Damn Good Hawaii Fishing Charters

The best fishing charters in Hawaii are:

• Fire Hatt Sportfishing guided by Charles W.
• Reel Havoc Sportfishing guided by Dusty S.
• Aloha Charters guided by Vincent I.
• Medusa Sportfishing guided by Lance G.
• Silky Sportfishing guided by John B.

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 25 trips in Hawaii, and the most popular trips in the area are 3/4 Day Trip guided by Dusty, Sunset, Sip And Fish guided by Dusty, and Live Bait Bottom Fishing guided by Matt.

Our guides in Hawaii are rated a 4.11 out of 5 based on 7716 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly charters / fishing lessons in Hawaii? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Hawaii.

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Hawaii as well as nearshore fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Hawaii are: 1. mahi mahi, 2. wahoo, 3. yellowfin tuna, 4. striped marlin, and 5. blue marlin.

The most common fishing techniques in Hawaii are trolling, heavy tackle fishing, and artificial lure fishing but light tackle fishing and live bait fishing are popular as well.

Prices in Hawaii can range anywhere from about $1,038 to $3,400, but the average price for a half day trip in Hawaii is $1,603. The average price for a full day trip in Hawaii is $2,432.

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

The most popular season for fishing in Hawaii is summer, and most anglers book their trips 49 days in advance.

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Hawaii, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Hawaii. When in doubt, your guide will always know all the relevant rules and regulations in Hawaii.

The Hawaiian Islands are the peaks of an underwater mountain range putting deep water and huge fish well within reach. The fishing opportunities in Hawaii will spoil any deep sea angler with travel times measured in minutes and fights that can last hours. Leaving the Honokohau Harbor in Kona Hawaii takes about 5 minutes to get from the docks to the buoys. At this point, start setting out lines because by the time the last one hits the water you are fishing in over 1,000 feet of water. All of the Hawaiian Islands have similarly exceptional fishing and every trip has the potential to hook up with massive and delicious fish. There are plenty of stories about tuna and blue marlin being caught within sight of the buoys.

There is very little difference between nearshore and offshore fishing in Hawaii because of how quickly the seafloor drops off. With that being said, fishing closer to shore is more likely to produce mahi-mahi, wahoo (Ono), and skipjack tuna (Aku). These fish will push closer to shore to hunt currents and deep rock formations. Baitfish will group up around anything that might provide cover but these aggressive fish don’t have trouble finding them.

Mahi typically weigh 25 pounds and grows over three feet long but will occasionally grow much larger with the current record sitting at 82 pounds. Wahoo are the most ferocious of these fish with a mouth full of sharp teeth, a common size of three to four feet long, and a weight of about 20 pounds. The largest wahoo can grow to almost six feet long and over 150 pounds which would be a tough fight for any angler. Mahi and wahoo are also some of the most delicious fish with frim white delicate meat. Skipjack tuna are much smaller at around five pounds for most fish but they have been known to grow well over 30 pounds. With darker red meat skipjack are tasty but oily with a more pronounced flavor that can be hit or miss.

All of these fish all travel in schools and trolling frequently produces multiple bites that happen all at once. Nearshore trips are great for targeting these fish but there is still a chance that one of the larger species will move in from the depths and crush your bait.

Trolling for deep sea giants is the same as nearshore but instead of following the shoreline, you are likely to head away from land. The nearshore fish also hunt further out but they have to compete with the marlin, tuna, and sailfish. These fish are next-level predators in both size and strength. Hooking into a big marlin could mean you will be battling it out for the next several hours.

Yellowfin tuna are widely accepted as one of the most delicious fish in the ocean but trying to land one is no easy task. Yellowfin tuna can grow up to almost eight feet long and 440 pounds with 100 pounds being fairly common. These tuna are formidable fighters that will test the endurance of even seasoned anglers.

The most prized sportfish in Hawaii is the blue marlin. These bluewater behemoths as fast, strong, aggressive, and grow over 1,000 pounds. A blue marlin over 1,000 pounds is called a grander and Hawaii has been responsible for landing over 150 of them. The striped marlin is a smaller relative of the blue marlin topping out around 200 pounds. Both of these fish are fierce and require anglers to be on point if you want to land one.

Starting in the winter months, striped marlin and mahi are in the area and firing on all cylinders until late spring. The wahoo bite picks up fast from late spring into the summer when the yellowfin and blue marlin move in. Summer into fall is one of the best times to take a trip with the yellowfin and blue marlin bite at its peak while also overlapping with all of the other species at different points.

Hawaii is home to tropical weather and stunning landscape. The weather can vary dramatically depending on the island and area you stay in but there is plenty to do wherever you go. If you love being outdoors then hit the hiking trails for amazing views or to reach faraway secluded beaches. If relaxation is the goal then a soft sandy beach with a sunrise or sunset view is never far away. Snorkeling or diving at the historic Cook’s cove is some of the best in the world if you like to immerse yourself in nature. To find your next adventure in Hawaii, all you have to do is leave your room and go looking.

Hawaii is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering unique and diverse opportunities that are hard to match elsewhere. The state's vast and vibrant ocean waters are home to a variety of fish species, making it a paradise for saltwater anglers. From shore fishing to deep-sea expeditions, Hawaii's fishing scene caters to all preferences. Anglers can target a wide range of species including Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi), Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo (Ono), and the prized Blue Marlin. The clear, warm waters around the Hawaiian Islands provide excellent conditions for fishing year-round, ensuring that visitors can enjoy productive trips no matter when they visit.

In addition to deep-sea fishing, Hawaii offers excellent opportunities for shore and reef fishing. The coastal areas and shallow reefs are teeming with species like Bonefish (O'io), Trevally (Ulua), and various types of Snapper and Goatfish. Local anglers often fish from the beaches, rocky shores, and piers, taking advantage of the abundant marine life that thrives close to the islands. Kayak fishing has also gained popularity, allowing anglers to access more remote spots and enjoy the serene beauty of Hawaii's coastal waters. The diverse marine environments around the islands ensure that there's always something biting, making shore and reef fishing a rewarding experience.

Hawaii's fishing community is vibrant and well-supported by a range of resources, including charter services, fishing guides, tackle shops, and annual tournaments. Events like the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament draw anglers from around the world, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition. The state also emphasizes sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation to protect its rich marine ecosystems for future generations. Local regulations and initiatives are in place to ensure that fishing remains a sustainable and enjoyable activity. Overall, Hawaii's combination of abundant marine life, diverse fishing environments, and strong community support make it an exceptional destination for anglers seeking an unforgettable fishing experience.