[dphilbert]

Sooo... the pops is talking about taking the family to hawaii next year. We were there not too long ago, and when fishing i found out that you can get a license to collect fish for an aquarium with no fee, you just have to fill out a form. So I'm wondering if it would be possible to collect fish and next day air them on the last day of the trip. Anyone think it would be possible. I realize that there is the possibility of a loss in transit but i think i could cope with the guilt for the reward of having a few fish that I responsibly collected my self. Any thoughts?

[RyanG]

Yup you can do this, several people have. Make sure you know how to pack fish correctly so they will survive the trip!

[vaulter08]

i have thought of the same idea is it worth it, i dont have my SCUBA license but have thought of learning

[dphilbert]

You wouldnt even have to scuba, the shallow reefs in some spots are LOADED with fish that are perfect aquarium size. If you have somekind of net you could do it snorkling or even use a thrownet from shore. As far as packing and shipping goes, what would I need to do? I've never ordered fish online so I havent seen how they ship them. Are there any online resources that can show me how?

[kh6sat]

I live in Maili, Hawaii - west side of the island of Oahu and I stock my tank with only things
that I collect. I do both snorkeling and scuba but find the scuba is better. I can follow the fish where ever they decide to go .... usually the deeper water when being pursued .
So far I have only used a nylon fish collecting hand net but have made a gill net which I haven't used yet - got to employ a buddy and use in when the currents are minimal to maintain control of it underwater.
As far as shipping, I'll take RB's word on that. I never had the need to ship them. The state government here is very finicky on agriculture and animal transport and shipping.
There is a LFS that sends out fish from time to time so I guess its OK. Not sure if he is shipping out of state however.
The license you are talking about is a Recreational Aquarium Fishing License. It is free but you have to go to apply for it in person the first time. Renewals can be done by mail. This license allows you to collect up to 5 fish a day. Anything over 5 is considered commercial fishing and requires a commercial fishing license. Hope this helps.

[blind1993]

i was in maui are u employed on a snorkleing boat. becaseu i think i saw u in spring. and also do u have a frogfish u found in seaweed randomly(kh6sat)

[kh6sat]

No. Sorry. It wasn't me. I live on Oahu and am employed with a local airline. Would like to work with a dive boat operation .

[blind1993]

oh well it was worth a try. becasue that guy taught me about marine aquariums for about 1 hr while we were going to molikia and back to lakahinia harbor.