Get ready for an action-packed day on the deep blue waters off Kailua-Kona. This private charter is tailor-made for serious anglers looking to tangle with some of Hawaii's most prized gamefish. We're talking monster Blue Marlin, acrobatic Mahi Mahi, and hard-fighting Yellowfin Tuna. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to put you on the fish of a lifetime. So grab your sunscreen and get ready to experience some of the best big game fishing the Pacific has to offer.
We'll shove off from Kailua-Kona harbor bright and early, aiming to hit the offshore grounds when the bite is hottest. Once we're in prime territory, we'll set out a spread of lures and start trolling. Keep your eyes peeled for birds working the surface - that's often a dead giveaway for schools of tuna or mahi below. When a reel starts screaming, it's game on! Whether you're an old salt or new to offshore fishing, our crew will be right there to coach you through the fight. Between bites, soak in the stunning views of the Kona coastline and maybe even spot some spinner dolphins or pilot whales.
We'll be using a mix of proven trolling techniques to cover water and find the fish. Expect to see a spread of artificial lures, skirted ballyhoo, and maybe even some live bait if conditions are right. Our boat is rigged with top-of-the-line Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy braided line - perfect for muscling in those big pelagics. Don't sweat it if you're not familiar with the gear, our crew will walk you through everything. And hey, if you want to take a breather from fishing, we can always swing by Kealakekua Bay for some world-class snorkeling. Just remember to grab that non-resident fishing license before you come aboard - it's required for all anglers over 16.
Blue Marlin: The crown jewel of Kona fishing, Blue Marlin are the stuff of legends. These ocean giants can top 1,000 pounds and put on spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Summer and early fall are prime time for Blues, but they can be caught year-round in Kona. Landing one of these bad boys will give you bragging rights for life.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as Dorado or dolphinfish, Mahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. They're known for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat. Look for them near floating debris or weedlines. Mahi fishing is usually best in the spring and summer months.
Yellowfin Tuna: Locally known as Ahi, these torpedo-shaped speedsters can really make a reel sing. They school up in the warm Kona waters, often mixing with other species like Skipjack. Yellowfin are great eating and can reach weights over 200 pounds. Peak season is typically late spring through summer.
Shortbill Spearfish: A smaller cousin of the marlin, Shortbill Spearfish are prized for their tasty meat and feisty fights. They're usually caught while trolling for other species and can be found year-round in Kona waters.
Striped Marlin: While not as massive as their Blue Marlin cousins, Striped Marlin are still impressive gamefish that put on a great show. They're more common in the cooler winter months and are known for their beautiful coloration.
Kona isn't called the marlin capital of the world for nothing. The deep waters just offshore provide the perfect habitat for big pelagic species, and the fishing pressure is relatively light compared to other famous sportfishing destinations. Our year-round good weather means you can wet a line any time, and the scenery ain't too shabby either. From watching the sun rise over Mauna Loa to spotting breaching humpbacks in the winter months, a day on the water here is about more than just filling the fish box (though we'll do our best to make that happen too).
If you're serious about offshore fishing, this Kailua-Kona charter should be at the top of your bucket list. We've got the knowledge, the gear, and the determination to put you on fish - all you need to bring is a good attitude and maybe a camera to document your catch of a lifetime. Remember, while we can't guarantee fish (that's why they call it fishing, not catching), we can promise an unforgettable day on some of the most productive waters in the Pacific. So what are you waiting for? Grab your crew, book your date, and get ready for the offshore adventure of a lifetime. The big ones are out there waiting - let's go find 'em!
Blue Marlin are the heavyweight champs of our Kona waters. Females can top 1,000 pounds, while males usually max out around 300. These apex predators prowl the deep blue offshore, hunting tuna and other large fish. Spring and summer are prime Blue Marlin season here, but we can hook them year-round. Anglers come from all over chasing the dream of landing a "grander" - a marlin over 1,000 pounds. Blues are known for their incredible strength and stamina. When hooked, they'll make blistering runs and launch into acrobatic leaps that'll have your heart racing. Their meat is good eating too, similar to swordfish. To target Blues, we'll troll big lures or live bait like skipjack tuna. My top tip: when you see one in the spread, don't hesitate - drop back that bait and get ready for the fight of your life.
Mahi Mahi are one of the most exciting fish to catch in Kona waters. These colorful speedsters average 15-30 pounds but can top 60. You'll find them year-round in our warm offshore waters, often near floating debris or weed lines. Mahi are famous for their acrobatics - they'll leap and tail-walk across the surface when hooked. Anglers love targeting them for their hard fights and delicious meat. The flesh is mild and sweet, perfect for grilling or sashimi. Spring and summer are prime Mahi seasons, but we catch them all year. To boost your chances, troll small lures or live bait near floating objects. Keep an eye out for frigate birds, as they often signal Mahi feeding below. When you hook one, get ready for some high-flying action. My local tip: if you see one Mahi, there's usually more nearby, so keep your lines in and work the area.
Shortbill Spearfish are lean, powerful fish that pack a punch for their size. They average 50-75 inches long and can weigh up to 115 pounds. You'll find them in our warm offshore waters year-round, but they're most active in spring and summer. These guys hang out near the surface, often around floating debris or current edges. Anglers love targeting Shortbills for their acrobatic fights - they'll leap and greyhound across the surface when hooked. Their meat is similar to marlin, with a firm texture and pronounced flavor that's great for grilling. To up your chances, troll with small lures or live bait like squid or ballyhoo. Keep an eye out for frigate birds, as they often signal Shortbills feeding below. When you hook one, be ready for some speedy runs and impressive aerial displays. It's a thrill you won't soon forget.
Striped Marlin are the acrobats of our Kona billfish. These sleek, beautiful fish typically range from 100 to 200 pounds, with some pushing 300. You'll find them in our offshore waters year-round, but winter and spring are peak seasons. Striped Marlin are known for their incredible aerial displays - they'll leap and greyhound across the surface when hooked, putting on a show you won't forget. Anglers prize them for their hard fights and their meat, which is excellent for grilling or sashimi. We usually troll for Stripers with lures or live bait like skipjack tuna. Keep an eye out for them "tailing" on the surface, especially on calm days. Here's a local tip: when you see one, cast a live bait ahead of its path. Striped Marlin often travel in pairs or small groups, so stay alert for more action after hooking up.
Yellowfin Tuna, or "Ahi" as we call them here, are one of Kona's prized catches. These torpedo-shaped powerhouses average 60-100 pounds, but giants over 200 aren't uncommon. You'll find them in our deep offshore waters year-round, but summer and fall are prime seasons. Yellowfin hunt in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Anglers love Yellowfin for their blistering runs and delicious meat - it's top-grade for sashimi and grilling. We typically troll for them with lures or live bait, but chunking can be effective too. When a school is feeding on the surface, casting poppers can lead to explosive strikes. Here's a local tip: watch for bird activity, especially frigate birds. They often signal tuna feeding below. When you hook up, be ready for a battle - Yellowfin are known for their stamina and can test even experienced anglers.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: J&T Detroit Diesel
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 485