Captain Chuck Wilson's 8 Hour Big Game Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targeting marlin, tuna, and wahooCoast Guardcertified captain with professional crew aboard FIRE HATTAccommodates six guests with fighting chairs and premium equipment
When you're talking about world-class offshore fishing, Kona stands in a league of its own. Captain Chuck Wilson and his crew aboard the FIRE HATT know these waters like the back of their hands, and they're ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're just getting started when it's time to head back. We're talking a full 8-hour adventure that gives you the real deal – time to work the productive waters, hit multiple spots, and really dial in on what's biting. You'll be targeting the heavy hitters: Blue Marlin, Bluefin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Shortbill Spearfish, and Wahoo. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip works whether you're bringing the whole crew or looking for a more intimate fishing experience.
Captain Chuck runs a tight ship with all the gear you need to tangle with Kona's legendary fish. The FIRE HATT comes loaded with fighting chairs that'll keep you locked in when a big marlin decides to show you what it's made of. Live bait tanks keep the bait fresh and lively – crucial when you're trying to tempt these apex predators. The boat launches right from 74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy in Kailua-Kona, so you're not burning daylight getting to the fishing grounds. Captain Chuck is Coast Guard-certified and runs with a skilled first mate, so you've got two sets of experienced eyes watching the water and coaching you through the fights. The beauty of Kona is how quickly you can get into deep, blue water where the big fish live. We're not talking about a long run – you'll be trolling productive water within minutes of clearing the harbor.
This is serious offshore trolling at its finest. Captain Chuck deploys a spread of lures and baits designed to trigger strikes from multiple species. The boat's outfitted with heavy tackle that can handle everything from a screaming wahoo to a stubborn marlin that wants to sound deep. You'll be working with 50 and 80-pound class gear, depending on what's on the other end of the line. The trolling spread typically includes a mix of cedar plugs, marlin lures, and live bait when conditions call for it. The live bait tanks aren't just for show – when the bite gets tough, a frisky aku or opelu can make all the difference. The fighting chairs are positioned perfectly so you can settle in for those long battles that make offshore fishing so addictive. Captain Chuck and his mate handle all the technical stuff – setting the spread, adjusting the throttle, and coaching you through the fight so you can focus on what matters: bringing that fish to the boat.
Blue Marlin are the kings of Kona waters, and for good reason. These fish can push 300, 400, even 500 pounds, and when they come up behind a lure, your heart starts pounding before they even eat. Summer months from May through September are prime time, but don't count them out year-round. What makes marlin fishing so special is the visual aspect – seeing that bill and dorsal fin cutting through the water behind your lure, then watching the fish light up as it decides to attack. The fight is legendary: long runs, spectacular jumps, and a battle that can last an hour or more. It's not just about the size; it's about matching wits with one of the ocean's most intelligent predators.
Bluefin Tuna are the brawlers of the offshore world. These fish are pure muscle, built for speed and endurance. In Kona, you'll find them in the 40 to 100-pound range typically, though bigger ones do show up. They're most active during cooler months, but Captain Chuck knows where to find them year-round. What sets bluefin apart is their fighting style – no flashy jumps, just raw power and determination. They'll peel drag off your reel in long, steady runs that test both your equipment and your endurance. Plus, if you're thinking about dinner, there's no finer eating fish in the ocean.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and acrobatics to offshore fishing. These brilliant green and gold fish are absolute dynamite when hooked, jumping repeatedly and putting on a show that never gets old. They're most abundant during warmer months and often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Mahi love floating debris, so Captain Chuck keeps an eye out for logs, seaweed lines, and any structure that might hold fish. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from small jigs to large trolling lures. What makes mahi special is their willingness to stay shallow and fight on the surface, giving you a visual fight that's pure excitement.
Shortbill Spearfish are Hawaii's underrated gamefish. They don't get the press that marlin do, but they're every bit as exciting to catch. These fish are lightning fast and incredibly acrobatic, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. They're around year-round but seem to be most active during the warmer months. What makes spearfish special is their aggressive nature – they'll often attack lures with a violence that's surprising for their size. Most run between 20 to 40 pounds, making them perfect on lighter tackle where their speed and jumping ability really shine.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep. These fish can hit 50 miles per hour and have teeth like razors, so they'll test both your reflexes and your wire leader. They're most common during fall and winter months but can show up anytime. What makes wahoo fishing so exciting is the strike – it's usually violent and immediate, with the fish screaming line off your reel before you even know what hit.
Meet the FIRE HATT, a beautifully restored 43' Hatteras sportfishing machine that's built to chase big game in Kona's legendary waters. This beast runs on twin 509 HP Caterpillar engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and keep you there all day long. The spacious cockpit features a fighting chair for battling those monster marlin and tuna, plus outriggers and live bait tanks to give you every advantage on the water. Captain Chuck Wilson knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with top-notch fish finders, GPS, and radar on board, you'll be fishing the hottest spots for blue marlin, mahi mahi, and wahoo. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, and when you need a break from the action, there's AC, a full galley, and even a bed for those who want to rest up between fights. The flybridge gives you commanding views of the ocean, and with an icebox and refrigerator, your catch stays fresh while you keep hunting for the next big strike.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the kings of our Kona waters - massive, acrobatic fighters that can stretch over 14 feet and weigh 1,000+ pounds. The females get huge while males rarely exceed 350 pounds. They cruise our deep blue waters year-round, hunting tuna and smaller fish along current edges and drop-offs. Peak season runs May through September when they're most active near the surface. What draws anglers? The fight is legendary - these fish leap, dive deep, and can battle for hours. They're also stunning with that cobalt blue back and silver sides. The meat's good eating too, similar to swordfish. Here in Kona, we've perfected trolling techniques using both live bait and artificial lures. My advice: when you hook up, settle in for the long haul and let the fish tire itself out rather than trying to muscle it to the boat.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the ultimate prize - massive, powerful fish that can reach 12 feet and over 1,000 pounds with that distinctive torpedo shape and metallic blue-silver coloring. They're built for speed and endurance, capable of diving to 3,000+ feet and running at 40+ mph. These warm-blooded fish handle both tropical and cooler waters, making them year-round targets, though they're most active during morning and evening hours. What draws serious anglers? The fight is brutal - long runs, deep dives, and stamina that'll test your gear and your back. Plus, the meat quality is legendary, especially for sashimi. They hunt in schools, feeding on smaller fish and squid. The trick with bluefin is heavy tackle and patience - these fish will fight for hours. When we find them, chunking with live bait or high-speed trolling works best. Be ready for the long haul once you're hooked up.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy - brilliant gold, green, and blue colors that flash like neon underwater before fading when boated. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds, with that distinctive high forehead on bulls. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in our warmer surface waters. They're most abundant during summer months when water temps climb. What guests love? They're aggressive biters, acrobatic fighters, and absolutely delicious eating - firm, white, mild-tasting fillets that grill perfectly. These fast-growing fish spawn year-round, so they're sustainable too. The key trick: once you hook one, keep working the area. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. We'll often put multiple lines out and get doubles or triples when we find a good school.
Tetrapturus AngustirostrisShortbill spearfish are one of the more unique catches you'll encounter off Kona - lean, fast, and built like torpedoes. They typically run 40-75 inches and weigh up to 115 pounds, with that distinctive short bill and dark upper body fading to silver-white below. These surface feeders love our warm Pacific waters year-round, especially during winter spawning season when water temps hit around 77°F. They're rare catches, often taken as bonus fish when we're targeting marlin or tuna using the same trolling techniques. What makes them special? They fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare - locals call them "hebi" and they're prized at restaurants. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - their lightweight build means they can throw the hook if you get too aggressive with the drag.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons - sleek, torpedo-shaped fish that can hit 60 mph and strip line like nothing else. They typically run 3-5 feet and 30-80 pounds, with razor-sharp teeth and distinctive blue stripes along silver sides. We find them in open water around 200-600 feet, often near temperature breaks or current edges. Peak action here runs May through October, though they're catchable year-round. What makes them special? That blistering initial run will test your drag system, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf - white, flaky, and mild. Locals call them "ono" which means delicious in Hawaiian. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best with wire leaders (their teeth will cut through anything else). Pro tip: when you hook up, tighten your drag immediately - wahoo have soft mouths and will throw the hook if you give them slack during that first screaming run.
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