Saltwater · Open season outside the summer spawning closure; check current Hawai'i DAR rules — closed in summer

Moi (Pacific Threadfin)

Polydactylus sexfilis

In old Hawai'i, moi was reserved for ali'i (chiefs) — a fish of status, and still one of the Islands' most prized shore fish. Hawai'i rules are strict, with a closed season over the summer spawn, so check current Hawai'i DAR rules before fishing. Six free pectoral filaments and a silvery, wary nature make it an advanced shore target.

Seasons · Peak

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Moi (Pacific Threadfin) — Photo: George Henry Ford, Public domain — Wikimedia Commons (Historical scientific illustration — the only clear Commons image of this species.)

Identifying features

Six long, free pectoral filaments ('threads') below each pectoral fin
Silvery, streamlined body with a deeply forked tail
Blunt head with a steep forehead and eyes set high
Two widely separated dorsal fins
Young moi li'i show dark bars and live in very shallow water

Habits

Schools over sand beside reefs, probing the bottom with its filaments
Feeds on shrimp (including 'opae), small crabs and small fish
All moi begin life as females and large fish become males
Spawns in summer, when Hawai'i's closed season protects it
Extremely wary in clear water — a fish of patience and soft presentations

Distribution

Honolulu, HI · Hawaii★ Primary

Where to find them

Sandy channels cutting through Hawai'i reef flats
Rocky points with 'opae and moving surf
Quiet sandy pockets beside reef edges at dawn and dusk

Where they live

Sandy channels beside reef edgesSurf-washed rocky points and reef flatsTidepools and shallow sandy areas for young moi li'i

How to catch them

Whipping with small lures along reef edges Shore

Rig: Light-medium spinning rod, small lure or grub cast ('whipping') along reef edges and sandy channels, retrieved steadily through likely lanes

Bait/lure: Small lures, grubs and strip baits

Key tip: Cast parallel to the reef edge at dawn — moi cruise the sand-reef boundary and spook at shadows and heavy line.

Dunking with shrimp or 'opae off rocky points Rock fishing

Rig: Medium surf rod, float or light lead 'dunking' rig with shrimp or 'opae fished off rocky points into sandy pockets

Bait/lure: 'Opae, shrimp and sand crabs

Key tip: Keep the bait still and natural in the wash — dunking works because moi pick baits off the sand as they patrol.

Best baits & lures

'Opae and other small shrimpSand crabs (mole crabs) dug from the surfSmall lures and strip baits for whipping

Techniques for Moi (Pacific Threadfin) →

Baseline setup

Rod: Light-medium 7-9 ft spinning or surf rod
Line: 10-20 lb mono or braid with light leader
Terminal: Small hooks, light leads, floats and small lures

Recommended gear for this species

Rod · Best value

9' 5-weight fly rod outfit

≈ US$180-260

Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.

Flies · Budget

Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)

≈ US$25-40

Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.

Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.

Typical size

Common 1-3 lb (0.5-1.4 kg), 10-16 in; large fish to about 8 lb (3.6 kg)

On the table

Excellent — one of Hawai'i's finest eating fish, where and when keeping is legal.

Similar species

Milkfish (Awa)Milkfish (awa) has no pectoral filaments and feeds on algae; moi has six free thread-like filaments under each pectoral fin and hunts shrimp and crabs

BonefishBonefish ('o'io) has a pointed, underslung snout for grubbing flats and no filaments; moi has a blunt, steep head and six free pectoral threads

Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →

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