Private Half Day Multi-Species Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour deep sea fishing targeting multiple Hawaii pelagic speciesAvailable Mondays and Tuesdays with capacity for five guests maximumFamilyfriendly charter welcoming beginners and experienced anglers alike
Get ready for some serious action on Kailua Kona's legendary fishing grounds with Playtime Sportfishing's top-rated half-day charter. This four-hour morning trip puts you right in the heart of Hawaii's best pelagic fishing, where the deep blue waters off the Big Island serve up some of the Pacific's most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add to your logbook or a first-timer ready to feel that rod bend, this customer favorite delivers the goods every time.
Your adventure kicks off mid-morning when the bite is hot and the seas are typically at their calmest. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hands, running you out to the productive zones where the thermoclines hold bait and the big fish cruise. This world-class charter accommodates up to five anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups who want that personal touch you just can't get on the bigger boats. The crew welcomes kids aboard – just give them a heads up if you need youth life vests. Your First Mate will be right there coaching you through every hookup, from setting the drag to proper fighting technique. These guys work hard for their tips, and the standard 10-20% is well worth it when they're putting fish in the boat. Don't forget to pack a hat, polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen (skip the spray stuff), and some snacks to keep your energy up during the action.
This charter runs a proven spread of lures designed to trigger strikes from Hawaii's premier pelagic species. The crew sets up a classic trolling pattern with a mix of skirted lures, cedar plugs, and maybe some live bait when conditions are right. You'll be working the 100 to 1000-fathom curve where the continental shelf drops into the abyss – that's where the magic happens. The boat covers serious ground, following temperature breaks, current lines, and bird activity that signal feeding fish below. When weather and sea conditions allow, there's also the option to switch things up with some bottom fishing for a different kind of action. The crew reads the water constantly, adjusting speed, lure selection, and boat positioning to stay on the fish. Monday and Tuesday departures give you access to less pressured waters since most of the fleet runs different schedules.
Shortbill Spearfish are one of Hawaii's most acrobatic fighters, and these waters are renowned for producing quality fish year-round. These smaller billfish typically run 20-40 pounds and put on an absolute show when hooked, jumping clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. They're often the first billfish species beginners encounter, but don't let their size fool you – pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. Peak season runs from spring through early fall when they're most active in the upper water column.
Blue Marlin are the kings of the Pacific, and Kailua Kona sits right in the heart of their territory. These apex predators can exceed 500 pounds, though most charter catches run between 150-300 pounds. Summer months bring the biggest concentrations as they follow the baitfish migrations. When a Blue comes up on the lures, everything changes – the distinctive bill and dark blue coloration are unmistakable as they investigate your spread. The initial run can peel off hundreds of yards of line in seconds, and the fight can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the fish's size and attitude.
Mahi Mahi are every angler's best friend – beautiful, acrobatic, and absolutely delicious on the dinner table. These golden beauties school up around floating debris, current lines, and temperature breaks throughout the year. Bulls can push 40-50 pounds and show off with spectacular jumps, while the smaller females often travel in schools that can provide non-stop action. They're particularly abundant during the warmer months when dorado follow the current systems closer to shore. Their brilliant colors – electric blue, green, and gold – make them one of the most photogenic catches you'll encounter.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting lures at 60+ mph and making blistering runs that test your equipment and skills. These torpedo-shaped predators typically range from 20-60 pounds in local waters and are prized for their mild, white meat. They're ambush feeders that often strike without warning, so you better be ready when that rod loads up. Fall and winter months tend to produce the most consistent wahoo action as they move through the area following bait schools. Their razor-sharp teeth mean the crew always uses wire leaders when targeting these silver bullets.
Yellowfin Tuna are pure muscle and endurance, built for long-distance travel and non-stop power runs. Local fish commonly range from 40-150 pounds, with some true giants occasionally showing up to test your tackle and technique. They're most active during the cooler months when water temperatures drop and baitfish concentrations increase. When you hook into a quality yellowfin, get ready for a sustained battle – these fish just don't quit. Their fight is all about power and stamina rather than aerial displays, making for a different but equally exciting experience. The reward is some of the finest sashimi-grade fish you'll ever taste.
This trending half-day charter gives you the perfect taste of what makes Kailua Kona one of the world's premier fishing destinations. With expert local knowledge, top-notch equipment, and proven techniques, Playtime Sportfishing puts you on the fish while keeping things fun and relaxed. The four-hour format is ideal for families with kids or anyone who wants to experience the best of Hawaii's offshore fishing without committing to a full day. Monday and Tuesday availability means you're fishing less crowded waters
Your fishing adventure happens aboard a solid 26' Shamrock sportfishing boat that's built to handle Kona's waters with comfort. This mid-morning charter targets Hawaii's best pelagic species during a focused four-hour trip, with bottom fishing possible depending on conditions. The boat comes equipped with outriggers, downriggers, and a fighting chair for battling bigger fish, plus all the premium tackle you'll need. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the action, while an onboard icebox and refrigerator keep your drinks cold and catch fresh. There's even a private toilet for convenience. Your experienced First Mate handles the technical side so you can focus on fishing. Perfect for families and anglers of all skill levels, this Monday/Tuesday seasonal charter accommodates up to 5 guests. Just bring your hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and snacks for a great day targeting multiple species in Kailua Kona's productive offshore waters.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants we all dream about - females can push 400-800 pounds while males stay around 150-200 pounds. These apex predators cruise the deep blue water beyond the 1000-foot line, following baitfish and squid. Peak season runs May through September when water temps climb above 78 degrees. What hooks anglers is their raw power and those legendary jumps when hooked - nothing matches watching a 500-pound fish launch itself skyward. They're decent eating too, though most folks prefer the thrill of the catch. When targeting big blues, troll your baits deep with heavy tackle and wire leaders. Local tip: watch for bird activity over floating debris or current lines - that's where the bait stacks up and marlin follow.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are pure fun on light tackle - brilliant gold and green fish that average 10-25 pounds but can hit 40-plus. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in the open ocean. Best fishing happens year-round here, but spring through fall brings the biggest schools. They're aggressive fighters with impressive speed and make some of the best eating you'll find - mild, sweet, and firm. Plus their colors are stunning when first boated. They school up, so when you hook one, get ready for doubles or triples. Pro tip: once you find debris or a weed line holding fish, work it thoroughly with different lures. Keep one rod rigged with live bait ready - they can't resist a struggling ballyhoo.
Tetrapturus AngustirostrisShortbill Spearfish are one of Hawaii's more unique billfish - lean, fast, and typically running 15-30 pounds with some reaching 75 pounds. We find them in the open blue water, usually within the first few miles offshore where they cruise near the surface hunting small fish and squid. They're most active during our winter months when water temps stay warm. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - plus they're fantastic eating, similar to marlin but with a cleaner taste. Many locals call them "hebi" and they're prized table fare. Here's a pro tip: when trolling for spearfish, keep your lures skipping fast on the surface - they love chasing down what looks like flying fish trying to escape.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons - sleek, razor-toothed fish that'll hit 40-60 pounds and strike your lure at 30+ mph. We call them "ono" here, meaning delicious, and they live up to it with white, flaky meat perfect for fish tacos. These solitary hunters cruise open water from the surface down to 200 feet, often near drop-offs or current edges. Peak season runs May through October when they follow baitfish schools. The initial strike is violent, followed by blistering runs that'll test your drag. They're tough to pattern but worth the effort. Here's the key: troll fast with wire leaders - their teeth will slice through mono instantly. Focus on color changes in the water and keep lures moving at 12-15 knots.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of our pelagic fishing - muscular, warm-blooded fighters averaging 40-100 pounds with some pushing 200-plus. These torpedo-shaped fish roam the upper 300 feet of open ocean, often schooling under birds or around floating objects. They're active year-round but summer months bring the best action. What draws anglers is their sustained power and premium meat - this is sushi-grade ahi that's hard to beat. They're smart fish that require finesse once spooked. When you mark fish deep but surface lures aren't working, switch to vertical jigging with heavy jigs. Local secret: chunk with live bait when you find the school - cut up some skip jack and let pieces drift down to bring them up hungry.
Honolulu