5.0(1 Reviews)Private Half Day Multi-Species Fishing (AM)
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour charter targets multiple pelagic species offshoreProfessional first mate assists with gear and fishing techniquesBottom fishing available based on current ocean conditions
When the sun's just breaking over the horizon and the Kona coast is still quiet, that's when the magic happens offshore. This four-hour morning charter with Playtime Sportfishing puts you right in the heart of some of Hawaii's best pelagic action. Captain Shawn and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll have you hooked up with skipjack, mahi, wahoo, and even striped marlin before most folks have finished their morning coffee. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the kids for their first taste of deep-sea fishing, this top-rated Kailua Kona experience delivers the goods every time.
Your morning kicks off early – and trust me, it's worth dragging yourself out of bed for. We're talking about targeting multiple pelagic species in some of the most productive waters in the Pacific. The boat heads out into the deep blue where the continental shelf drops off dramatically, creating perfect conditions for the big game fish that call these waters home. Your professional First Mate will be right there with you, helping with gear, sharing techniques, and making sure everyone from grandpa to the youngest crew member gets their shot at landing something special. The crew can also switch things up for bottom fishing if that's more your speed or if ocean conditions call for it. Don't forget that 10-20% tip for your First Mate – these guys work hard to put fish in the boat and make your trip memorable.
This charter runs on proven big-game techniques that have been perfected in Hawaiian waters. We're talking serious trolling action with outriggers spread wide, pulling a spread of lures through the strike zone where pelagic species hunt. The crew will have multiple lines out at different depths and distances, covering water efficiently while you scan the horizon for bird activity and debris lines that hold bait schools. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy line – because when a wahoo screams off 200 yards of line in seconds, you want gear that can handle the heat. Bottom fishing setups are available too, using heavy sinkers and circle hooks to target different species near structure when conditions allow. Your captain reads the water constantly, adjusting the spread and changing lures based on what's working and what the fish are telling him.
"Captain Shawn and Joe were great hosts this morning. Both are so knowledgeable about fishing the area and so many other great facts about the island. We had nonstop action with skipjack tuna the entire time. I would highly recommend them for future trips." - Jonathan
Skipjack Tuna are the bread and butter of Kona morning fishing, and for good reason. These scrappy fighters average 8-15 pounds but punch way above their weight class when they're on the end of your line. They school up in massive numbers, especially in the early morning hours, and once you find them, it's often fish after fish until your arms are screaming. Skipjack hit hard and fast, making multiple runs that'll test your drag and your patience. They're around year-round but are most active during the cooler morning hours, which is exactly when this charter targets them.
Yellowcheek Wrasse might not be the biggest fish you'll encounter, but they're beautiful and surprisingly feisty for their size. These colorful reef dwellers come up when you're bottom fishing over structure, showing off their brilliant yellow markings as they fight their way to the surface. They're smart fish that require finesse and the right presentation, making them a favorite target for anglers who appreciate technique over pure power. Peak season runs through the warmer months, and they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few.
Mahi Mahi, or dorado as some folks call them, are hands-down one of the most exciting fish to target in Hawaiian waters. These electric-colored speedsters can hit 30+ pounds and put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat hollering. They love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks – exactly the kind of structure your captain knows how to find. When mahi are in the area, usually spring through fall, they often travel in small schools, so landing one frequently means there are more nearby. Their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights make them a customer favorite every single trip.
Wahoo are pure speed demons that'll humble even experienced anglers. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 50+ mph and make blistering runs that scream line off your reel faster than you thought possible. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes, often hitting trolled lures so hard they'll nearly rip the rod from your hands. Wahoo are around year-round in Kona but peak during winter months when the water temperature drops slightly. Landing one of these sleek predators is a badge of honor that'll have you talking story for years.
Striped Marlin represent the ultimate prize for any Kona fishing adventure. These magnificent billfish can push 100+ pounds and provide world-class sportfishing action that draws anglers from around the globe. When a striped marlin crashes your spread, everything changes – this becomes a team effort with the captain backing down on the fish while you fight from the chair. They're most active during winter months when water temperatures cool, and their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs create memories that last a lifetime. Even seeing one follow your lures is an experience you won't forget.
This morning charter consistently delivers the goods, combining productive fishing with professional service that keeps customers coming back trip after trip. With space for up to 5 anglers, it's perfect for families, groups of friends, or couples looking to experience world-class fishing in one of the planet's premier destinations. The crew provides bott
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a 26' Shamrock sportfishing boat that's built to handle whatever the Hawaiian waters throw at you. This isn't just any boat—it's rigged with outriggers and downriggers to get your lines where the fish are, plus a proper fighting chair for when you hook into something serious. The onboard fish finder will help locate schools, while GPS and radar keep you fishing safely even when conditions change. Between the icebox and refrigerator, your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold. There's even a private head onboard because nobody wants to cut a good fishing day short. With room for up to 5 anglers, this setup handles everything from targeting pelagic species in deep water to bottom fishing closer to shore, depending on what's biting and what the ocean's giving you that day.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the crown jewel of our pelagic trips - those brilliant gold and green colors are something else when they light up during the fight. Most fish we catch run 15-30 pounds, though bulls can push 40+ with those distinctive blunt heads. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in blue water. Best fishing happens spring through fall when they're most active. What guests love is the whole package - spectacular jumps, beautiful colors, and some of the best eating fish in the ocean. That white, flaky meat is perfect for fish tacos. They travel in small schools, so when you hook one, get more lines out fast. Pro tip: when you see frigate birds working debris piles, that's your money shot - mahi use floating objects as feeding stations.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjack are the workhorses of our waters - smaller tuna averaging 20 pounds but packed with energy. You'll spot them by those dark vertical bands on their silver sides and that torpedo shape built for speed. They travel in schools in the upper water column, often mixed with juvenile yellowfin. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps are warm. What makes them fun is the sheer numbers - when you find a school, it's non-stop action. They fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare, plus they're great live bait for bigger game. My tip: when trolling, use smaller lures at 4-6 knots and don't be afraid to run right through the school - skipjack aren't as spooky as other tuna species.
Kajikia AudaxStriped marlin are the acrobats of the billfish world, known for those spectacular jumps and distinctive pale blue stripes that stay visible even after the fight. These beauties average 100-200 pounds and cruise the deeper blue water beyond the shelf. Best action happens during our winter and spring months when they're moving through Hawaiian waters. What makes them special is that aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a display that'll have you shaking. Plus, the meat makes excellent poke and sashimi. They're apex predators following bait schools, so we look for bird activity and temperature breaks. Key technique: when we spot one, we'll pitch live bait and let it swim naturally. Don't horse them - let the fish tire itself out with those jumps, then work it steady to the boat.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo, or "ono" in Hawaiian, are speed demons capable of hitting 60 mph - one of the fastest fish in the ocean. These sleek predators typically run 20-40 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and that distinctive zebra-striped pattern. They cruise open blue water, often near drop-offs and current edges where baitfish congregate. Peak season here runs May through October when they're most abundant. Guests chase them for that blistering initial run and the premium table fare - wahoo has a mild, white meat that's absolutely delicious. The challenge is their speed and those teeth that'll cut through regular line in seconds. My go-to setup: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders and diving lures. Once hooked, hang on tight because they'll peel line like nothing else out here.
Halichoeres CyanocephalusThese colorful reef dwellers are small fish maxing out around 11 inches, but they're a blast for kids and light tackle enthusiasts. You'll find them in 65-300 feet over rocky bottom and coral areas where they spend their time cleaning parasites off larger fish. The juveniles have that classic purple coloring that shifts to brilliant blue-green with yellow bands as adults. They're year-round residents here, making them reliable targets when conditions keep us closer to structure. Guests love their vibrant colors and how they dart around the reefs. They're not big fighters, but perfect for getting younger anglers hooked on fishing. Best tip for landing them: use small hooks with fresh cut bait and keep it simple - they'll nibble shrimp to nothing, so stick with small pieces of squid or worms.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Shawn and Joe were great hosts this morning. Both are so knowledgeable about fishing the area and so many other great fact...
Jonathan Frederick, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Honolulu