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Get ready for an epic day on the water with Silky Sportfishing's private offshore charter tailored for newbie anglers. We're talking prime blue marlin territory off the Kona coast, where the deep blue Pacific holds some real monsters. But don't sweat it if you're green – our crew's got your back with all the gear and know-how you need. And hey, if the bite slows down, we can always pop over to Kealakekua Bay for some world-class snorkeling. It's the perfect mix of big game fishing and tropical paradise vibes.
Picture this: You're cruising out of Kailua-Kona on a sweet 47-footer, lines in the water as we troll for the big boys – blue marlin, mahi-mahi, and yellowfin tuna. Our seasoned crew will show you the ropes, from setting the spread to fighting that fish of a lifetime. No experience? No problem. We'll walk you through every step, from hooking up to the victory photo. And if the fishing gods aren't smiling, we've got a Plan B that's just as awesome – snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay. Just remember to grab that non-resident fishing license online before you show up, and keep in mind there might be a fuel surcharge if prices are through the roof.
Alright, let's break down the game plan. We're talking offshore trolling – the bread and butter of big game fishing. We'll set up a spread of lures and baits, dragging them behind the boat at just the right speed to tempt those pelagic predators. You'll learn to watch those outriggers like a hawk, waiting for that heart-stopping moment when a billfish crashes the party. We use top-notch gear – heavy-duty rods, two-speed reels, and lines that could tow a truck. Don't worry if it sounds like Greek to you now; by the end of the day, you'll be tossing around fishing lingo like a pro.
"Cpt John worked very hard to get our 11 yr old grandson a big fish. Success. We also snorkeled at Cpt Cook memorial. Highly recommend combining a fishing charter and snorkeling. Helps save $$$ too. One charter not two. Outstanding equipment. The very best. 47' boat was very comfortable for our non-fishing Wife (grandmother) who could watch the smiles. Cpt John and first mate we're professional businessmen, retired to years of helping clients like us learn about the big Island and get the most out of a day on the water. Saw Dolphins and had a shark chase one of the tuna we caught. Thanks guys!" - Richard
"Great experience on our trip. Caught two large spearfish and had fun all day. Highly recommend" - Filip
"Awesome trip we had! Caught a big spearfish, the fight was amazing, thanks captain Dave!" - David
Blue Marlin: The crown jewel of Kona fishing. These azure beauties can top 1,000 pounds and put on a show like no other. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays and blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. Blue marlin are a year-round target here, but the bite really heats up from June to October. Landing one of these bad boys is the ultimate notch in any angler's belt.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these neon-green and gold speedsters are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They often travel in pairs or small schools, so when one hits, keep your eyes peeled for more. Mahi can grow over 50 pounds, but even the smaller ones fight like crazy, leaping and zigzagging across the surface. They're most common from May to October, but you can find them year-round in Kona.
Yellowfin Tuna: Locals call 'em ahi, and they're prized for both their fighting ability and sushi-grade meat. These torpedoes can reach weights over 200 pounds and will test your stamina with long, powerful runs. Yellowfin often school up, so when we find them, it can be non-stop action. Peak season is typically from summer through fall, but Kona's waters hold tuna all year.
Shortbill Spearfish: Don't let their smaller size fool you – these cousins of the marlin pack a punch. Averaging 20-40 pounds, spearfish are like the sports cars of the billfish world: fast, agile, and full of surprises. They're more common in the cooler months from December to May and often provide great action when other species are slow.
Striped Marlin: Another member of the billfish family, stripers are known for their incredible acrobatics. They'll spend more time in the air than in the water once hooked, making for an unforgettable fight. While not as large as their blue marlin cousins, a 150-pound striped marlin will give you all you can handle. Look for them from December through May, when the water's a bit cooler.
Listen, whether you're dreaming of that grander blue marlin or just want to feel the thrill of your first offshore catch, this Kona charter's got you covered. You're getting the full package – top-notch boat, expert crew, and the chance to fish some of the most productive waters on the planet. And with that snorkeling option, you're guaranteed an awesome day even if the fish are being stubborn. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for a day you'll be talking about for years to come. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked for life. Let's make some fishing memories, Kona style!
November 8, 2019
Great experience on our trip. Caught two large spearfish and had fun all day. Highly recommend
April 11, 2024
Awesome trip we had! Caught a big spearfish, the fight was amazing, thanks captain Dave!
March 6, 2024
Blue Marlin are the kings of big game fishing here in Kona. These monsters can top 1,000 pounds, though 350-600 pounders are more common. You'll find them in our deep, blue offshore waters year-round, but summer is prime time. Blues are known for their incredible power and stamina. When hooked, they'll make blistering runs and put on aerial displays that'll leave you in awe. Anglers love Blues not just for their size, but for the challenge and prestige of landing one. Their meat is good eating too, with a firm texture similar to swordfish. To up your odds, we'll troll with large lures or skip baits. Keep an eye out for birds working bait schools - that often means Marlin are feeding below. When you hook up, be ready for a long fight. These fish don't give up easy, but that's what makes landing one so rewarding.

Mahi Mahi are one of the most exciting fish to catch off Kona. They're fast-growing, usually 15-30 pounds but can hit 60+. You'll spot them near floating debris or weed lines in our warm offshore waters. Mahi are most active in spring and summer, but we catch them year-round. These fish are famous for their acrobatics - they'll jump and shake trying to throw the hook. Anglers love Mahi for their beautiful colors, hard fights, and excellent table fare. The meat is firm, white, and delicious whether grilled or as sashimi. To target Mahi, we'll troll small lures or live bait near floating objects. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep it in the water. Others in the school will often follow, giving you shots at multiple fish. It's an exciting way to fish that keeps everyone on their toes.

Shortbill Spearfish are sleek, powerful fish that pack a punch for their size. They typically run 50-75 inches long and weigh up to 115 pounds. You'll find them in warm, deep waters offshore, often near the surface. These guys are fast swimmers and love to chase down smaller fish and squid. Spring and summer are prime times to target them here in Kona. Anglers get fired up about Shortbills because they put up an acrobatic fight, leaping and tailwalking across the water. Their meat is also prized for its firm texture and rich flavor, similar to Marlin but with more punch. When we're after Shortbills, I like to troll with small lures or rigged baits that mimic flying fish skipping along the surface. That really gets their attention and often triggers explosive strikes.

Striped Marlin are the acrobats of the billfish world here in Kona. They're smaller than Blues, typically 100-200 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in agility. You'll find them in our warm offshore waters, often near the surface. Late winter through spring is prime Stripey season. These fish are known for their spectacular aerial displays - they'll jump and tailwalk across the water when hooked. Anglers love Stripeys for their beauty (those blue stripes are something else) and their hard-fighting nature. They're also good eating, with a flavor similar to swordfish. To target them, we'll often troll with smaller lures or skip baits. One trick I like: when you see them finning on the surface, try pitching a live bait in front of them. It's a more challenging technique, but the strikes are unforgettable. Just be ready for some serious acrobatics when they hit.

Yellowfin Tuna, or 'Ahi' as we call them here, are prized game fish in Kona waters. These powerhouses usually run 30-100 pounds, but 200+ pounders aren't uncommon. You'll find them in the upper 300 feet of our offshore waters, often around underwater structures or following dolphin pods. Late spring through fall is prime Yellowfin season. Anglers love 'em for their blistering runs and incredible stamina - a big Yellowfin will test your arms and your gear. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, perfect for sashimi or grilled steaks. To target Yellowfin, we'll often chum and drift, or troll with lures that mimic their favorite baitfish. One local trick: when you see birds working the surface, run up current of them and shut down. The tuna are often feeding below and will come right to you. It's an exciting way to fish that can lead to multiple hookups.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: J&T Detroit Diesel
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 485
Cpt John worked very hard to get our 11 yr old grandson a big fish. Success. We also snorkeled at Cpt Cook memorial. Highly recommend combining a fishing charter and snorkeling. Helps save $$$ too. One charter not two. Outstanding equipment. The very best. 47’ boat was very comfortable for our non-fishing Wife (grandmother) who could watch the smiles. Cpt John and first mate we’re professional businessmen, retired to years of helping clients like us learn about the big Island and get the most out of a day on the water. Saw Dolphins and had a shark chase one of the tuna we caught. Thanks guys! 1