Full-day Offshore Marlin & Tuna Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day 8-hour offshore charter targeting marlin, tuna and mahiExtended trolling patterns increase chances of landing trophy fishProfessional crew accommodates up to 6 guests aboard sportfishing vessel
When you want to fish like the pros do, you book a full-day trip. Eight hours on the water with Reel Havoc Sportfishing gives you the kind of access that half-day anglers can only dream about. We're talking about serious big game fishing off Kailua-Kona, where the drop-off starts just minutes from shore and the blue water holds some of the Pacific's most prized pelagic species. This isn't a quick tourist jaunt – it's a proper fishing expedition designed for anglers who understand that the best bites often happen when everyone else has already headed back to the dock.
Your day starts early, but that's when the magic happens. We'll have lines in the water while the coffee's still hot, working the productive zones that stretch from the 100-fathom curve out to the deep blue beyond. The full-day format means we can cover serious ground, following temperature breaks, current edges, and bird activity that point us toward feeding fish. You'll spend most of your time trolling, but we're not just dragging baits – we're reading the water, adjusting our spread based on conditions, and positioning ourselves where the fish want to be. When something big eats, we've got the time to work it properly without watching the clock. The boat accommodates up to six anglers, so bring your crew or join a group of serious fishermen who appreciate having room to move when the action heats up.
We run a five-lure spread that's been fine-tuned for these waters over decades of fishing. The outriggers carry our big marlin lures – those chunky heads that create the bubble trails and commotion that blue marlin can't resist. The short riggers typically run smaller lures for tuna and mahi, while we pull a deep-running lure or skip bait down the middle. All tackle is tournament-grade: 50 and 80-pound class reels spooled with fresh line, and rods that can handle whatever decides to eat. We adjust our trolling speed based on conditions and target species, typically running between 7 and 10 knots, but sometimes slowing down when the mahi are schooled up or pushing harder when we're looking for wahoo. The captain reads the electronics constantly – watching for bait, temperature changes, and the subtle marks that often mean gamefish below.
Blue Marlin are the crown jewel of Kona fishing, and these waters consistently produce some of the Pacific's largest. These fish average 200 to 400 pounds here, with 500-pounders caught regularly and true giants over 800 pounds landed every season. Peak season runs from May through September, but blues are caught year-round. When one eats, you'll know it – the reel screams, the rod loads up, and suddenly everyone on the boat is part of the fight. Blues are famous for their aerial displays, often jumping repeatedly as they try to throw the hook. The fight can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours depending on the fish's size and attitude.
Yellowfin Tuna, known locally as Ahi, are pure muscle wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package. These fish typically run 40 to 150 pounds in Kona waters, though 200-pounders show up when conditions align. They're most active during summer months but can be caught year-round. Yellowfin fight completely different from marlin – no jumping, just raw power and endurance. They'll sound deep and stay there, testing your back and your tackle's drag system. The meat is as good as it gets, making yellowfin a favorite among anglers who appreciate great table fare along with a tough fight.
Mahi Mahi bring color and excitement to any trip, with their brilliant gold and green flanks and acrobatic fighting style. They typically run 10 to 40 pounds, with occasional bulls pushing 50. Mahi are most abundant from March through July but show up throughout the year around floating debris, logs, or current lines. They're aggressive feeders and often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They jump, run, and put on a show that makes everyone on the boat smile.
Wahoo, called Ono locally, are speed demons that can hit 50 mph and slice through the water like bullets. They average 20 to 50 pounds, with larger specimens pushing 70. Peak wahoo fishing happens from October through February, and they're famous for their initial blistering runs that can strip line faster than you'd believe possible. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes make them one of the most exciting species to hook, and their white, flaky meat is considered among the finest eating fish in the ocean.
Black Marlin are less common than blues but equally impressive when they show up. These fish tend to be slightly smaller on average but make up for it with incredible power and stamina. They're more likely to stay deep and slug it out rather than jump, creating a different but equally challenging fight. Most black marlin here run 150 to 300 pounds, and they can appear at any time of year, adding an element of surprise to every trip.
A full-day charter represents the best value and highest success rate for serious big game fishing in Kona. You're investing in maximum time on productive water, the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions, and the luxury of not rushing when fish are biting. With Reel Havoc Sportfishing, you're getting decades of local knowledge, top-tier equipment, and the kind of commitment to fishing success that separates the real charter operations from the tourist boats. The calendar fills up fast, especially during peak marlin season, so secure your dates early. Whether you're chasing your first marlin, trying to land a tuna for the
Your fishing platform for this full-day Kona adventure is a freshly restored 39' Topaz sportfisher with twin 500HP Yanmars that'll cruise you to the fishing grounds at 24 knots. This boat was built for serious offshore work - you'll have a flybridge for spotting fish, GPS and fish finder to locate the action, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The air conditioning provides relief between strikes, and there's a full galley, head, and berth for comfort during those long 8-hour days chasing marlin and ahi. With space for up to 6 anglers, she's equipped for extended runs to productive water where the big pelagics roam. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during transit, but once you reach the fishing grounds and start trolling those deeper patterns, it's all about putting fish in the boat.
Istiompax IndicaBlack marlin are the bulldozers of the billfish world - shorter, thicker, and more powerful than their blue cousins. They average 200-400 pounds with rigid pectoral fins that won't fold back, making them slower but incredibly strong fighters. We find them closer to structure than blues, around seamounts and drop-offs in 100-600 feet. While not as common here as in Australia or Central America, we do see them, especially during warmer months. What sets them apart? Raw power and aggression - they're known for charging boats and going airborne. The fights are typically shorter but more intense than blues. These fish have serious attitude and the strength to back it up. When targeting blacks, use heavy tackle and stay alert - that bill can do damage. Slow-troll live bait around the edges where deep water meets structure.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the apex predator most anglers dream about - massive billfish that can reach 1,000+ pounds (females get much bigger than males). We find them cruising the deep blue water offshore, usually in the top 300 feet where the water temp stays above 70°F. Year-round fishing here in Kona, but spring through fall tends to be most productive when baitfish are thick. What makes them special? Pure power and those aerial shows when hooked. Plus, if you land one over 1,000 pounds, you've got yourself a "grander" - fishing's ultimate trophy. They hit hard and fight dirty, so heavy tackle is a must. Local tip: when we spot birds working or see flying fish jumping, that's often where the big blues are feeding underneath.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most colorful fighters you'll hook out here - brilliant gold and green sides that light up like neon when they're fired up. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we see bigger bulls pushing 50+. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in that 100-500 foot range. Best action is spring through fall when water temps climb. What guests love most is their aerial acrobatics and how they come in schools - hook one and there's usually more around. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean. White, flaky meat that's perfect for anything from sashimi to fish tacos. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water for a bit - the splashing often brings the whole school up to investigate.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo - or "ono" as we call them here - are built for speed, hitting 60 mph in short bursts. These sleek predators typically run 20-40 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and distinctive blue stripes. They patrol the deeper water from 200-1000 feet, often around drop-offs and seamounts. Peak season runs May through October when they're most active. What makes them so popular? Lightning-fast strikes, blistering runs that'll peel line off your reel, and some of the finest eating you'll find - firm, white meat that's perfect grilled. They're solitary hunters, so it's usually one-and-done unless you're lucky. Here's the key: troll fast (12-15 knots) with wire leaders since those teeth will cut through anything else. Dark lures work best in the early morning bite.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna - ahi to us locals - are the workhorses of offshore fishing. These torpedo-shaped speedsters average 40-100 pounds but can push 200+. They school in the upper water column, usually within 300 feet, and love areas where currents collide or bait concentrates. We target them year-round, but summer and fall produce the most consistent action. What draws anglers? Their bulldogging power, plus they're the premium sashimi fish - that deep red meat is restaurant quality. They'll test your drag and your endurance on long fights. When trolling doesn't work and we're marking fish deep, switching to heavy jigs often does the trick. Watch for bird activity and jumping bait - that's usually where the schools are feeding. Stay sharp when gaffing; they've got another gear even when they look beaten.
Kailua-Kona, HI