Aliʻi Kai Lures Fish Head Scad / Opelu 10" trolling lure, hand painted with an iridescent baitfish body and molded from an actual ʻōpelu (scad).
This heavy 9 oz lure is built to stay down in the water and imitate live bait in a Kona-style offshore trolling spread.
This early prototype Aliʻi Kai Fish Head has generous flashabou over a rubber skirt and was skirted in Kona by Captain Shawn Rotella. The fish head shape, scad / ʻōpelu profile, and heavy skirted weight make it a strong choice for marlin, tuna, and other big game pelagic species.
| Lure Type | Fish Head Marlin Trolling Lure |
| Maker | Aliʻi Kai Lures |
| Lure Name | Fish Head Scad / Opelu |
| Size | 10" |
| Skirted Weight | 9 oz |
| Suggested Position | Long rigger |
| Target Species | Marlin, Tuna, Big Game Pelagic Species |
| Origin | Kona, Hawaii, USA |
| Condition | As-is. One eye is not flush with the fish body and there is a black spot under the clear enamel. |
This lure is sold as-is. One eye is not flush with the fish body, and there is a black spot under the clear enamel. These are cosmetic notes from an early prototype and do not take away from the lure’s baitfish profile, heavy trolling weight, or offshore spread appeal.
Aliʻi Kai Lures are made by Kona charter captain Shawn Rotella, who has fished Hawaiian waters for over two decades. Shawn got his start in lure making after meeting Joe Yee and the late Tom Futa more than 22 years ago while working at Hawaii Fiberglass on Oahu.
Tom Futa first helped Shawn with basic lure-making knowledge, followed by invitations to the Joe Yee and Tom Futa workshop. Shawn later moved to Hawaii and bought his first boat, Night Runner.
Since then, Shawn has built a strong Kona fishing reputation. He has set records in Kona by catching more sailfish than the other captains, became the first captain in 35 years to hold six top big game fishing spots in one year, and caught one of the top three blue marlin ever landed on 50 lb tackle.
Shop the full Aliʻi Kai Lures collection