Extended Half Day Kona Offshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6-hour offshore charter targeting marlin, tuna, and mahi mahiCaptain Chuck Wilson provides fully equipped boat for 6 guestsMorning departures with fighting chairs and snorkeling gear included
Captain Chuck Wilson knows these Kona waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish of a lifetime. The FIRE HATT isn't your typical charter boat – she's a serious fishing machine built for one thing: getting you hooked up with some of the Pacific's most sought-after gamefish. This 6-hour extended half-day puts you right in the heart of Kona's legendary fishing grounds, where the deep blue water comes close to shore and the big fish patrol year-round. You'll be targeting the heavy hitters – Blue Marlin that can tip the scales over 400 pounds, lightning-fast Wahoo, acrobatic Mahi Mahi, and Bluefin Tuna that'll test your drag system to the max.
Your day kicks off early with a 6:30 AM or 7:00 AM departure from Kailua-Kona – trust me, the fish bite best when most folks are still hitting the snooze button. Captain Chuck and his first mate will have the boat prepped and ready, with fresh bait in the tanks and all the tackle rigged up. The FIRE HATT is set up for serious fishing with proper fighting chairs that'll keep you locked in when a monster marlin decides to go ballistic on the other end of your line. We're talking about a fully equipped sportfisher that can handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the whole family or a crew of fishing buddies, everyone gets their shot at the action. The boat's loaded with everything you need – from live bait tanks to keep the ahi jumping, to snorkeling gear if you want to cool off between bites. Captain Chuck holds his Coast Guard certification and knows how to read these waters better than anyone, so you're in safe hands while chasing the fish of your dreams.
We'll be running a spread of lures and live bait that's proven to work in these waters. The technique here is all about covering water and presenting baits at different depths – some running shallow where the Mahi Mahi cruise, others deeper where the big Ahi hang out. Captain Chuck runs a tight trolling pattern along the drop-offs and seamounts that make Kona famous worldwide. The water here is special – it goes from 50 feet to over 1,000 feet deep just a few miles from shore, creating the perfect hunting grounds for pelagic species. You'll be using circle hooks for conservation and heavy tackle that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. The fighting chairs are positioned perfectly so you can pump and wind effectively when you're locked into a fish. Live bait fishing is where things get really exciting – when a Blue Marlin comes up behind a live ahi, the water explodes like a bomb went off. The first mate will coach you through the fight, helping with the gaff when it's time to boat your fish, or making sure everything goes smoothly if you decide to release your catch.
Blue Marlin are the kings of these waters, and Kona is hands-down one of the best places on the planet to hook one. These fish average 200-400 pounds but can push over 1,000 pounds if you're really lucky. Peak season runs from May through September, but don't count them out any time of year – I've seen granders caught in January. When a Blue Marlin eats your bait, you'll know it instantly. They'll either slam it and take off like a freight train, or they'll come up behind the boat and light up like a neon sign before crushing your lure. The fights are legendary – these fish will jump, sound deep, and test every knot in your tackle. Most anglers choose to release these magnificent fish, but either way, you'll have photos and memories that'll last forever.
Bluefin Tuna are the speed demons of the deep, and when they're around, the action gets hot fast. These fish school up and can weigh anywhere from 30 to over 200 pounds in Kona waters. They're most active during the cooler months but can show up any time the bait is thick. Bluefin fight completely different from marlin – they're pure muscle and endurance, making long runs and then going deep where they'll just pull. The meat is world-class sashimi grade, so if you're keeping fish for dinner, this is your target. Captain Chuck knows where to find the schools, often working bird activity and temperature breaks where the fish concentrate.
Mahi Mahi bring the acrobatics and the color show that makes everyone on the boat grab their cameras. These beautiful fish are around year-round but peak from spring through fall. They love floating debris, so we'll often work patches of seaweed or any flotsam we spot. Mahi are aggressive feeders and will hit lures, live bait, or even flies if they're fired up. The best part is they usually travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's a good chance there are more around. They'll jump and tail-walk across the surface, showing off those electric green and yellow colors. Great eating fish too – probably the most popular table fare we catch out here.
Shortbill Spearfish are like smaller versions of marlin but with their own attitude. They're around all year in Kona and are actually more common than most people realize. These fish typically run 20-40 pounds and are absolute rockets when hooked. They'll jump repeatedly and make blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. Many anglers mistake them for small marlin at first, but the shorter bill gives them away. They're fantastic sport fish and excellent eating, making them a favorite target for many local captains.
Wahoo are the speed freaks of the ocean, capable of hitting 60 mph when they want to. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and a bite that'll cut
The 43' Hatteras FIRE HATT cuts through Kona's deep blue waters with authority, powered by twin 509 HP Caterpillar engines that get you to the fishing grounds fast. This fully restored 2021 sportfisher handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, featuring everything serious fishermen need - fighting chair for battling marlin, live bait tank for fresh offerings, and outriggers rigged for trolling. The flybridge gives your captain clear sightlines while scanning for fish, backed up by radar and fish finder technology. Between strikes, stay cool with onboard AC, grab cold drinks from the fridge, and use the head when needed. The galley keeps snacks handy during long fights with tuna or wahoo. Built for Kona's offshore waters where blue marlin roam and mahi mahi run, this Hatteras combines fishing performance with creature comforts that make six-hour trips feel smooth.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the kings of Kona's offshore waters - these are the fish that put us on the sportfishing map. The females can hit 400-1000+ pounds while males stay smaller around 200-300. We call the thousand-pounders "granders" and they're every angler's dream. You'll find them cruising the deep blue water along current breaks and drop-offs, usually within 5-20 miles offshore. Peak season runs April through September when the water warms up and bait moves in. What guests love is the raw power and those famous jumps - a hooked marlin putting on an aerial show is something you'll never forget. The fight can last hours on the big ones. Here in Kona, we've perfected trolling with artificial lures that skip on the surface. My tip: when you get a strike, resist the urge to set the hook hard - let the fish eat and load up first, then come tight gradually. That extra patience lands more fish.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the ultimate test of angler and tackle - these torpedo-shaped powerhouses average 100-300 pounds around Hawaii and can dive over 1000 feet deep. Their metallic blue backs and silver sides are beautiful, but it's their strength that gets your attention fast. We find them in deep water near seamounts and current breaks, often mixed with skipjack schools. They're around year-round but best fishing typically runs fall through spring when water temps cool slightly. What guests love is the raw power and endurance - these fish can fight for hours with deep runs and bulldogging strength that'll wear you out. The meat is world-famous for sushi and sashimi - there's nothing quite like fresh bluefin. They're heavily regulated so we follow all federal guidelines. My tip for landing one: use circle hooks with live bait and be patient on the hookset. Let them eat the bait completely before coming tight, and once hooked, settle in for a long fight - don't try to rush these fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy and great eating - those golden sides with electric blue and green flashes make for some amazing photos. Most run 15-30 pounds and 3-4 feet, though we see some bulls pushing 50+ pounds. They love hanging under floating debris, weed lines, and around our Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs). These fish grow fast and hit hard, making them perfect for families and newer anglers wanting steady action. Best months are typically May through October when they school up in good numbers. What people love is they fight clean - lots of jumps and runs but they come to the boat pretty quick. The white, flaky meat is fantastic grilled or as fish tacos. Local tip: when you find one mahi, there's usually more around. Keep some live bait ready because once we land the first fish, I'll toss out a second line immediately - they travel in small groups and the commotion often fires up the rest of the school.
Tetrapturus AngustirostrisShortbill spearfish are one of the more unique catches you'll find in Kona waters - they're like the sleek cousins of marlin but with that distinctive short bill that barely extends past their lower jaw. Most run 50-75 inches and fight with surprising power for their lean build. You'll spot them by their dark upper body and bright white belly, plus that tall dorsal fin. They hang out in deep, warm offshore waters where we target other pelagics. Winter months tend to be best when spawning activity picks up. What makes them special is they're pretty rare - most come as bonus fish when we're chasing marlin or tuna. The meat's excellent, similar to marlin but with more flavor. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, don't horse it in too fast. Their lightweight build means they can throw the hook easier than a marlin, so keep steady pressure and let them tire out naturally.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed demons - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and make blistering runs that'll test your drag settings. They average 20-40 pounds around Kona, but we see them up to 80+ pounds. Look for them in 200-1000 foot depths along current edges and over seamounts. Their blue-striped sides and razor-sharp teeth make them easy to identify. Peak season runs May through October, especially when the water's clear and blue. What makes them special is that first run - nothing else strips line like a fresh wahoo. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean - locals call them "ono" which means delicious in Hawaiian. They're also challenging to hook since they often slice right through regular leaders. My go-to technique is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders and diving lures. Key tip: when you get bit, don't slow the boat down right away - maintain speed for a few seconds to help set the hook properly.
undefined, undefined