Kona Three Quarter Day Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour morning charter targeting marlin, tuna, and mahi mahiAccommodates up to six guests with professional crew assistanceIncludes all equipment and flexible fishing location adjustments
Want serious fishing time without committing to a full day? This 6-hour morning charter with Vixen Sportfishing hits that sweet spot perfectly. Starting at 7 AM sharp, you'll get out on Kona's legendary blue water when the fish are most active, with enough time to really work the grounds and adjust your game plan as conditions change. Captain and crew know these waters inside and out, and with just 6 anglers max, everyone gets quality rod time and personalized attention you won't find on those crowded party boats.
This trip is built around flexibility and results. Your captain will read the conditions each morning and make the call on where to spend your time – whether that's working the nearshore FADs for mahi and ono, or heading out to the deep blue for marlin. The 6-hour window gives you real fishing time, not just a quick trolling pass. You'll start with the morning bite when pelagics are feeding, then adapt throughout the trip based on what's happening. Some days that means switching from trolling to live bait fishing when the marlin are finicky, other days it might mean dropping down for some bottom action if the weather cooperates and the group is interested. The extended time means you're not rushing – you can work a bite properly when fish show up.
The boat comes rigged with quality rods, reels, and a full spread of lures designed for Kona's target species. You'll typically start with a trolling pattern using a mix of marlin lures, cedar plugs, and feathers to cover water and locate fish. When the bite gets hot or conditions call for it, the crew can switch to live bait – usually opelu or other local baitfish that drive the big pelagics crazy. Your first mate handles all the rigging, bait prep, and wire leaders, so you can focus on fishing. The boat's electronics help locate structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools that hold the fish you're after. Don't worry about experience level – the crew will coach you through fighting techniques and make sure you're set up for success whether you're a tournament angler or picking up a rod for the first time.
Blue marlin remain the ultimate prize in Kona waters, and these fish are what legends are made of. Pacific blues here commonly run 200-400 pounds, with genuine giants over 500 pounds always possible. Peak season runs roughly April through September, but don't count them out any time of year. When a marlin eats your lure, everything changes – the screaming reel, the spectacular jumps, the fight that can last an hour or more. Most anglers say hooking their first Kona blue marlin is a life-changing experience, and the crews here know exactly how to put you on them.
Striped marlin offer a different but equally exciting challenge. These fish are typically smaller than blues, running 80-150 pounds, but they're absolute acrobats. Stripeys love to jump and tailwalk across the surface, putting on a show that'll have everyone on the boat hollering. They're most common during winter months when the water cools slightly, and they often travel in small groups, so multiple hookups aren't uncommon.
Yellowfin tuna are the workhorses of Kona fishing – powerful, delicious, and available year-round. The local ahi typically range from 40-150 pounds, though football-sized fish around 20-30 pounds are perfect for newcomers. These fish fight straight down with bulldogging power that'll test your back and arms. The crew knows how to target them around FADs and temperature breaks where they school with skipjack and other baitfish.
Mahi mahi bring the color and excitement that makes offshore fishing so addictive. These brilliant green-and-gold fish are incredibly photogenic and excellent eating. They're most abundant during summer months and often travel in schools around floating debris or sargassum lines. Mahi are perfect for kids and first-time anglers since they fight hard but don't require the endurance of a big marlin or tuna.
Wahoo, locally called ono, are the speed demons of the reef. These torpedo-shaped fish can hit 50+ mph and make blistering runs that'll smoke a reel in seconds. They're excellent table fare – some say the best eating fish in Hawaiian waters. Wahoo often hang around the edges of the deep blue, making them perfect targets during this trip's flexible approach to different fishing zones.
Six hours on Kona's world-class fishing grounds with an experienced crew gives you the best shot at the fish of a lifetime while still getting back to shore with plenty of day left. The morning start time puts you on the water during prime feeding periods, and the smaller group size means everyone gets their shot when the action heats up. Whether you're chasing your first marlin, looking to load up on ahi for the dinner table, or just want to experience what makes Kona one of the world's top big game fishing destinations, this charter delivers the goods. Book early – the best captains and prime morning slots fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Step aboard this serious 45-foot Kona sportfishing machine designed to chase big game fish in Hawaii's legendary blue waters. Built for offshore performance, this vessel handles up to six anglers with room to work the lines and fight trophy marlin, tuna, and mahi. The fighting chair is positioned perfectly for battling large fish, while outriggers and downriggers keep your spread wide and deep where the big ones cruise. Modern fish finder technology helps locate schools and structure, while GPS and radar ensure safe navigation to the best fishing grounds. Air conditioning provides relief between fish, and the onboard restroom means no cutting trips short. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour adventure. The flybridge gives your captain excellent visibility to spot birds, debris lines, and color changes that signal feeding fish. Professional rods, reels, and tackle are provided, plus an experienced first mate to rig baits and assist with landing fish.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants of Kona waters - these apex predators can reach over 1,000 pounds, with females growing much larger than males. They cruise the deep blue water beyond the continental shelf, usually in the top 300 feet. Here in Kona, our peak season runs April through September when water temps hit their sweet spot. What draws anglers back is the raw power and aerial displays these fish put on - nothing matches watching a grander launch itself 10 feet out of the water. The meat's good eating too, though most folks release them for conservation. They feed heavily on skipjack and yellowfin, so we run those as live bait or pull artificial lures at 7-8 knots. My advice: keep your drag smooth and your crew ready - when a blue marlin hits, everything changes fast.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the poster fish for tropical waters - brilliant gold and green colors that light up when they're hooked. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds and live only 4-5 years, but they're pure energy on the line. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-1,000 feet of water. They're here year-round in Kona, with summer being prime time. What guests love is their acrobatic fight and how they change colors when brought to the boat - it's like a light show. The meat is outstanding too - firm, white, and mild. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more. Here's a local trick: when you hook your first mahi, keep it in the water near the boat while you cast to the school - they're curious and will stick around to check on their buddy.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjack are the workhorses of the tuna family - smaller but scrappy fighters that average 20 pounds and run in big schools. These torpedo-shaped fish have distinctive dark stripes along their silver sides and love the warm surface waters around Kona. You'll find them mixed with juvenile yellowfin, especially around floating debris or current breaks. They bite year-round here, but summer months bring the biggest schools. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit lures hard and put up a solid fight for their size. Plus, they make fantastic table fare with that classic tuna flavor. Pro tip: when you see birds working the surface, get your small feathers and spoons ready - skipjack are probably feeding underneath and they're not shy about hitting fast-moving baits.
Kajikia AudaxStriped marlin are the most beautiful billfish we target - sleek torpedo bodies with pale blue stripes that stay visible even after the fight. They typically run 100-400 pounds and prefer the warmer months here in Kona waters. You'll find them in the deep blue, often cutting through current lines and temperature breaks. What makes them special is their incredible speed and jumping ability - they'll put on an aerial show that'll leave you breathless. The meat is prized too, often turned into sushi-grade cuts. They're apex predators that follow baitfish schools, so we look for tuna activity and bird signs. Unlike their blue marlin cousins, striped marlin have pointed pectorals and that distinctive striped pattern. My tip: watch for them "lit up" on the surface - when you see those stripes glowing, get your live bait ready fast.
Hyporthodus FlavolimbatusYellowedge grouper are deep-water powerhouses that live on rocky bottoms and ledges in 400-600 feet of water. These chunky fish average 30 pounds with distinctive yellow fin edges and reddish bodies. They're solitary bottom dwellers that love crabs and small fish, making them perfect targets when we're deep dropping. What guests enjoy is the solid fight they put up from the depths - it's like pulling up a truck with attitude. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, flaky white meat that holds moisture better than most grouper. They're available year-round, but cooler months seem to produce better action. Here's what works: use heavy tackle with multiple hooks, drop fresh squid or mackerel chunks, and be patient. When a yellowedge hits, you'll know it - just keep steady pressure and don't rush the fight on the way up.
Kailua-Kona