World Class 8 Hour Private Charter in Lihue Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour private charter targets Blue Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna35foot Bertram accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably offshoreFullday deep water fishing experience in Lihue waters
Nothing beats the feeling of heading out at dawn on Kauai's deep blue waters, knowing you've got eight full hours to chase some of the Pacific's most prized game fish. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. With Blue Water Fishing LLC's private charter, you and up to five of your crew get the entire 35-foot Bertram to yourselves, giving you the space and freedom to fish the way you want. The 6:00 AM start time puts you on prime fishing grounds just as the water comes alive, and trust me, that's when the magic happens off Lihue's coast.
Your day starts early, but for good reason. By the time most folks are having their morning coffee, you'll already be cutting through glassy waters toward some of Kauai's most productive fishing zones. The 35-foot Bertram isn't just a pretty boat – it's built for serious offshore fishing with plenty of cockpit space for everyone to fish comfortably without bumping elbows. The steady ride means even if you're not the strongest sea legs in the group, you'll be able to focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. Eight hours gives you the luxury of moving between different areas, adjusting tactics as conditions change, and really putting in the time it takes to connect with trophy-sized fish. Don't expect to just drift around – this is active fishing where you'll be working lures, watching the fish finder, and staying ready for that screaming reel.
Out here, we're primarily trolling, which means dragging lures behind the boat at varying speeds and depths to mimic injured baitfish. The Bertram comes rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from a feisty mahi to a monster marlin. You'll be running multiple lines with different lure combinations – some closer to the surface for mahi and wahoo, others deeper for tuna. The captain knows exactly where to position those lures in the spread, and part of the fun is learning why certain colors work better on different days or how water temperature affects where fish are holding. When something hits, the drill is simple but exciting: clear the other lines, get the angler in the fighting chair if needed, and work that fish to the boat. The crew handles all the technical stuff, but you'll be doing the heavy lifting when it comes to the actual fight.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate prize in these waters, and Kauai's deep blue offshore zones are exactly where these apex predators cruise. These fish are pure power – we're talking 200 to 600 pounds of raw muscle that can strip line faster than you'd believe and launch themselves completely out of the water. Peak season runs from May through September, but honestly, marlin can show up any month around Kauai. What makes them special isn't just the size, it's the fight. A big blue will test every bit of your endurance and the boat's tackle. Most anglers say hooking their first marlin is a life-changing experience, and I've seen grown men shake with adrenaline after a 30-minute battle.
Yellowfin Tuna might not jump like marlin, but pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish in the ocean. These torpedo-shaped speedsters typically range from 40 to 150 pounds in local waters, with the occasional giant pushing 200-plus. They're most active during summer months, but fall can produce some of the biggest fish as they bulk up. What makes yellowfin special is their incredible stamina – they'll pull drag for what feels like forever, making long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. Plus, they're absolutely delicious, so you're looking at both an amazing fight and some of the best sashimi you'll ever taste.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish, are the crowd-pleasers of offshore fishing. They're gorgeous fish with brilliant gold and green colors that light up when they're hooked, and they put on an aerial show that rivals any marlin. Most mahi around Kauai run 10 to 30 pounds, though bigger bulls can hit 50-plus. They're often found in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Spring through fall tends to be prime time, especially around floating debris or FADs (fish aggregating devices). Kids and first-time offshore anglers absolutely love mahi because they're aggressive biters and spectacular fighters without being overwhelming.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the reef, capable of hitting 60 mph and known for their blistering initial runs. These sleek predators typically weigh 20 to 60 pounds around Kauai and have some of the sharpest teeth in the ocean – they'll slice through wire leaders like butter if you're not careful. Fall and winter months tend to produce the best wahoo action, and they're often caught while targeting other species. What makes them exciting is their unpredictability – one second your lure is trolling peacefully, the next it's getting annihilated by a fish moving faster than your boat. The meat is white, flaky, and absolutely delicious on the grill.
Striped Marlin are smaller cousins to blues but no less exciting to catch. Running 80 to 200 pounds typically, they're incredibly acrobatic and tend to spend more time in the air than in the water once hooked. Winter months from December through April are prime time for stripers around Kauai, and they're often more cooperative than blue marlin when it comes to taking baits and lures. Many anglers actually prefer striped marlin for their consistency and spectacular jumps – they'll tailwalk across the surface and throw themselves in every direction imaginable.
Step aboard our classic 1976 35-foot Bertram Cruiser for serious deep-sea fishing off Kauai's legendary waters. This proven fishing machine packs twin 190hp Isuzu engines that'll get you to the productive grounds where Blue Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna roam. With room for up to 6 anglers, the spacious cockpit gives everyone plenty of elbow room when the action heats up. The onboard fish finder helps locate the hotspots while GPS keeps you on course. At a steady 10-knot cruise, you'll cover serious water without burning through fuel. The stable Bertram hull handles Kauai's swells like a champ, so you can focus on working the lines instead of fighting seasickness. Plus there's a head onboard for those long 8-hour days chasing trophy fish. This boat's been putting anglers on fish for decades.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants we're all chasing - females can hit 1,000+ pounds while males top out around 350. These apex predators cruise the deep blue water beyond the shelf, usually in 400+ feet. We see them year-round here in Kauai, but summer months tend to be most productive when the water warms up. What makes them special is that legendary fight - they'll jump, run, and test every piece of gear you've got. The meat's decent but it's really about the battle. Here's a local tip: when you see one following your lures, resist the urge to speed up. Keep that trolling speed steady at 8-9 knots and let them make the decision to strike.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most reliable fish we target, averaging 15-30 pounds with the occasional 40-pounder showing up. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-1,000 feet of water. Best action happens April through October when they're most active. What guests love about mahi is the vibrant colors - bright gold and electric blue that put on a light show when they come to the boat. Plus, they're absolutely delicious eating with firm white meat. They fight hard but tire quicker than billfish. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water for a few minutes - mahi are schooling fish and that hooked fish will often call in its buddies for multiple hookups.
Kajikia AudaxStriped marlin are the acrobats of the billfish family, averaging 100-200 pounds with those distinctive pale blue stripes that stay visible even after they're landed. They prefer the upper water column in 300-2,000 feet, often near temperature breaks and current edges. Best fishing runs from spring through fall when water temps are optimal. What sets them apart is their spectacular jumping ability - they'll put on an aerial show that's second to none. The meat's excellent too, similar to swordfish but with more flavor. They're generally easier to handle than big blues. Local secret: when you spot one following your spread, try dropping back a live bait on a circle hook about 100 feet behind the boat. They often prefer that natural presentation.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons that'll test your reflexes - they hit lures at 40+ mph and can stretch 5-6 feet, averaging 20-40 pounds. We find them in open blue water, often around 200-600 feet deep near current edges and drop-offs. Peak season runs May through October, though we catch them sporadically year-round. What makes wahoo special is that blistering initial run and the fact they're incredible table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. They're called "ono" here, which means delicious in Hawaiian. Here's the key: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders because their razor teeth will slice through mono like butter. Most strikes happen within the first few seconds of dropping your lures back.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are powerful schooling fish that average 40-80 pounds, though we occasionally see fish over 200. They cruise in schools through deep water, typically 300+ feet, following baitfish and temperature breaks. We catch them consistently year-round, but fall months often produce the biggest fish. Guests love yellowfin for two reasons - they fight like freight trains with long, punishing runs, and the sashimi-grade meat is worth its weight in gold. These warm-blooded fish can hit 50 mph, so be ready. When you mark fish on the sonar but trolling isn't working, try dropping jigs down deep. Yellowfin will often sit 100-200 feet below the surface and won't come up for surface lures.
Kauai