Damn Good Deep Sea Fishing Charters In Kona

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Recently Booked Deep Sea Fishing Charters In Kona, Hi

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The Captain Experiences team chose this trip as one for the bucket list.
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Kona Legendary Sportfishing

100% (1)
42 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,500
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Kona Big Game Fishing - 31’ Bertram

60% (5)
31 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Kona Coast Big Game Fishing

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35 ft 1 - 5 People From $850
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Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Kona Deep Sea Special

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42 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,300
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Kailua-Kona

Private Fishing Charter

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33 ft 1 - 5 People From $775
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Kailua-Kona

Ahi And A'u Adventure - 40'

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40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,300

Top Types of Deep Sea Trips in Kona

Top Species for Deep Sea Fishing in Kona

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Target Species in Kona

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More Deep Sea Fishing Charters In Kona, Hi

Fishing in Destin
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Kailua-Kona

Ahi And A'u Adventure - 40'

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40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,300
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Kailua-Kona

Private Fishing Charter

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33 ft 1 - 5 People From $775
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Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Kona Deep Sea Special

100% (1)
42 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,300
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Kona Coast Big Game Fishing

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35 ft 1 - 5 People From $850
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Kona Big Game Fishing - 31’ Bertram

60% (5)
31 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Bucket List
The Captain Experiences team chose this trip as one for the bucket list.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Kona Legendary Sportfishing

100% (1)
42 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,500
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Everything to Know About Booking a Kailua-Kona deep sea fishing charter

What are the best deep sea fishing charters in Kona?

Why should I book a deep sea fishing charter in Kona with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 6 deep sea trips in Kona, and the most popular trips in the area are Kona Legendary Sportfishing guided by Gaige, Kona Big Game Fishing - 31’ Bertram guided by Dale, and Kona Deep Sea Special guided by Gaige.

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 deep sea guides / fishing lessons in Kona? Check out our beginner and family friendly deep sea guides in Kona.

What types of deep sea fishing charters are common in Kona?

The most commonly sought after species for deep sea fishing are: 1. blue marlin, 2. yellowfin tuna, 3. spearfish, 4. striped marlin, and 5. wahoo.

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

How much do Kailua-Kona deep sea fishing charters cost?

Prices for deep sea fishing in Kona can range anywhere from about $783 to $1,300, but the average price for a half day trip for deep sea fishing in Kona is $800. The average price for a full day trip for deep sea fishing in Kona is $1,196.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

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.

What month is best for deep sea fishing in Kona?

The most popular season for deep sea fishing in Kona is summer, and most anglers book their trips 39 days in advance.

Do I need a Kona fishing license and what are the bag limits in Kona?

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

What is deep sea fishing in Kailua-Kona all about?

Deep sea fishing in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, is a premier experience for anglers looking to test their skills against some of the ocean’s most formidable game fish. Located on the west coast of the Big Island, Kailua-Kona is renowned for its calm, deep waters and rich fishing grounds. The town's proximity to the Kona Coast's drop-off, where the ocean floor plunges rapidly, creates an ideal environment for big game fishing. This unique geography means that anglers can start fishing almost immediately after leaving the harbor, maximizing their time on the water.

One of the main attractions of deep sea fishing in Kailua-Kona is the opportunity to catch Pacific blue marlin, especially during the peak season from June to September. These majestic fish can grow to impressive sizes, with some exceeding 1,000 pounds, earning them the nickname "grander marlin." The area is also famous for hosting the prestigious Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, drawing anglers from around the globe. In addition to blue marlin, anglers can target other species such as yellowfin tuna (ahi), wahoo (ono), and mahi-mahi (dorado), all of which are abundant throughout the year.

The fishing charters in Kailua-Kona are well-equipped with experienced captains and crews who are familiar with the local waters and the best techniques for landing a big catch. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, the charters offer tailored experiences to suit your skill level and fishing goals. Beyond the thrill of the catch, deep sea fishing in Kailua-Kona also provides the chance to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Hawaiian coast, with its clear blue waters and breathtaking views of the island's volcanic landscape. Whether you're pursuing a record-breaking marlin or simply enjoying a day out on the ocean, Kailua-Kona offers an unforgettable deep sea fishing adventure.

What is deep sea fishing in Kailua-Kona all about?

Deep sea fishing in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, is a year-round activity, thanks to the region's consistently warm climate and rich marine environment. However, certain times of the year are particularly favorable for targeting specific species. The peak season for blue marlin, one of the most prized catches, runs from June to September. During these months, the waters off Kailua-Kona are teeming with these powerful fish, providing anglers with the best chance of hooking a trophy-sized marlin. This period also coincides with major fishing tournaments, such as the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, attracting anglers from around the world.

From October to May, the fishing focus in Kailua-Kona shifts to other species that remain abundant in the waters. Yellowfin tuna (ahi) are particularly prevalent from April to September, offering a thrilling challenge with their speed and strength. The winter months, especially from November to February, are prime times for catching striped marlin and shortbill spearfish. These species, while generally smaller than blue marlin, still provide exciting action and are highly sought after by sport fishermen.

Throughout the year, anglers can also target species like mahi-mahi (dorado) and wahoo (ono), which are consistently present in the waters around Kailua-Kona. Mahi-mahi are known for their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights, while wahoo are prized for their speed and sharp teeth. This year-round availability of diverse species ensures that deep sea fishing in Kailua-Kona offers rewarding experiences regardless of the season. Understanding the seasonal patterns can help anglers plan their trips more effectively, aligning their visit with the best times to target their preferred species and maximize their chances of a successful catch.

What techniques are popular for deep sea fishing in Kailua-Kona?

Deep sea fishing in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, offers a variety of types and techniques tailored to different preferences and target species. One of the most popular methods is trolling, which involves trailing baited lines or lures behind a moving boat. Anglers can target pelagic species such as blue marlin, yellowfin tuna (ahi), and mahi-mahi using this technique. Trolling allows anglers to cover a large area of water and present their baits at various depths, increasing the chances of enticing a strike from a passing fish. Experienced captains and crews often utilize specialized outriggers and downriggers to spread out the lines and optimize the trolling spread.

Another common technique in Kailua-Kona is live bait fishing, particularly for targeting larger predatory fish like marlin and tuna. This method involves using live baitfish, such as skipjack tuna or mackerel, rigged with hooks and deployed in strategic locations where fish are known to congregate. Live bait fishing requires patience and finesse, as anglers must carefully handle and present the live bait to entice a strike. It's a highly effective technique, especially when targeting wary or finicky fish that may not respond to artificial lures.

Jigging is also popular among anglers in Kailua-Kona, especially for catching bottom-dwelling species like snapper and grouper. This technique involves dropping heavy metal jigs to the ocean floor and then rapidly jerking them upward to mimic the movement of injured prey. Jigging can be physically demanding but can yield impressive results, particularly when fishing over underwater structures such as reefs or seamounts where these species congregate. Whether trolling offshore for billfish, live bait fishing for tuna, or jigging for bottom fish, the diverse range of techniques available in Kailua-Kona ensures that anglers of all skill levels can enjoy a rewarding deep sea fishing experience.

What species are popular for deep sea fishing in Kailua-Kona?

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, offering anglers an abundance of species to target throughout the year. One of the most sought-after catches in these waters is the majestic Pacific blue marlin, particularly during the peak season from June to September. Known for their size, strength, and acrobatic displays, blue marlin provide an exhilarating challenge for sport fishermen. Kailua-Kona's calm, deep waters are prime habitat for these iconic billfish, attracting anglers from around the world in pursuit of a trophy-sized catch.

In addition to blue marlin, Kailua-Kona offers opportunities to catch other prized pelagic species such as yellowfin tuna (ahi) and mahi-mahi (dorado). Yellowfin tuna are particularly prevalent from April to September, offering thrilling battles with their speed and strength. These prized game fish are highly sought after for their delicious flesh and are commonly targeted using trolling and live bait fishing techniques. Mahi-mahi, with their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights, are another popular species found in Kailua-Kona's waters year-round. These fast-growing fish provide exciting action for anglers of all skill levels and are often encountered while trolling or casting lures around floating debris and offshore buoys.

Furthermore, Kailua-Kona offers opportunities for anglers to target other species such as wahoo (ono), striped marlin, and shortbill spearfish throughout the year. Wahoo, known for their speed and sharp teeth, provide thrilling encounters and are often caught while trolling with high-speed lures. Striped marlin and shortbill spearfish are smaller than blue marlin but still offer exciting fishing experiences and are typically targeted using similar techniques. With such a diverse range of species available, Kailua-Kona provides anglers with ample opportunities for unforgettable deep sea fishing adventures.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Had an awesome time, and definitely once in a lifetime trip! Captain Gaige was very welcoming and helpful and his first mate was also very helpful with my boys and I fishing. The boat is extremely well maintained and cared for, and it sounds like they work hard to make sure it’s up to date with the latest technology to make for a great experience. We were hoping for a fun day, and got just that with our first Blue Marlin and a spearfish as well! Definitely some fun action! I will definitely be scheduling again the next time I make it out!

    Matthew O. | November 21, 2023

    Trip: Kona Legendary Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Dale and his deckhand were extremely professional, my father is an older gentleman that is not very mobile, they went above and beyond and accommodating for him, and my son caught his first blue marlin!!!!! They were wonderful and I’m looking forward to another day on the ocean with him tomorrow, if it was anything like today, it will be a day to remember

    Kirk E. | July 16, 2023

    Trip: Kona Big Game Fishing - 31’ Bertram

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. Dale and first mate Jack were great. The 31’ Bertram was clean and spacious and ran smooth as can be, and the canopy came in handy on a Sunny day. While the Marlin fishing was slow (listening to the radio, none of the boats in the tournament caught), we couldn’t have had a better time swapping stories with Dale and Jack, downing some Big Island brews, taking in the scenery, and watching whales breach. Hope to do it again soon! -Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | August 29, 2022

    Trip: Kona Big Game Fishing - 31’ Bertram

  • ★★★★★
    Everying as promised. If you want a fishing experience captain Dale is your man. We had an amazing day and Dale and Jack took care of us. Can't say enough about the experience and we had ages 8 to 80 involved. Great times.

    Tom H. | April 2, 2022

    Trip: Kona Big Game Fishing - 31’ Bertram

Other Types of Fishing in Kona

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