Private Kauai Fishing Charter - 4 Hour Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 4hour charter aboard classic 35foot Bertram vesselTarget prized Marlin and Wahoo in Lihue watersAccommodates groups up to 6 guests with morning departure
Step aboard our classic 35-foot Bertram and get ready for some serious offshore action around Lihue's legendary fishing grounds. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – we're talking about a private 4-hour fishing trip that's all yours, with room for up to 6 anglers. Starting at 10am, you'll have the perfect morning window to hit the productive waters where marlin patrol and wahoo make their lightning-fast runs. Our Bertram is built for this kind of work – stable, comfortable, and equipped with everything you need to tangle with Kauai's top gamefish.
When you roll up to the dock at 10am, you'll see why serious anglers choose this setup. The 35-foot Bertram has been the gold standard for offshore fishing for decades – these boats cut through swells like butter and give you a rock-solid platform when you're fighting fish. We'll cruise out to the productive blue water drop-offs where the current lines hold baitfish, and that's where the magic happens. The morning bite is prime time around here, especially when the trade winds are light and the water's got that deep blue color that screams gamefish. You'll be trolling the ledges and seamounts where marlin cruise and mahi gather around floating debris. The boat's got plenty of shade, comfortable seating, and all the safety gear – but more importantly, it's rigged with quality tackle that can handle whatever decides to eat your lure.
We run a spread of lures designed to trigger strikes from Kauai's most sought-after species. Picture this: four to six lines working behind the boat, each one strategically positioned to cover different depths and attract different fish. We'll have diving plugs running deep for wahoo, surface lures that create a commotion for marlin, and everything in between for mahi and tuna. The boat's outfitted with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy monofilament and fluorocarbon leaders that can handle the teeth and bills of these predators. When something hits, you'll know it – the reel screams, the rod bends, and that's when the real fun starts. We fish the drop-offs and current edges where warm water meets cooler upwelling, creating the perfect feeding zones. The key is staying mobile and reading the water – looking for birds, color changes, and floating debris that concentrates baitfish.
Blue marlin are the ultimate prize in these waters, and Kauai's north shore drop-offs are legendary marlin territory. These fish average 200-400 pounds but can push well over 600, and they're known for their acrobatic fights – jumping, tail-walking, and making blistering runs that'll test your stamina. Peak season runs from May through September, but we see marlin year-round when conditions are right. What makes catching a blue so special is the sheer power and unpredictability – one minute you're trolling peacefully, the next you're watching 300 pounds of marlin cartwheeling across the surface.
Mahi mahi are the crowd-pleasers that'll keep your arms burning and your camera busy. These brilliant yellow and green speedsters typically run 15-40 pounds around Kauai, though bull dolphins can hit 50-plus. They love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, often traveling in schools that can provide non-stop action. Mahi are aggressive feeders that'll attack lures with reckless abandon, and their aerial displays are second to none. Best part? They're fantastic table fare, so you'll be eating fresh fish tacos that night.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep – think of them as underwater missiles with razor-sharp teeth. These sleek predators can hit 60+ mph and typically weigh 20-60 pounds in local waters. They're notorious for their initial run that'll strip line faster than you can blink, followed by a determined fight that showcases their incredible strength. Wahoo prefer the deeper blue water along drop-offs and are most active during low-light periods, making our morning departure time perfect for targeting them.
Yellowfin tuna are the marathon fighters that'll test your endurance like no other fish. These powerhouses typically range from 40-150 pounds around Kauai and are famous for their deep, sustained runs that can last 20-30 minutes. They're schooling fish that often feed in areas with lots of baitfish activity, and when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Yellowfin are also premium eating – sashimi-grade meat that rivals anything you'll find in top restaurants.
Striped marlin are the smaller, more acrobatic cousins of blue marlin, typically running 80-150 pounds in these waters. They're incredibly athletic fighters known for their spectacular jumps and long runs. Striped marlin are often more cooperative than blues when it comes to taking lures, especially during the winter months when they're more prevalent around the islands. Their lightning-fast strikes and aerial displays make them a favorite among anglers who want billfish action with slightly more predictable odds.
This private 4-hour charter gives you the perfect window to experience Kauai's world-class offshore fishing without the crowds or compromises of shared trips. You're getting a proven boat, prime morning fishing time, and access to some of the most productive marlin and gamefish waters in the Pacific. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check billfish off your bucket list or a group wanting to experience the rush of big game fishing, this charter delivers the goods. The Bertram platform ensures you'll fish in comfort and safety, while the private setup means we can adjust tactics and timing to match your group's preferences.
Step aboard our classic 35-foot Bertram Cruiser and experience serious offshore fishing around Kauai's pristine waters. This well-maintained 1976 vessel combs the deep blue at a comfortable 10 knots, powered by reliable twin 190hp Isuzu engines that get you to the fish without burning through your day. Built for fishing, this Bertram handles Kauai's offshore conditions like a champ. The spacious cockpit gives your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work the lines when targeting trophy Marlin and lightning-fast Wahoo. Our GPS navigation system gets you to the productive waters quickly, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the big ones lurk. The boat comes equipped with everything you need for a productive morning on the water, including a head for convenience during those longer battles. Starting at 10am gives you prime fishing time when the bite is typically most active. This classic sportfisher has been putting anglers on fish for decades around Lihue's waters, offering the perfect blend of vintage charm and fishing functionality that serious anglers appreciate.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants of Hawaiian waters, with females reaching over 1,000 pounds - we call those "granders." Males stay smaller, usually under 350 pounds. These apex predators cruise the deep blue water beyond the reef, using their spear-like bills to stun tuna and other baitfish. Year-round fishing here in Kauai, but summer months tend to be most productive when water temps climb. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they'll jump, dive deep, and test every piece of your gear. The meat's decent but it's really about the battle. Pro tip: when you see one "lit up" with those electric blue stripes, get ready - that's an angry fish about to make a serious run.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of our most reliable catches, averaging 15-30 pounds with that brilliant gold and green coloring. They love floating debris and current lines in open water, usually in the top 100 feet. Best action happens when water temps are warm, which is pretty much year-round here in Kauai. Guests love them because they fight hard, jump often, and make fantastic table fare - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They mature fast and spawn multiple times a year, so they're plentiful. Look for frigate birds diving on bait schools - that's where you'll find mahi underneath. Local trick: once you hook one, keep other lines in the water since they travel in schools.
Kajikia AudaxStriped marlin are the most beautiful billfish you'll encounter, with those pale blue stripes that stay visible even after the fight. They average 200-300 pounds and have a more slender build than blues. These fish prefer the warmer months here, roughly April through September, cruising in open water where current lines meet. They're incredible jumpers and acrobats, making them a favorite for sport fishing. The meat's actually quite good - firmer than blue marlin with a more pronounced flavor. They're often found following schools of skipjack tuna, so when you see bird activity over small tunas, striped marlin might be below. Here's what works: set up multiple lines with live bait to draw in skipjack first, then wait for the marlin to show up hunting.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons that'll test your drag system - they hit lures at 12-15 knots and can hit 60 mph when hooked. Most run 20-40 pounds, but 60-pounders show up regularly. They cruise open water around 60 feet deep, often near floating objects or current breaks. Peak season here runs May through October, though we see them year-round. What makes them special is that blistering initial run and excellent eating - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. Wire leaders are essential since their razor teeth will slice through anything else. Here's the local secret: when wahoo are being picky, switch to a smaller ballyhoo on a diving plug and slow your troll speed to 8 knots. Sometimes that change in presentation triggers the bite.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the workhorses of our waters, typically running 40-80 pounds with those distinctive bright yellow fins. They're warm-blooded fish that cruise the upper water column, usually in the top 300 feet. We find them year-round in Kauai, but summer months are most consistent. What guests love is the powerful fight - they'll make long, deep runs that'll burn your arms. Plus, they're prime sashimi grade when handled right. They travel in schools and feed heavily on flying fish and smaller tunas. Pro tip from years out here: when you mark fish deep but nothing's biting on the surface, bring in the trolling spread and drop some heavy jigs down. Often they're feeding below the thermocline.
Kauai