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Aloha, fellow anglers! Ready to chase some of the biggest fish in the Pacific? Silky Sportfishing's private offshore charter in Kailua-Kona is your ticket to the big leagues. We're talking blue marlin, mahi-mahi, and yellowfin tuna that'll make your arms ache (in the best way possible). This 6-hour trip isn't just fishing – it's a full-on Hawaiian adventure with the option to cool off with some world-class snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered with top-notch gear and local know-how.
Picture this: You're cruising out of Kailua-Kona harbor as the sun's coming up, coffee in hand, with nothing but blue water ahead. Our captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're on a mission to put you on the fish. We're rigged and ready for the big boys – blue marlin, striped marlin, and spearfish that'll test your mettle. But don't worry if the billfish aren't biting; we've got plenty of tricks to hook into some tasty mahi-mahi or ahi (that's yellowfin tuna to you mainlanders). And hey, if you need a break from the action, we can always drop anchor for some snorkeling in crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish. Just remember to grab that non-resident fishing license before you hop aboard – it's a must-have for legally landing the big one.
Out here in Kona, we're all about the heavy tackle and big game. We'll be running a spread of lures and maybe even some live bait if the conditions are right. Trolling is the name of the game – we'll cruise at just the right speed to make those lures dance and trigger strikes from passing pelagics. Keep your eyes peeled for birds working the surface or that telltale flash of a dorsal fin. When that reel starts screaming, it's go time! We'll clear the deck faster than you can say "fish on," and you'll be strapped into the fighting chair for the battle of a lifetime. Don't sweat it if you're new to this – our crew will coach you through every pump and wind. And for you old salts, we've got some local techniques that might just teach you a new trick or two.
"We have been coming to Kona for 14 years.Many different boats, but the silky is the best. Captain Dave and William. Put us on 2 blues and a striped marlin the best day on the water by far. The boat is setup so everyone has a comfortable space. The bridge has ample room for all unlike most boats" - Mike
"Had an amazing time on the water with Dave and Cam. They had us hooked up on a huge Blue Marlin not even 10 minutes out of the harbor! Very professional duo and the boat was very comfortable. We'll definitely look to fish with them again the next time we visit Kona" - Jason
"We did a six hour snorkel/fishing charter out of Kona during Spring Break. We looked for a family friendly boat since we were fishing with a 11 and 14 year old. Captain John and his mate Billy couldn't have been more professional and nicer to my children. We ended up hooking three tuna and a juvenile marlin (which was tagged and released). The snorkeling area we visited was beautiful and they supplied all the gear. I highly recommend fishing off the Silky with John and Billy whether you're a seasoned vet or out with your kids for a great day." - Jason
Blue Marlin: The crown jewel of Kona fishing, these ocean giants can tip the scales at over 1,000 pounds. Known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs, hooking into a blue marlin is like trying to stop a freight train with a piece of string. They're here year-round, but summer is prime time for the really big girls. Landing one of these beauties is a bucket-list achievement for any angler.
Mahi Mahi (Dorado): With their dazzling colors and delicious flesh, mahi-mahi are a favorite among both anglers and diners. These speedsters often travel in pairs or small schools, and they're known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're most abundant in the spring and fall, but you've got a shot at them any time of year. Plus, they make for some killer fish tacos back at the dock.
Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi): Pound for pound, these might be the strongest fish in the ocean. Yellowfin can grow to over 200 pounds, and they fight like their tails are on fire. They school up around floating debris or underwater structures, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Late summer and fall are your best bets for the big boys, but smaller "footballs" are around most of the year.
Striped Marlin: The acrobats of the billfish world, striped marlin are known for their incredible aerial displays. They're generally smaller than blues, averaging 100-150 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Winter and spring are peak seasons for stripers, and they're a blast on lighter tackle.
Shortbill Spearfish: Often overlooked but never underappreciated, spearfish are the smallest of the billfish family we target. Don't let their size fool you – these guys are lightning fast and put on one heck of a show. They're most common in the winter and spring, and they're a great species for anglers looking to complete their billfish slam.
Alright, folks, here's the deal: Kona is world-famous for a reason, and this charter puts you right in the thick of the action. Whether you're dreaming of that grander blue marlin, a cooler full of mahi, or just a day soaking up the Hawaiian sun with a chance at glory, we've got you covered. Our boat's comfortable, our crew knows their stuff, and the fish are out there waiting. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen, your camera, and your sense of adventure, and let's go make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Book your spot now – the big one's not gonna catch itself!
March 5, 2025
Had an amazing time on the water with Dave and Cam. They had us hooked up on a huge Blue Marlin not even 10 minutes out of the harbor! Very professional duo and the boat was very comfortable. We’ll definitely look to fish with them again the next time we visit Kona
April 12, 2024
We did a six hour snorkel/fishing charter out of Kona during Spring Break. We looked for a family friendly boat since we were fishing with a 11 and 14 year old. Captain John and his mate Billy couldn't have been more professional and nicer to my children. We ended up hooking three tuna and a juvenile marlin (which was tagged and released). The snorkeling area we visited was beautiful and they supplied all the gear. I highly recommend fishing off the Silky with John and Billy whether you're a seasoned vet or out with your kids for a great day.
October 3, 2020
Great time today with Captain Dave and Kris, we only came back with 1 flag flying a 20+pound Wahoo and two lost hits, but 1/2 the boats came back empty, so we were happy.
June 10, 2024
Blue Marlin are the giants of our waters, with females reaching up to 1,800 pounds. These cobalt-blue beauties prefer warm, deep waters and are often found near the drop-offs around Kona. Summer's your best bet for hooking into one. Blues are famous for their spectacular aerial displays and powerful runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. Anglers come from all over chasing the dream of landing a "grander" - a marlin over 1,000 pounds. Their meat is good eating, but most folks release these magnificent fish. To up your odds, troll large lures or skip baits like ballyhoo on the surface. Watch for working birds, they'll often lead you to marlin feeding on bait schools. When you hook up, hang on tight and be ready for the fight of your life.

Mahi Mahi are the acrobats of our offshore waters. These colorful fish typically run 15-30 pounds, with some bulls pushing 60. You'll find them near floating debris and weed lines, often in pairs or small schools. They're available year-round, but spring and summer are peak seasons. Mahi are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, making them a blast to catch. Anglers love their hard fights and delicious, mild-flavored meat. To target Mahi, troll small lures or live bait near floating objects. Keep an eye out for frigate birds - they often lead you right to feeding Mahi. Once you find a school, you can often keep them near the boat by leaving one hooked fish in the water. It's a great way to catch several from the same group.

Shortbill Spearfish are lean, powerful fish that typically run 50-75 inches long. They're known for their dark upper body, silvery-white belly, and distinctive short bill. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, often near the surface. These guys are fast swimmers and put up an exciting fight. Spring and summer are prime seasons to target them around Kona. Anglers love Shortbills for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. Their meat is similar to marlin but with a more pronounced flavor. To improve your chances, try trolling with small lures or live bait like squid near floating debris or current edges. Keep an eye out for frigate birds - they often lead you right to feeding Shortbills. When you hook one, be ready for some serious action on light tackle.

Striped Marlin are the speed demons of our local billfish. These beauties typically run 100-200 pounds and are known for their stunning blue stripes and long, pointed bills. You'll find them in our warmer offshore waters, often near the surface. Late winter through spring is prime Striped Marlin season around Kona. Anglers love these fish for their incredible acrobatics - they'll dance across the water, tail-walking and leaping. Their meat is good eating too, often used for sushi. To target Stripeys, try trolling with smaller lures or live bait like skipjack tuna. Keep a sharp eye out - these fish often "fin" on the surface, giving away their location. When you spot one, a well-placed cast can lead to an explosive strike. Be ready for some serious action when you hook up - these fish are all about speed and agility.

Yellowfin Tuna, or 'Ahi' as we call them here, are powerhouses that'll test any angler. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 30-100 pounds, with some giants topping 200. You'll find them in the upper 330 feet of water, often following dolphin pods or hanging near floating objects. Late spring through fall is prime Yellowfin season around Kona. These fish are prized for their long, screaming runs and delicious meat that's perfect for sashimi or grilling. To target Yellowfins, try trolling with skirted lures or live bait. When you spot birds working or tuna busting on the surface, get ready for some fast action. Here's a local tip: if the fish are being finicky, try "chunking" - cut up some bait and toss it overboard to draw them to the boat. It's a great way to get a bite when nothing else is working.

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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
We have been coming to Kona for 14 years.Many different boats, but the silky is the best. Captain Dave and William. Put us on 2 blues and a striped marlin the best day on the water by far. The boat is setup so everyone has a comfortable space. The bridge has ample room for all unlike most boats