Half Day Sunset Kona Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon charter targeting Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and TunaAll fishing gear and tackle included for up to five guestsCaptain selects productive areas based on morning trip reports
Picture this: it's 2 PM on the Kona coast, the morning crowds have cleared out, and you're about to experience some of the best pelagic fishing Hawaii has to offer. This four-hour afternoon charter gives you the perfect balance – sleep in, grab lunch, then head out for serious fishing action targeting blue marlin, mahi mahi, ono, and yellowfin tuna. Your captain uses intel from the morning boats to dial in on the hottest spots and most productive techniques for the afternoon bite. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this top-rated charter accommodates up to 5 guests with all the gear and expertise you need to make it happen.
The afternoon departure means you're fishing during one of the quieter periods on the Kona coast – fewer boats, less pressure on the fish, and often better conditions as the trade winds typically ease up. Your captain's already got the scoop from the morning fleet, so you're not fishing blind. They know which depths are producing, what lures are working, and where the baitfish are congregating. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and a tackle box full of proven lures that work in these waters. Don't worry about experience level – the crew handles everything from rigging to coaching you through the fight. You just focus on enjoying the ride and hopefully hooking up with something that'll make your arms burn.
Kona-style trolling is an art form, and your captain's got it dialed in. You'll be running a spread of 4-6 lines at different distances and depths, using a mix of lures that mimic the baitfish these pelagics can't resist. Expect to see marlin lures, cedar plugs, and maybe some live bait if conditions call for it. The boat runs at trolling speed – usually 6-8 knots – covering water efficiently while presenting your baits naturally. GPS and fish finder technology help locate temperature breaks, current edges, and baitfish schools where the big guys like to hunt. The gear is tournament-grade: 50-80 pound class tackle that can handle whatever decides to eat your lure. When something hits, the captain will coach you through proper fighting technique, chair work if needed, and safe release practices for billfish.
Skipjack tuna are the bread and butter out here – these 10-20 pound speedsters hit hard and fight dirty. They school up around FADs (fish aggregating devices) and current breaks, often mixed with larger yellowfin. When you find skipjack, you've usually found the food chain that attracts bigger predators. Blue marlin are the holy grail, with fish ranging from 100-400 pounds cruising these waters year-round. Summer months (May through September) see peak marlin activity, but don't count them out any time of year. Mahi mahi, or dorado as some call them, are spectacular fighters that jump, run, and change colors during the fight. These 10-50 pounders love floating debris and current edges, plus they're fantastic table fare. Bigeye tuna are the deep-water bruisers, typically caught on the outside waters in 1,000+ feet. These 50-200 pound fish are pure muscle and will test your endurance. Striped marlin are smaller than blues but pound-for-pound some of the best fighters in the ocean, known for their acrobatic displays and stubborn attitudes.
The Kona coast isn't called the "Marlin Capital of the World" for nothing – this place consistently produces world-class fishing year-round. The unique underwater topography here creates perfect conditions: deep water close to shore, consistent baitfish populations, and current systems that concentrate pelagic species. Afternoon charters often outproduce morning trips because you're fishing the prime afternoon bite period when many species feed most actively. The shorter commitment makes it perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants quality fishing time without burning the whole day. Many guests book this as their first Hawaii fishing experience, then immediately schedule a full-day trip after seeing what these waters can produce. The crew's local knowledge and daily communication with other boats means you're always fishing the most productive areas with the hottest techniques.
This customer favorite fills up fast, especially during peak season from April through October. The 5-guest maximum keeps things comfortable and ensures everyone gets plenty of action when the bite is on. No need to bring anything except sunscreen, a hat, and your camera – Reel Escapes Hawaii provides all fishing gear, tackle, and ice for your catch. The afternoon timing works perfectly for families with kids or anyone who wants to enjoy their morning at the resort before heading out. Book early to secure your preferred date, and get ready for some world-class fishing action on the legendary Kona coast. Whether you're targeting your first marlin or looking to add to your pelagic species count, this half-day charter delivers the goods without the full-day commitment.
Hop aboard the Reel Escapes, our well-rigged 31' sport fisher that's built for serious offshore action on the Kona coast. This boat comes loaded with everything you need to chase marlin, mahi, ono, and yellowfin - outriggers spread wide, fighting chair ready for battle, and fish finder scanning the depths. The afternoon departure gives you time to sleep in while we head to productive waters where the morning boats have been marking fish. With space for up to five anglers, there's room to work without bumping elbows. The cabin offers a break from the sun with comfortable seating and a table, plus a proper head with toilet and sink. Keep your drinks ice-cold in the onboard icebox while GPS navigation gets you to the hot spots. The flybridge gives your captain a clear view of the action, and when something hits the spread, you'll have all the rods, reels, and lures needed to bring dinner to the dock.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye are the premium tuna - thick, powerful fish that can hit 200+ pounds with incredibly fatty, sashimi-grade meat. They're built for deep water with those oversized eyes and can dive to 800 feet, but they come up to feed. You'll find them in the deeper blue water, often mixed with yellowfin schools. Dawn and dusk are prime times since their big eyes help them hunt in low light. What makes them special is both the fight and the value - they're worth serious money at market and make incredible sushi. They pull hard and deep, testing your tackle. The meat has more fat than yellowfin, giving it that rich flavor. Best approach: use darker lures in the 8-10 inch range during twilight hours, and be ready for a long battle.
Makaira NigricansThese are the kings of Kona waters - massive billfish that can reach over 1,000 pounds, though most catches run 200-400 pounds. Females grow much larger than males, and they're built for power with that distinctive spear-like bill. You'll find them cruising the deep blue water along current breaks and drop-offs, usually within a few miles of shore here. They're active year-round, but summer months tend to be most productive. What draws people is the raw power and aerial displays - when a blue marlin goes airborne, it's something you never forget. The fight can last hours on heavy tackle. These fish are catch-and-release focused now, but the experience is unmatched. My advice: watch for birds and bait schools, and always keep one heavy line out with a large lure.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are probably the most beautiful fish you'll see - brilliant gold and green colors that flash like neon underwater. They average 15-30 pounds and have that distinctive blunt forehead on males. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure in the open ocean. They're surface dwellers that love warm water, making them perfect for afternoon charters when the sun heats things up. What guests love is their aggressive strikes, strong runs, and incredible colors - plus they're some of the best eating fish out there. The meat is firm and mild, perfect for grilling. They travel in small schools, so when you hook one, keep the other lines in. Pro tip: if you see frigate birds diving on floating debris, get your lures over there fast.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjack are the workhorses of the tuna family - smaller but scrappy fighters that average 15-20 pounds. They're built like torpedoes with dark blue backs and distinctive black stripes along their silver sides. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often mixed with juvenile yellowfin. They cruise the warm waters off Kona year-round, but afternoon trips hit them well since they feed actively during daylight hours. What makes them fun is their aggressive strikes and the way they school up - once you find one, there's usually more around. The meat is excellent for poke or seared. Local tip: when you see birds working or notice baitfish activity on the surface, get your small lures ready and troll through at 6-8 knots.
Kajikia AudaxStriped marlin are the acrobats of the marlin family - smaller than blues at 200-300 pounds but known for amazing jumps and tail-walking displays. They're easy to identify with those pale blue stripes that stay visible even after capture. You'll find them in the warmer surface waters, often following bait schools. They're most active during our winter months when the water temps are just right. Guests love them because they're more manageable than giant blues but still put on an aerial show. The meat is excellent - often used for poke or seared dishes. They're curious fish that will sometimes follow lures before striking. Key tip: when you see one following your bait, don't change speed or direction - just keep the lure moving naturally and let the fish make its decision.
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