Kona Full Day Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore charter targeting marlin, tuna, and mahiFull day format allows multiple fishing areas and techniquesAccommodates up to 6 guests with all gear provided
When you're serious about fishing the legendary waters off Kona, this full-day charter with Vixen Sportfishing gives you exactly what you're looking for. We're talking eight solid hours on the water, starting at 7:00 AM when the ocean's still calm and the fish are actively feeding. This isn't some rushed half-day trip where you barely get your lines wet – we've got time to hit multiple spots, adjust our approach as conditions change, and really put you on the fish. The boat takes up to six anglers, so whether you're bringing the whole crew or joining a small group, everyone gets plenty of action without feeling crowded.
The beauty of a full-day charter is that we're not watching the clock. We'll start by running out to productive areas where the blue water holds the big pelagics you came here to catch. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adjust our game plan based on what's happening that day. Some days the marlin are fired up on the ledges, other days the tuna are thick on the seamounts. That's the advantage of having eight hours – we can chase the bite wherever it takes us. You'll have a first mate onboard who knows his stuff, so whether you're a seasoned angler or this is your first time fighting a marlin, you'll have expert help every step of the way. All the gear is provided, from the heavy tackle rigs for marlin to lighter setups for mahi and wahoo, plus all the bait and lures you'll need.
We'll be running a spread of lures most of the day, covering water and looking for those aggressive strikes that make your heart skip a beat. The trolling setup typically includes a mix of marlin lures, cedar plugs for tuna, and smaller lures for mahi and wahoo. When conditions are right, we'll also break out the live bait – there's nothing quite like watching a big marlin come up behind a frisky skipjack and absolutely crush it. If the bite slows on the surface, we've got the option to drop down and do some bottom fishing for snappers and other reef species. The variety keeps things interesting and means you're almost guaranteed to put some fish in the boat. The captain will work different depths and structures throughout the day, from shallow reefs to deep drop-offs where the really big fish cruise.
Blue Marlin are the crown jewel of Kona fishing and the main reason serious anglers make the trip here. These magnificent fish can push 400-500 pounds or more, and when one takes your lure, you'll know it immediately. The best action typically happens from May through September, though we see them year-round. Blue marlin are ambush predators that cruise the deep blue water looking for schools of tuna and other baitfish. Fighting one is a test of endurance and skill – expect a battle that could last an hour or more. The thrill of seeing a grander marlin greyhound across the surface is something you'll never forget.
Skipjack Tuna might not be the biggest fish out there, but they're incredibly important to the ecosystem and make fantastic live bait for the big predators. These 10-15 pound speedsters are also great eating and perfect for anglers who want to stay busy with consistent action. We typically find them in schools around structure, and they're aggressive feeders that will hit lures and bait with enthusiasm. When we're live baiting for marlin, skipjack are often our go-to choice.
Mahi Mahi are one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean and provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. These colorful dolphins (not the mammal) typically run 15-40 pounds and are incredibly acrobatic when hooked. They love floating debris, so we'll often work around logs or weed lines where they congregate. Mahi are also excellent table fare, making them a favorite with anglers who want to take something home for dinner. Peak season runs from spring through fall, but we see them throughout the year.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of runs that will make your reel scream like nothing else. These torpedo-shaped predators typically weigh 20-60 pounds and have razor-sharp teeth that can slice through light leader in a heartbeat. They're often caught while trolling for other species, and their initial run is absolutely blistering. Wahoo make excellent eating and are prized by anglers who appreciate a fish that fights hard and tastes even better.
Yellowfin Tuna are powerful, hard-fighting fish that can really test your tackle and your stamina. The yellowfin we catch off Kona typically run 50-150 pounds, though bigger fish are always possible. These tuna are built for speed and endurance, so expect a long, grinding fight when you hook into a decent one. They're often found around schools of dolphins or working bait balls, and they respond well to both lures and live bait. Yellowfin are also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, perfect for sashimi or steaks on the grill.
This full-day charter is perfect for anglers who want the complete Kona fishing experience without feeling rushed. Eight hours gives us the flexibility to really work the water and put you on the best bite of the day. Whether you're after that trophy marlin for the wall or just want to experience world-class fishing in one of the planet's best locations, this trip delivers. The waters off Kona have produced more grander marlin than anywhere else in the Pacific, and every day out there brings the possibility of hooking the fish of a lifetime. Don't wait too long to
This 45-foot Kona sportfishing boat is built to handle the big blue waters off the Kona coast. With outriggers spread wide and downriggers ready to deploy, she's designed for serious offshore action targeting marlin, tuna, mahi, and wahoo. The fighting chair is positioned perfectly for battling trophy fish while the captain works from the flybridge above. Six anglers can fish comfortably with plenty of deck space to move around during the fight. When you need a break from the sun, duck into the air-conditioned cabin or grab cold drinks from the icebox. The onboard restroom means no cutting trips short, and with GPS, radar, and fish finder technology, the captain can locate the best fishing grounds and navigate safely in any conditions. A solid platform for a full day of Kona offshore fishing.
Makaira NigricansThe grander - our ultimate prize fish that can exceed 1,000 pounds. Females grow massive while males rarely top 350 pounds. These apex predators cruise the deep blue water along current edges and drop-offs, hunting yellowfin and skipjack. Peak season runs May through September when the big girls move through. Blues are famous for their aerial displays and bulldogging runs that test every piece of gear. We troll large lures and rigged ballyhoo at 8-10 knots in 1,000+ feet of water. The meat is firm but many anglers prefer catch and release. Here's the secret: when a blue comes up behind the lures, don't change course - let her decide to eat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold and green that flashes like neon underwater before fading after landing. Bulls have that distinctive flat forehead while females are more rounded. They average 15-30 pounds and love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-800 feet of water. Year-round fishing with peak action in spring and fall. These acrobatic fighters jump repeatedly and make long runs. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality with a mild, sweet flavor. Perfect for the dinner table. Local trick: once you find floating debris with mahi, throw some bait chunks overboard to keep them around while everyone gets a shot.
Katsuwonus PelamisThese smaller tunas average 20 pounds but pack serious speed in their torpedo-shaped bodies. You'll find skipjack in schools near the surface, often mixed with juvenile yellowfin. They hit hard on trolled hoochies at 4-6 knots and put up a spirited fight despite their size. The dark bands along their silver sides make them easy to identify. Best fishing is year-round in Kona's warm waters, especially when birds are working bait schools. They're excellent table fare - mild, firm flesh that's perfect for searing or sashimi. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep trolling through the school since they travel in large groups and you'll often get multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriCalled "ono" in Hawaiian - meaning delicious - these razor-toothed speedsters can hit 60 mph. Wahoo average 30-50 pounds with that unmistakable zebra-striped pattern along their sides. They patrol the deep blue water from 200-1,000 feet, often as singles or small groups. Best months are October through March when they're most active. The initial run will test your drag and their sharp teeth demand wire leaders. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving lures works best. The white meat is firm and mild - some of the finest eating fish in the ocean. Pro tip: when wahoo fishing, keep your lures running clean and fast; they won't chase a slow or fouled bait.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin or "ahi" are the workhorses of our offshore fishery, running 60-200 pounds with those signature bright yellow fins. These warm-blooded rockets cruise in schools from 100-600 feet, often under porpoise or birds. They're here year-round but fall and winter bring the bigger fish. Yellowfin are pure muscle - long, powerful runs that'll smoke your reel. The deep red meat is sushi-grade perfection, commanding top dollar in restaurants. We target them trolling, live baiting, and jigging when they go deep. When you mark fish on the sonar but they won't bite topwater, drop a vertical jig down to them - that often triggers strikes when nothing else works.
Kailua-Kona