5.0(3 Reviews)Private Beginner Offshore Fishing in Kailua-Kona
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private full-day charter targets Blue Marlin and Mahi Mahi offshoreBeginner-friendly guidance with all fishing gear and equipment providedOptional snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay between fishing sessions
Want to get into big game fishing but don't know where to start? This private full-day charter out of Kailua-Kona is built just for you. We're talking about real deal offshore fishing – the kind where you're pulling in Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Yellowfin Tuna while learning from captains who've been working these waters for decades. The best part? It's designed for beginners, so you'll get hands-on instruction without feeling thrown to the sharks. Plus, if the fishing slows down, we can sneak over to Kealakekua Bay for some snorkeling at the Captain Cook Memorial. Two adventures in one day – that's how we roll in Kona.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip. You're getting a full-day private charter that starts early when the fish are most active. We'll be running a comfortable 47-foot vessel that's big enough to handle Kona's offshore swells but still lets you feel connected to the action. The boat comes loaded with top-shelf tackle, outriggers, and all the gear you need – no need to bring anything except your fishing license and sunscreen. Your captain and crew know exactly where to find the fish based on current conditions, water temperature, and what's been biting lately. We're trolling the deep blue waters off the Kona coast, where the continental shelf drops off dramatically and creates perfect hunting grounds for pelagic species. When we hook up, the crew will coach you through the fight, helping you land your first billfish or tuna. Between fishing spots, keep your eyes peeled for dolphin pods – they often lead us right to the action.
We fish the Kona way out here – serious trolling with proven techniques that have been putting fish in the boat for generations. The boat runs four to six lines at different depths and distances, using a mix of lures, skirts, and bait depending on what's working. The outriggers spread our lines wide to cover more water and prevent tangles when multiple fish hit at once. You'll be using heavy tackle – think 50 to 130-pound class reels – because when a 200-pound Blue Marlin decides to make a run, you need equipment that can handle it. The crew will set everything up and explain how the drag system works, when to pump and wind, and how to use the fighting chair if you hook into something big. Don't worry about experience – these guys have coached thousands of first-time anglers through their first billfish fight. All gear is tournament-grade stuff, regularly maintained and rigged fresh each morning. Just remember to grab your non-resident marine fishing license online before the trip – it's required and runs about $10 for three days.
"Cpt John worked very hard to get our 11 yr old grandson a big fish. Success. We also snorkeled at Cpt Cook memorial. Highly recommend combining a fishing charter and snorkeling. Helps save $$$ too. One charter not two. Outstanding equipment. The very best. 47' boat was very comfortable for our non-fishing Wife (grandmother) who could watch the smiles. Cpt John and first mate we're professional businessmen, retired to years of helping clients like us learn about the big Island and get the most out of a day on the water. Saw Dolphins and had a shark chase one of the tuna we caught. Thanks guys!" - Richard
"Great experience on our trip. Caught two large spearfish and had fun all day. Highly recommend" - Filip
"Awesome trip we had! Caught a big spearfish, the fight was amazing, thanks captain Dave!" - David
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of Kona fishing, and for good reason. These apex predators can top 400 pounds and fight like nothing else in the ocean. They're most active during summer months but can be caught year-round off Kona. When a Blue hits your lure, you'll know it – the reel screams, the rod doubles over, and your heart rate spikes. What makes them special is their aerial displays – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show you'll never forget. The fight can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours depending on the fish's size and attitude.
Mahi Mahi are the perfect beginner's fish – aggressive, beautiful, and fantastic eating. Also called Dorado or Dolphinfish, these golden-green speedsters travel in schools and often provide non-stop action when you find them. They're most abundant from spring through fall but can be caught year-round. Mahi fight hard for their size, making long runs and jumping repeatedly. They're also one of the fastest-growing fish in the ocean, reaching 30 pounds in just two years. Finding floating debris or logs often means finding Mahi hiding underneath.
Yellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of Kona's offshore fishery. These silver bullets can reach 200 pounds and are built for speed and endurance. They fight deep and hard, using their incredible strength to sound toward the bottom. Peak season runs from May through September, but smaller schoolie-sized fish are available year-round. What anglers love about Yellowfin is their power – they don't jump much, but they pull like freight trains and test your stamina. Plus, there's no better sashimi fish in the ocean.
Shortbill Spearfish are Kona's most abundant billfish and a blast on lighter tackle. Averaging 20-40 pounds, they're smaller than their Marlin cousins but make up for it with acrobatic fights full of jumps and runs. They're available year-round with peak action in summer months. Spear
The Silky is your perfect fishing platform for chasing blue marlin and mahi mahi in Kona's legendary deep waters. This 45' Viking sportfisher combines serious fishing capability with creature comforts that make long days on the water enjoyable. With room for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with tournament-grade gear and a fish finder to locate your targets in the blue water offshore. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting birds and bait schools, while the air conditioning provides a cool retreat between hookups. Two staterooms and bathrooms mean comfort during those extended fishing sessions, plus a full kitchen and icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're trolling for pelagics or taking a snorkel break at Kealakekua Bay, The Silky delivers the reliable performance and amenities that turn a good fishing day into a great one.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the ultimate prize out here - the biggest billfish in Hawaiian waters. Males typically run 200-350 pounds, but females can hit massive sizes, sometimes over 1,000 pounds (we call those "granders"). You'll spot them by their cobalt blue backs that fade to silver-white bellies and those folding pectoral fins. They cruise the deep blue water year-round here in Kona, but summer months tend to be most productive. These fish are famous for their aerial shows and raw power - they'll test every piece of your gear. The meat is excellent too, though bigger fish can have higher mercury levels. We troll with heavy tackle, 50-80 pound class, using both artificial lures and live bait like ono or skipjack. Local trick: keep your bait skipping on the surface - marlin love to see that commotion and will come up from 200+ feet to investigate.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are pure gold out there - literally. These fish light up like neon signs with brilliant yellows, blues, and greens that shift and change as they fight. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long, though bigger bulls can hit 50+ pounds with that distinctive square forehead. They love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in the open ocean. Best fishing is usually spring through fall when water temps are warmest. What guests love most is the action - mahi are aggressive and will often travel in schools, so one fish can turn into five or six real quick. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. Here's the trick: when you hook your first one, leave it in the water while you grab more rods. The hooked fish will keep the school around, and you can often pick off several more before they scatter.
Tetrapturus AngustirostrisShortbill Spearfish are one of the more unique billfish you'll encounter out here. They're smaller than marlin, typically running 50-75 inches and under 100 pounds, with lean bodies and that distinctive short bill that's barely longer than their lower jaw. Look for their bright blue dorsal fin and silvery sides with a dark band up top. These guys are surface feeders that love squid and smaller fish. They're pretty rare catches - most come as bonus fish when we're trolling for tuna or marlin in the deeper blue water. Winter months are prime time when water temps hit around 77°F. What makes them special is the meat quality - locals call them "hebi" and they're prized table fare, similar to marlin but with more flavor. My tip: when you hook one, don't horse it - they've got delicate mouths and light tackle works better than heavy gear.
Kajikia AudaxStriped Marlin are probably the prettiest billfish you'll see, with those pale blue stripes that stay visible even after the fish is boated. They're smaller than blues, usually 150-300 pounds, but make up for it with incredible aerial displays and aggressive strikes. These fish prefer slightly cooler water and are more common during winter months when conditions are right. They've got a more slender build than other marlin and pointed pectoral fins that help with their acrobatics. The meat is outstanding - often turned into sushi here and tastes similar to swordfish but richer. They're apex predators that follow schools of tuna and smaller baitfish in the open ocean. We usually troll the same spread we use for blues, but striped marlin tend to be more finicky about presentation. My advice: when you see one "lit up" behind the boat, don't change your speed or direction. Let them make their decision - sudden moves will spook them every time.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin Tuna, or "ahi" as we call them locally, are built like torpedoes and fight just as hard. Most of what we catch runs 40-80 pounds, though they can grow much larger. You'll recognize them by those bright yellow fins and that metallic blue back. These fish are fast - hitting 50 mph when they want to - and they'll take you deep into your backing. They cruise the upper water column in schools, following baitfish and temperature breaks. Year-round fishing here is solid, but winter months often produce the best action. Guests love them for the strong, steady fight and world-class sashimi quality meat. We troll with cedar plugs and rigged ballyhoo, but when they're deep, vertical jigging can be deadly effective. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speeds between 6-9 knots. Yellowfin can be picky, and sometimes that speed change is what triggers the bite when nothing else will work.
5.0 out of 5.0Cpt John worked very hard to get our 11 yr old grandson a big fish. Success. We also snorkeled at Cpt Cook memorial. Highly recomm...
Great experience on our trip. Caught two large spearfish and had fun all day. Highly recommend
Awesome trip we had! Caught a big spearfish, the fight was amazing, thanks captain Dave!
Kona