Private 4-Hour Offshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target blue marlin, wahoo, mahi mahi, and yellowfin tuna offshoreFourhour morning charter includes all gear and expert guidanceAccommodates up to six guests with catch cleaning service
There's nothing quite like watching your rod tip dance as something big takes your lure in Kona's deep blue waters. This 4-hour morning charter aboard The Nasty Habit puts you right in the heart of some of Hawaii's most productive fishing grounds, where blue marlin, wahoo, mahi mahi, and yellowfin tuna cruise year-round. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a fishing rod, our crew will have you hooked up and fighting fish in no time. With space for up to 6 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between intimate fishing and having enough hands to work multiple lines when the bite gets hot.
Your morning kicks off early – and trust me, that's when the magic happens. The Nasty Habit heads out from Kona Harbor into waters that drop to thousands of feet just minutes from shore. That's the beauty of fishing Hawaii's Big Island; you don't waste half your day running to the fishing grounds. We'll be trolling productive waters where baitfish gather and predators follow, watching our spread of lures dance behind the boat. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – there's always someone scanning the horizon for birds or debris lines that signal feeding fish. When a rod goes off, everyone springs into action. You'll feel the energy shift as whoever's up grabs the rod and starts the fight. The crew handles the boat positioning and coaching while you focus on landing your catch. Between hookups, there's plenty of time to soak in those postcard-perfect Kona views and maybe spot some spinner dolphins or pilot whales.
We run a proper blue water spread using a mix of lures and rigged baits that have proven themselves in these waters. You'll see everything from large marlin lures running way back in the wake to smaller mahi lures working the closer positions. The boat carries Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy line – we're talking 50 to 130-pound test depending on what we're targeting. Don't worry if you've never used tackle this heavy; the crew will walk you through proper technique and be right there when you hook up. We adjust our trolling speed and lure selection based on conditions and what we're marking on the fish finder. Some days we'll pull jets and cedar plugs for tuna, other times we'll run big lures hoping to raise a marlin. The first mate handles all the rigging, bait preparation, and tackle maintenance, so you can focus on fishing rather than fumbling with unfamiliar gear.
Blue marlin are the kings of Kona waters and the fish that put this place on the map for serious anglers. These apex predators can show up any time of year, though summer and fall tend to produce more consistent action. A typical Kona blue marlin runs 150 to 400 pounds, with fish over 500 pounds caught regularly. When one hits your lure, you'll know it – the rod bends double and line starts screaming off the reel. The fight is pure adrenaline as these fish make blistering runs and throw themselves clear of the water in spectacular jumps. Many anglers consider hooking a marlin in Kona waters a bucket-list experience, and for good reason.
Mahi mahi, or dorado as some call them, are probably the most beautiful fish you'll encounter out here. Their electric blues, greens, and golds light up when they hit the deck, and they're fantastic eating to boot. These fish love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. Mahi typically run 10 to 30 pounds in Kona waters, though bulls over 40 pounds show up regularly. They're aggressive feeders and will often travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more around. The crew might switch tactics and break out some lighter tackle for multiple hookups when we find a good school.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching 60 mph and making runs that will test your drag system. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and a nasty habit of cutting lines if you're not prepared. That's why we run wire leaders when wahoo are around. They typically run 20 to 60 pounds in these waters and are among the best eating fish in the ocean. Wahoo often hit fast-moving lures without warning, so stay alert when the boat's running at trolling speed.
Yellowfin tuna are the workhorses of Kona's offshore scene, available year-round and always ready to fight. These fish are pure muscle, making long, powerful runs that will leave your arms burning. Local yellowfin typically range from 40 to 150 pounds, with larger fish showing up during certain times of the year. They often feed in schools and can provide non-stop action when you find them. Tuna are also primo table fare – there's nothing like fresh ahi poke made from fish you caught that morning.
Kona's offshore fishing scene is world-class for a reason, and this 4-hour trip gives you a solid taste of what these waters have to offer. The Nasty Habit comes equipped with everything you need – quality tackle, experienced crew, and the local knowledge that makes the difference between a fishing trip and a fish-catching trip. Your catch gets cleaned and filleted, so you can head home with fresh fish or take it to one of the local restaurants that will cook your catch. With only 6 spots available, this charter fills up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons. Don't wait until you're already on the island to book – secure your spot now and get ready for some serious blue water action off the Kona Coast.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the kings of Kona waters - these massive billfish can reach over 1,000 pounds, though most we see run 200-500 pounds. Females grow much larger than males and live longer too. They cruise the deep blue water year-round here, usually beyond the 100-fathom line where the continental shelf drops off. We find them best during calmer conditions when the water's clear. What makes marlin special is their raw power and aerial displays - they'll jump, tail-walk, and fight for hours. The meat's decent eating, though most folks release these beauties. Here's a local trick: when we see birds working bait schools or floating debris, that's where marlin often hunt. Keep your drag smooth and be patient - these fish will test your endurance as much as your tackle.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish we catch out here - bright gold and green colors that put on a light show when they come out of the water. They typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 50. These fish love floating debris, so we look for anything drifting on the surface - logs, seaweed lines, even trash. They're available year-round in Kona's warm waters, usually in the top 100 feet. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight and how good they taste - firm, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They often travel in schools, so when you hook one, get ready for more action. Pro tip: once you find a school, keep some bait or lures in the water while fighting your fish - the commotion often keeps the others around for multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed demons - they can hit 60 mph and make screaming runs that'll test your drag system. Most run 20-40 pounds, but we've seen them over 80. They patrol the offshore waters year-round, though fall and winter tend to be better. These fish love structure and current edges, often hanging around FADs or temperature breaks. What makes them special is that lightning-fast strike and the way they peel line off your reel. The meat's outstanding too - firm, white, and mild, perfect for grilling or fish tacos. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. Here's the key: troll fast, around 12-15 knots. While other fish might want slower speeds, wahoo love chasing down a fast-moving lure. When one hits, hold on tight - that first run is something else.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are built for speed and endurance - these torpedo-shaped fighters can hit 50 mph and battle for hours. Most range 40-100 pounds, though we see some real giants pushing 200-plus. They roam the deep water year-round, usually in schools 100-300 feet down. What makes them popular is their incredible stamina and excellent table fare - this is premium sashimi-grade fish. They're warm-blooded, so they never quit fighting even when tired. We find them around bait schools, temperature breaks, and current edges. The bite can be great any time, but early morning and late afternoon are prime. Local secret: when you mark fish deep but they won't bite on the troll, try dropping jigs down to them. Sometimes switching from horizontal to vertical presentation makes all the difference with these smart fish.
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