5.0(4 Reviews)Private Offshore Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 6hour offshore charter targeting Blue Marlin and Mahi MahiAll fishing gear included with guidance for every skill levelOptional snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay combines fishing with marine sightseeing
When you're looking for serious offshore action in Hawaiian waters, Silky Sportfishing delivers the kind of charter experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. This private 6-hour adventure puts you right in the heart of Kona's legendary blue water, where marlin patrol the drop-offs and mahi mahi cruise the current lines. Captain Dave and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not just here to take you fishing – they're here to put you on fish. With room for up to six anglers, this charter gives your group the flexibility to fish hard or mix in some snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay if the mood strikes.
Your day starts at the harbor in Kailua-Kona, where you'll meet your captain and crew aboard the Silky. This isn't some cramped fishing boat where everyone's fighting for elbow room – the bridge has plenty of space for the whole group to stay comfortable while watching the action unfold. The crew provides all the tackle you'll need, from heavy trolling rigs for marlin to lighter setups for mahi and tuna. Don't worry if you've never fought a billfish before; these guys know how to coach you through it without making you feel like a rookie. The boat heads out into the deep blue water off the Kona coast, where the bottom drops to thousands of feet just a few miles from shore. This unique underwater topography brings big pelagic fish close to the coast, making Kona one of the world's top marlin destinations. If you want to add some variety to the day, the crew can swing by Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling – they've got all the gear onboard.
The Silky runs a professional trolling spread designed to attract everything from blue marlin to yellowfin tuna. The crew sets out a combination of lures and live bait, adjusting the spread based on conditions and what's been biting recently. You'll typically troll at 6-8 knots, covering water and looking for signs of life – bird activity, debris lines, temperature breaks, or the telltale splash of feeding fish. When a fish hits, everyone knows it. The reel screams, the rod bends double, and suddenly you're connected to something that might weigh more than you do. The crew handles the gaff and boat positioning while you focus on the fight. All the rods are rigged with circle hooks and appropriate tackle for each target species. The captain monitors fish finder and surface conditions to put you in the best spots throughout the day. Remember, you'll need a non-resident marine fishing license – grab one online before your trip to avoid any delays.
"We have been coming to Kona for 14 years.Many different boats, but the silky is the best. Captain Dave and William. Put us on 2 blues and a striped marlin the best day on the water by far. The boat is setup so everyone has a comfortable space. The bridge has ample room for all unlike most boats" - Mike
"Had an amazing time on the water with Dave and Cam. They had us hooked up on a huge Blue Marlin not even 10 minutes out of the harbor! Very professional duo and the boat was very comfortable. We'll definitely look to fish with them again the next time we visit Kona" - Jason
"We did a six hour snorkel/fishing charter out of Kona during Spring Break. We looked for a family friendly boat since we were fishing with a 11 and 14 year old. Captain John and his mate Billy couldn't have been more professional and nicer to my children. We ended up hooking three tuna and a juvenile marlin (which was tagged and released). The snorkeling area we visited was beautiful and they supplied all the gear. I highly recommend fishing off the Silky with John and Billy whether you're a seasoned vet or out with your kids for a great day." - Jason
Blue marlin are the undisputed kings of Kona waters, and for good reason. These apex predators can exceed 1,000 pounds and provide fights that'll test every muscle in your body. Peak season runs from May through September, but fish are caught year-round. Blue marlin are ambush predators that cruise the thermocline looking for schools of tuna and mahi. When one hits your lure, expect long runs, spectacular jumps, and a battle that could last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Most recreational catches range from 200-600 pounds, but you never know when a true giant might show up.
Striped marlin offer a different kind of excitement – they're smaller than blues, typically 80-180 pounds, but they're absolute acrobats. These fish jump repeatedly during the fight, often spending more time in the air than in the water. They're most common from October through April in Kona waters, making them a favorite target during winter months when blue marlin numbers drop slightly. Striped marlin are incredibly aggressive feeders and will attack lures with reckless abandon.
Mahi mahi, or common dolphinfish, are the perfect fish for mixed groups or families. They fight hard for their size, grow quickly to keeper size, and taste phenomenal on the dinner table. Most mahi in Kona waters run 10-40 pounds, with bigger bulls occasionally pushing 50-60 pounds. They're found around floating debris, current lines, and temperature breaks. Mahi are curious fish that often travel in schools, so where you find one, you'll likely find more. They're available year-round but peak during summer months.
Yellowfin tuna are pure muscle and speed, built like underwater rockets. These fish make blistering runs that'll smoke your drag
The Silky is a tournament-ready 45' Viking that cuts through Kona's deep blue waters with serious fishing capability. Built for chasing marlin and mahi in comfort, this boat handles 4-6 anglers with plenty of room to work the lines. Two air-conditioned staterooms and bathrooms mean you can fish hard all day without roughing it. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting fish signs, while the fish finder helps locate those deeper holding spots. Between the icebox, refrigerator, and full galley, you're set for a long day targeting pelagics. GPS and radar keep you on the productive grounds safely, whether you're trolling the drop-offs or heading to Kealakekua Bay for some bonus snorkeling. This Viking delivers the stable platform and fishing-focused layout that serious offshore fishing demands in Kona waters.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate trophy fish in Kona waters - the kings of our offshore fishing scene. These massive billfish can reach over 1,000 pounds, though most we hook are in the 200-400 pound range. Females grow much larger than males and live longer too. They patrol the deep blue water beyond the 100-fathom line, hunting tuna, mackerel, and other baitfish. Peak season runs April through September when the water's warmest. What makes them special? Their incredible power, aerial displays, and the fact that catching one is a genuine accomplishment. The fight can last hours with these fish. They're edible but most anglers prefer catch-and-release. Pro tip: when a marlin shows up behind your lures, resist the urge to pull them away - let the fish make the decision to strike.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are probably our most colorful and action-packed fish to target. These golden beauties with their rainbow sides average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+. They're fast growers that school around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in the upper water column. We catch them year-round, but summer months are consistently hot. What guests love most is their aggressive nature - they'll often double or triple up on the lines, creating chaos on deck. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that sweet, mild flavor. The color show they put on when brought aboard is something to see. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep the other lines in - where there's one mahi, there's usually more, and they get competitive when they see a hooked fish.
Tetrapturus AngustirostrisShortbill spearfish are one of our more elusive billfish targets here in Kona's deep waters. These lean, silver fish typically run 50-75 pounds with that distinctive short bill that's barely longer than their lower jaw. They're surface feeders that cruise the open ocean hunting small fish and squid. Most of the year we see them as bonus catches while trolling for marlin or tuna, since they're not super abundant. When hooked, they put up a solid fight with some nice jumps. The meat is excellent - similar to marlin but with a bit more flavor, which is why locals call them "hebi" and restaurants love serving them as catch-of-the-day. Here's a tip: when we see one following the spread, keep the lures moving steady rather than speeding up - they like to study their prey before striking.
Kajikia AudaxStriped marlin are considered the most beautiful billfish we target, with those distinctive pale blue stripes that stay visible even after capture. They average 200-300 pounds with a more slender build than blues, making them incredibly acrobatic fighters. These fish prefer the warmer months, typically showing up best from spring through early fall in our offshore waters. What sets them apart is their willingness to stay near the surface and put on an aerial show that's hard to beat. The meat is excellent too - often turned into sashimi called "nairagi" locally. They're apex predators that hunt schools of tuna and smaller fish. When searching for striped marlin, I always tell guests to watch for wind lines and current breaks - that's where they like to hunt, cutting through the water looking for bait schools.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna, or "ahi" as we call them locally, are speed demons of the deep. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 60-150 pounds in our waters and can hit 50 mph when they want to. They cruise the upper 300 feet of water column, often mixing with schools of porpoise. We target them year-round, but late summer through fall tends to be most consistent. What makes yellowfin special is their raw power and endurance - they'll take you on long, screaming runs that test your tackle and stamina. They're also premium eating, prized for sushi and sashimi. The meat quality here in Hawaii is world-class. When we're marking fish deep but surface action is slow, we'll often switch from trolling to vertical jigging - that's when you can really load up on these powerful fish.
5.0 out of 5.0We have been coming to Kona for 14 years.Many different boats, but the silky is the best. Captain Dave and William. Put us on 2 bl...
Had an amazing time on the water with Dave and Cam. They had us hooked up on a huge Blue Marlin not even 10 minutes out of the har...
We did a six hour snorkel/fishing charter out of Kona during Spring Break. We looked for a family friendly boat since we were fish...
Great time today with Captain Dave and Kris, we only came back with 1 flag flying a 20+pound Wahoo and two lost hits, but 1/2 the ...
Kona