Ready to chase some serious pelagics off the Kona coast? This full-day offshore charter puts you right in the action zone for trophy fish like Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, and Mahi Mahi. We'll cruise out to the productive waters where these giants roam, giving you a solid 8 hours to work the deep blue. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time going after the big boys, our pro crew will make sure you're in the game. We've got morning and midday departures to fit your schedule, and with a max of 6 guests, there's plenty of deck space to work those dream fish when they hit.
Once we clear the harbor, it's time to set lines and keep our eyes peeled. We'll be trolling primarily, dragging a spread of lures that mimic the baitfish these predators love. The boat's equipped with top-notch gear - heavy-duty rods, big-game reels, and a mix of artificial lures and natural baits. Don't sweat it if you're new to this style of fishing; the crew will walk you through everything from setting the drag to proper fighting techniques. When that reel starts screaming, trust me, your adrenaline will kick in fast. These fish put up one heck of a fight, so be ready for some serious action when you're on the rod.
Kona's offshore waters are legendary for a reason. The deep water comes in close to shore here, meaning we don't have to run for hours to hit the good spots. You've got a shot at landing some real monsters - we're talking Blue Marlin pushing 1,000 pounds, Yellowfin Tuna over 200 pounds, and hard-fighting Mahi Mahi that'll test your stamina. The scenery ain't bad either; on a clear day, you can see Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea towering over the island. Plus, there's always the chance of spotting dolphins, whales (in season), or even the odd sea turtle. It's that perfect mix of relaxing on the water and heart-pounding excitement when the fish decide to play.
While every day on the water is different, we've been seeing some solid action lately. The Blue Marlin bite has been pretty consistent, with a few real giants mixed in. Yellowfin Tuna schools have been showing up, giving us some great topwater action early in the day. Mahi Mahi (Dorado) have been hanging around the floating debris, and man, do they put on a show when hooked. We've also been getting into some nice Wahoo (Ono) - they're like rockets when they hit the lure. Remember, it's all about being in the right place at the right time, but that's where our local knowledge comes in handy.
Blue Marlin: The crown jewel of big game fishing. These ocean giants can top 1,000 pounds and put on an incredible aerial display when hooked. They're here year-round, but peak season is usually summer through fall. Landing a Blue is the ultimate offshore trophy, and Kona's waters are world-renowned for producing giants.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as Dorado, these neon-colored speedsters are a blast to catch. They often travel in pairs or small schools, and they're famous for their acrobatic leaps. Mahi are great eating fish too, so they're always a welcome catch. Look for them near floating debris or weed lines.
Wahoo Fish: Locally called Ono, these sleek predators are like the cheetahs of the sea. They're incredibly fast and known for blistering runs that can smoke a reel if you're not careful. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth, so we use wire leaders when targeting them. They're most common in late summer and fall, but you can hook them year-round.
Shortbill Spearfish: A smaller cousin of the marlin, Shortbills are prized for their fight and their excellent table fare. They're not as common as some other species, so landing one is always special. These guys tend to hit lures trolled a bit deeper and are more prevalent in the winter and spring months.
Yellowcheek Wrasse: While not a primary target for offshore trips, you might spot these colorful reef fish if we pass over some structure. They're known for their vibrant patterns and are a favorite among snorkelers and divers. It's always cool to see the diversity of marine life out here, even when we're focused on the big game.
Look, if you're itching for some world-class big game fishing, Kona's offshore waters are hard to beat. This full-day trip gives you the best shot at tangling with some real sea monsters. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we'll put you on the fish. Whether you're dreaming of that grander Blue Marlin or just want to fill the cooler with some tasty Mahi, we've got you covered. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your sun protection, some snacks, and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. The big ones are out there - let's go find 'em!
Blue Marlin are the giants of the billfish world, with females reaching up to 1,800 pounds and 16 feet long. Males are much smaller, usually under 350 pounds. These powerful fish are known for their cobalt blue coloring and long, spear-like bill. We find them in Kona's warm offshore waters year-round, but summer's usually best. Blue Marlin are prized for their incredible strength and acrobatic fights - they'll leap and tailwalk across the surface. Trolling with artificial lures or live bait is the way to go. Keep your eyes peeled for birds working the water - that's often a sign of marlin feeding below. When you hook one, be ready for a battle. These fish can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. It's an experience you won't forget!
Mahi Mahi, also called dorado, are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here. They're known for their golden sides with bright blue and green patterns. Most we catch are 15-30 pounds, but they can get up to 80. Look for them near floating debris or weed lines in our warm offshore waters. They're fast growers and spawn year-round, so we can target them any time. Mahi are popular for both their acrobatic fights and excellent eating quality. They'll jump and run, giving you a real thrill on light tackle. When you're out there, keep an eye out for frigate birds - they'll often lead you to mahi feeding on the surface. Fresh or live bait works great, but they'll hit lures too. The meat is mild and sweet, perfect for grilling or fish tacos.
Shortbill Spearfish are sleek, powerful fish that can reach up to 7 feet long, though most we catch are around 5-6 feet. They're known for their lean bodies and, true to their name, the shortest bill of any billfish. Look for that dark band across the upper body with silvery-white below. These guys are surface feeders, typically found in warm offshore currents. Spring and summer are prime seasons here in Kona. Anglers love targeting them for their acrobatic fights - they'll jump and tail-walk across the surface. The meat is similar to marlin, with a pronounced flavor that's great for grilling. When you're out there, keep an eye on the outriggers. Spearfish often hit hard and fast, so be ready to grab that rod quick!
Wahoo, or ono as we call them here in Hawaii, are sleek, torpedo-shaped fish known for their blazing speed - they can hit 60 mph in short bursts. Most we catch are 3-5 feet long, but they can grow up to 8 feet and 180 pounds. Look for them in our offshore waters, often near the surface. May to October is prime wahoo season here in Kona. Anglers love targeting them for their blistering runs and tasty white meat. High-speed trolling with lures is the go-to method. We'll often run a spread of 4-6 lures at 12-15 knots. When a wahoo hits, hang on tight - they're known for violent strikes and powerful initial runs. Wire leaders are a must, as their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. The meat is firm and mild, perfect for grilling or sashimi.
Yellowcheek Wrasse are small but colorful fish, usually maxing out around 11 inches. You'll spot them by their bright blue-green bodies with yellow bands. These guys hang out near coral reefs, usually in depths of 65 to 300 feet. They're not really a target species for us, but you might see them while bottom fishing. Juveniles are actually "cleaner fish" - they set up stations to pick parasites off larger fish. Adults graze on small crustaceans and worms. While they're not much of a game fish, they're popular for aquariums because of those vibrant colors. If you do hook one, use a light tackle setup. Fresh mussels or worms work well as bait. Just remember to release them gently at water level if you're not keeping them.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: 6bta 5.9l Cummins Diesel
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 330