My dive buddy Manu called lastnight and asked if I wanted to dive the next day and spear some he'e (octopus) and fish. My freezer was empty, and I needed the exercise so I did not hesitate at the chance. Feeling a tad low after 2 funerals in a row one week apart for two dear longtime friends I thought this should cheer both me and Manu up. Picked him up at 9 a.m. and headed to our favorite coastal area just a few minutes from home. Manu concentrated on the shallower he'e grounds in the bay and I headed out about a quarter mile outside the point to our secret uncharted reef to look for fish. Fighting the current and also leisurely taking my time so as to look for he'e as I swam it took me about an hour to get to the reef. I was targeting two of my favorite panfish (Manini & person), and enjoying myself so much that when I looked at my watch it was already 12:00 noon so I speared my last fish and swam back in to shore my full stringer of fish attached to a float 50 feet behind me just in case "Mr. tax collector" (shark) paid me an impromptu visit. Got into shore and Manu was there waiting with six very nice he'e (octopus) in his bag as well as two nice size Manini and very nice Kumu koo-moo or Whitesaddle Goatfish (Parupeneus porphyreus). Manu the generous soul that he is gave me 3 of his He'e. I offered to trade him some of my fish but he insisted I keep all my catch to share with my family. Manu's kids are all adults and moved out so just he and his wife at home so he said he didn't need that much, and it also give him an excuse to dive some more. :3: I am very much looking forward to my next dive!
Here are the pictures of this mornings catch.
My stringer of fish, and the 3 he'e gifted to me by my friend Manu
The three he'e. Each one weighed in I'm guessing about 3 pounds
My catch ready to clean (the fun part)
The 8 striped fish are called Manini mah-nee-nee or Convict Tang (Acanthurus triostegus). The 6 silver fish are called person ah-ho-leh or Hawaiian Flagtail (Kuhlia sandvicensis). The person are so delicious that in ancient times they were reserved only for the Ali'i (ah-lee-'ee). Any commoner caught eating this fish was put to death. Fortunately I don't need to worry about that restriction now. The largest Manini was over 7 inches, the largest person was about 10.
Fish preparation is simple, just salt and pepper and fry in oil. Serve with shoyu (soy sauce) and homemade chilli pepper sauce on top, and a bowl of fresh steamed rice. The he'e I freeze to tenderize then thaw and simmer in lightly salted water for about 30 minutes then slice up and toss with sliced raw sweet onion, limu (seaweed), Hawaiian sea salt, and a dash of roasted sesame oil to make "He'e Poke'". I also make He'e Lu'au which is stew of taro leaves, he'e, and coconut milk with chicken stock to thin out. Many other ways but those my favorites.
Did you ever get to try it live?
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