The Hawaiian Islands are the peaks of a submerged mountain range that brings deep water and huge fish within striking distance from shore. The fishing opportunities in Hawaii will spoil any deep sea angler with the ability to start fishing in minutes and fights that can last hours. In Maui, the only time you’re not fishing is the few minutes it takes to reach the buoys. At that point, it's time to set lines because, by the time the spread is set, you’re fishing in over 1,000 feet of water. All of the Hawaiian Islands have exceptional fishing and every trip has the potential to hook up with massive and delicious fish.
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 weighs 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 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.
Maui Deep Sea Fishing Hawaii
Trolling for deep sea giants is done the same way as nearshore but instead of following the shoreline, you are likely to head to open water. The nearshore species also hunt further out but they have to compete with the marlin, tuna, and sailfish. The lahaina fishing charters will help you target these next-level predators. Hooking into a big marlin could mean you’ll be in the fighting chair for the next several hours.
Yellowfin tuna are 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 are 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 at around 200 pounds. Both of these fish are fierce and require anglers to be on point if they want to land one.
Best Times to Go Fishing in Maui
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.
Things to Do in Maui
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 any of the various reefs 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.
Maui Tides and Weather
The weather in Hawaii changes rapidly and often so be sure to plan and prepare for your trip. Check out Maui tide times here, and weather forecast here.
