03 - Mike Bressler explains that while bonefish are active year-round in Hawaii, spring and summer bring peak action. The largest fish stay on the flats during the winter spawning season, starting around November’s full moon. Still, Hawaii is a tough fishery—constant trade winds and challenging conditions make it a true test for any angler. As Mike puts it, “If you can get good out here, you can be good anywhere.”

3:15 - Mike Bressler is based on the island of Oahu, Hawaii’s most visited island, known for its iconic Waikiki, but also home to quieter country towns like Hau‘ula, where Mike lives. He explains that bonefish—locally called ‘ō‘io (pronounced "oyo")—can be found all around the island, from beaches to flats. While flats fishing is preferred, Mike notes he has even spotted bonefish from the shoreline. In addition to bonefish, the waters also host various trevally species, including bluefin, golden, and the rare giant trevally, though bonefish remain the main attraction for visiting anglers. Click here for more information.

5:46 - Retired Marine Mike Bressler discovered Oahu’s bonefish flats during a COVID quarantine on Ford Island. Now based in Hauʻula, he guides anglers year-round, with peak season from October to December. Windy conditions and remote flats make boat access and strong casting skills essential.

09:06 - Mike Bressler emphasizes that handling Hawaii’s wind starts with mastering the double haul and sidearm cast. He recommends aiming for at least a 40-foot cast under the wind and leading the bonefish, not landing the fly on their head. Sometimes, a short flip of the fly is all that's needed, as long as it's placed ahead of the fish's path.

9:49 - Mike Bressler explains that Hawaii’s largest bonefish are most active from October to December, as they begin their deep-water spawning cycle around full moons. He advises avoiding fishing three days before and after a full moon since fewer fish are found on the flats during that time.

12:29 - Mike Bressler and his wife host guests at their private rental, the Bone Lodge, a freestanding Airbnb-style unit that comfortably accommodates couples, small families, or fishing buddies. He offers customizable half-day and full-day guided trips, often using his 18-foot Kayo Boatworks skiff—weather permitting—to pole clients across the flats in search of bonefish. Click here to learn more.

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