Fishermen use rods and reels to catch six species of snapper and one species of grouper that are called “bottomfish” and nicknamed the “deep 7” because they live at the bottom of the sea around the Hawaiian archipelago. Each vessel has two to four weighted mainlines that are lowered and raised with reels to depths of 1,200 feet. Baited hooks branch off this mainline. This fishing method is similar to those traditionally used by native Hawaiians.

This hook-and-line method of fishing uses a heavy mainline that is lowered and raised with electric, hydraulic or hand-powered reels. Four to 10 circle hooks, baited with squid or fish, branch off the mainline using monofilament lines. A “chum” or bait bag containing chopped fish or squid is sometimes suspended on the mainline above the hooks to attract fish. Fishermen target deep-sea species, including Opakapaka, Onaga, Hapuupuu, Ehu, Kalekale, Gindai and Lehi, along reef slopes, seamounts and banks. Fish are hauled aboard by hand.

The Hawaiian bottomfish fleet consists of a mix of vessels from 15-foot recreational boats to 70-foot commercial fishing vessels. The distinction between recreational and commercial vessel is unclear since some recreational vessels are permitted to sell their catch to cover trip expenses. Approximately 58 non-commercial vessels and 450 commercially licensed vessels make up the bottomfish fleet. Vessels typically have one to three crewmembers aboard. Fishing trips typically last a day or overnight, but can range up to seven days.