5.0(3 Reviews)Big Island Offshore Charter: Marlin & Tuna Action
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target marlin, tuna, and mahi mahi offshoreLicensed captain and crew provide all tackleFlexible departure times accommodate all schedules
When you're ready to experience some of Hawaii's best offshore fishing, Captain Jim and the Konadice Sportfishing crew have you covered. This 4-hour charter targets the Big Island's legendary blue water species—Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, and Mahi Mahi—in waters that consistently produce trophy fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this half-day adventure puts you right in the action without eating up your entire vacation day. The flexible scheduling means you can choose morning, midday, or afternoon departures to fit your island itinerary perfectly.
You'll be fishing the productive offshore waters just outside Kailua-Kona, where the ocean drops off quickly into deep blue territory that pelagic species call home. The boat is clean, well-maintained, and equipped with everything serious offshore fishing demands—top-tier tackle, fresh bait, and all the gear you'll need to battle whatever decides to hit your line. Captain Jim and his crew know these waters intimately and will put you on the fish using proven techniques and local knowledge that only comes from years of working these specific grounds. The 6-person capacity keeps groups small and personal, so everyone gets plenty of attention and rod time. Just pack your own snacks, drinks, and sunscreen—the crew handles everything else, including cleaning your catch at the end of the trip.
Offshore fishing here means trolling—the most effective method for covering water and attracting the fast-moving pelagic species that roam these depths. The crew runs a spread of lures at different distances and depths, creating an enticing presentation that mimics a school of baitfish. You'll be using heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with braided line, paired with sturdy rods built to handle the powerful runs and jumps these fish are famous for. When something hits, the crew will coach you through the fight, helping with technique and boat positioning to give you the best shot at landing your catch. The lures include everything from jet heads and marlin lures to smaller baits that attract Mahi and Wahoo. If conditions are right, they might also deploy live bait or switch to different techniques based on what they're seeing on the fish finder.
"Captain Jim and Dave made us feel welcome. We tried for big game fish, but didn't get any. We did, however, come back with nearly 100 lbs of skipjack tuna (it makes for excellent poké). Would recommend!" - Evan. "Great trip. Will book with Jim and Konadice again next time" - Chad. "Captain Jim and deckhand sawyer are a very experienced team. They put us on fish right out of the harbor and worked the lines the whole time we were fishing. We caught two Mahi Mahi's, but it would have been a great experience even if we didn't catch anything because they were very informative and helpful the whole trip. I would highly recommend this boat to anyone who is looking for a charter. these guys are a top notch hard working crew who will give you the best experience they can offer!" - Kyle.
Blue Marlin are the crown jewel of Hawaiian offshore fishing, and the waters off Kona are among the best places in the world to hook one. These powerful predators can exceed 400 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Peak season runs from April through October, though they're present year-round. What makes catching a Blue Marlin special isn't just the size—it's the fight. They'll make long, powerful runs and often leap completely out of the water multiple times. The crew practices catch-and-release for these magnificent fish, so you'll get photos and bragging rights while helping preserve the fishery for future generations.
Yellowfin Tuna, locally known as Ahi, are prized both for their fighting ability and their exceptional table quality. These torpedo-shaped speedsters typically range from 20 to 100 pounds in these waters, with larger specimens always possible. They're consistent throughout the year but tend to be more abundant during summer months. When you hook an Ahi, expect a sustained, powerful fight—they don't give up easily and will test both your endurance and your tackle. The meat is perfect for sashimi, poke, or grilling, making them one of the most sought-after catches for visiting anglers.
Mahi Mahi are the most colorful and acrobatic fish you're likely to encounter on this charter. Their brilliant gold, green, and blue colors are stunning when they're brought boatside, and they're famous for their jumping ability when hooked. These fish typically range from 10 to 30 pounds in local waters and are most abundant from spring through fall. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Mahi Mahi are also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling.
Shortbill Spearfish are Hawaii's "other" billfish and provide exciting action for anglers. Smaller than marlin but equally acrobatic, they typically weigh between 20 to 40 pounds and are known for their speed and jumping ability. They're present year-round but more common during certain seasons. Wahoo, known locally as Ono, are among the fastest fish in the ocean and provide lightning-quick strikes and blistering runs. They're excellent table fare and can reach impressive sizes, though most caught here range from 15 to 40 pounds.
This charter consistently delivers quality fishing action in a professional, friendly environment that keeps customers coming back trip after trip. The combination of experienced crew, top-notch equipment, and productive fishing grounds makes it a standout choice for anyone
Step aboard this beautifully restored 35-foot Bertram sportfishing boat and get ready to chase marlin, tuna, and mahi mahi in Kailua-Kona's legendary fishing waters. This classic 1973 vessel got a complete makeover in 2018 and runs like a dream with twin 330HP Cummins diesels that'll cruise you out to the action at 17 knots. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, while the flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility to spot feeding birds and surface activity. Everything you need is onboard - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS to mark the hot spots, icebox to keep your catch and drinks cold, plus a head for convenience during those longer battles. Whether you're targeting trophy blue marlin or filling the cooler with yellowfin tuna, this boat's proven hull design cuts through Hawaii's offshore swells with ease, letting you focus on what matters most - getting tight to some serious gamefish in the Pacific's richest waters.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the kings of our waters here in Kona - massive, powerful fish that can reach over 1,000 pounds (we call those "granders"). Females grow much larger than males, sometimes hitting 16 feet long. They cruise the deep blue water offshore, hunting tuna and smaller fish with that signature spear-like bill. The fishing is solid year-round here, but summer months often bring the bigger fish closer to shore. What guests love most is the raw power and those spectacular jumps when hooked - these fish are pure adrenaline. The meat is good eating too, though many folks prefer catch and release for the big ones. Blue marlin change colors when they're fired up, flashing those cobalt bars down their sides. Pro tip from years out here: when trolling, keep your lures skipping right on the surface - marlin love to see that action and will often come up from the depths to investigate.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most exciting fish we target - fast, colorful, and absolutely delicious. They average 15-30 pounds but can get much bigger, and they're known for those amazing color changes when hooked, flashing gold, green, and blue. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in the open ocean. They school up, so where you catch one, there's usually more. The fishing is good year-round here in Kona, with peak action in spring and summer. Guests love them because they fight hard, jump often, and make fantastic table fare - mild, sweet, and perfect for grilling. These fish grow fast but don't live long, so the population stays healthy. Here's a local trick: when you hook your first mahi, leave it in the water while you quickly get more lines out. The hooked fish will often keep the school around the boat, giving you shots at multiple fish.
Tetrapturus AngustirostrisShortbill spearfish are one of our rarer catches - sleek, lightweight billfish that typically run 50-75 pounds. They're surface feeders that hunt in open water, usually found in the same areas where we target marlin and tuna. What makes them special is their shorter bill compared to other spearfish and that distinctive blue dorsal fin. Most get caught as bonus fish while we're trolling for other species, but they put up a solid fight with some nice jumps. The meat is excellent - locals call it "hebi" and it tastes similar to marlin but with more flavor. Winter months tend to be better since that's when they spawn in our warmer offshore waters. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - their lightweight build means they can throw the hook easier than a heavy marlin.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters - capable of hitting 60 mph and known locally as "ono," which means delicious in Hawaiian. These sleek fish typically run 20-50 pounds with that distinctive zebra-striped pattern along their sides. They cruise open water and are often found around floating objects or drop-offs. Peak season runs May through October, though we see them year-round. What makes wahoo special is their blistering runs when hooked - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. The meat is premium table fare, white and flaky with a mild taste that's perfect for fish tacos. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders when targeting them. Here's a key tip: troll fast - 12-15 knots minimum. Most fish are caught slow-trolling, but wahoo respond to high-speed presentations that match their aggressive hunting style.
Halichoeres CyanocephalusYellowcheek wrasse aren't typically what we target on our offshore charters, but they're worth knowing about for pier fishing or when we're working closer to reef areas. These small, colorful fish max out around 11 inches and hang out in 65-300 feet of water over sandy or rocky bottoms. They're actually pretty interesting - juveniles act as "cleaners" for bigger fish, picking off parasites, while adults graze over reefs looking for worms and small crustaceans. The bright blue and yellow colors make them popular with aquarium folks. If you do hook one while bottom fishing, they'll take small pieces of fresh bait like mussels or marine worms. Best bet is using light tackle with size 4-6 hooks. They're more common in Caribbean waters than here in Hawaii, but you might spot one around structure. Keep it simple with your bait presentation.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Jim and Dave made us feel welcome. We tried for big game fish, but didn’t get any. We did, however, come back with nearly ...
Great trip. Will book with Jim and Konadice again next time
Captain Jim and deckhand sawyer are a very experienced team. They put us on fish right out of the harbor and worked the lines the ...
Kailua-Kona