Kona Big Game Fishing - 31’ Bertram

60% (5) Kailua-Kona, HI 1 - 4 People 4 - 6 Hours From $700 Trip #2680


Guide:

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About Your Trip

Water Type

Deep Sea

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

The island of Hawaii is one of the world’s best marlin and big-game fishing destinations. The Big Island’s Kona Coast is uniquely situated on the sheltered, leeward side of the island. This coast is protected from heavy seas and Pacific trade winds by mountains nearly 14,000 feet tall. Nowhere else in the world is such successful big-game fishing found in such calm waters. Sea conditions off the Kona coast are typically calm and sunny, and...

About Your Trip

The island of Hawaii is one of the world’s best marlin and big-game fishing destinations. The Big Island’s Kona Coast is uniquely situated on the sheltered, leeward side of the island. This coast is protected from heavy seas and Pacific trade winds by mountains nearly 14,000 feet tall.

Nowhere else in the world is such successful big-game fishing found in such calm waters. Sea conditions off the Kona coast are typically calm and sunny, and the island’s steep bottom puts big-game fishing just 1/4-mile offshore. Most of Kona’s 1,000-pound marlin have been caught only 2 to 5 miles from shore!

Six species of billfish roam the Kona coast: blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, shortnose spearfish, Pacific sailfish, and broadbill swordfish. Although these incredible sportfish are all on the menu, there are no guarantees and on a 4-hour trip, you'll only have a few chances at best to hook one.

Fishing styles vary depending on target fish and season. Marlin are caught on trolled lures or on live bait — typically using aku (skipjack tuna) between 2 and 20 pounds.

Boat speed, rigging techniques, depth of bait, and skirt color are some of the variables that we employ. Mahi mahi, spearfish and ono can hit at any time, with ono caught closest to shore.

Bottom fishing and night-time fishing for broadbill swordfish requires different techniques and gear. The Pacific blue marlin is our most prized and abundant game fish. Marlin season runs all year — summer is best, but striped marlin and spearfish make strong appearances throughout the year, along with black marlin and Pacific sailfish in other seasons. Kona also offers a wide variety of other game fish. There are several species of tuna, including yellowfin tuna over 200 pounds, albacore, bigeye, and skipjack tuna.

Ono (wahoo) and mahi mahi (dolphin/dorado) are caught any time of year and are exceptional fighting fish.
Amenities

Water Type

Deep Sea

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

4 Hours 6 Hours
1 Person
$700.00
$950.00
2 People
$700.00
$950.00
3 People
$700.00
$950.00
4 People
$700.00
$950.00
Pay $50 as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.
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About Your Guide

Dale L.

Independent Guide
Growing up in Miami, Captain Dale began perfecting his fishing skills as a fisherman in early childhood. He has fished professionally from Florida to Alaska, Cabo San Lucas to Australia, finally settling in Kona Hawaii. Captain Dale has been an owner/operator for over 30 years. He holds several IGFA state and world records. Since he started owning/ operating his boat, he has won many tournaments including the prestigious Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT) and Pro...

About Your Guide

Dale L.

Independent Guide
Growing up in Miami, Captain Dale began perfecting his fishing skills as a fisherman in early childhood. He has fished professionally from Florida to Alaska, Cabo San Lucas to Australia, finally settling in Kona Hawaii. Captain Dale has been an owner/operator for over 30 years. He holds several IGFA state and world records. Since he started owning/ operating his boat, he has won many tournaments including the prestigious Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT) and Pro Am. Captain Dale has been featured on “Lets Go Fishing” with Mike Sakamoto, “ESPN“, and in “Marlin Magazine“, “Saltwater Sportsman“, has acquired multiple state records, currently listed in “Hawaii
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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
1,171 blue marlin
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Beer

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
1,171 blue marlin
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Beer
What’s your favorite sports team?
NFL football
What’s your drink of choice?
Red wine
What do you want for Christmas this year?
A grander
How did you get started guiding?
Took a chance and moved to Hawaii
What makes you different from other guides?
Less brag
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Start Location & Lodging Options

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Kona Big Game Fishing - 31’ Bertram
Boat Type
Sportfisher
Boat Manufacturer
Bertram
Boat Length
31'
Engine Manufacturer
Cummins

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Sportfisher
Boat Manufacturer
Bertram
Boat Length
31'
Engine Manufacturer
Cummins
Total Horsepower
440
Number of Engines
2
Additional Amenities
GPS, Latest Tech (Radar, Sonar, Fishfinder), Flybridge, Outriggers, Fighting Chair
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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Deep Sea

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

  • Artificial Lure Fishing
  • Heavy Tackle Fishing
  • Live Bait Fishing
  • Trolling

Everything Else to Know

All gear included, Water, and Ice.
You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.
We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).
The deposit for this trip is non-refundable except for weather-related cancellations. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.
In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

3.6
based on 5 reviews

Kirk

Verified Review

July 15

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

Verified Review

July 15

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
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Jonathan

Verified Review

August 27

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....

Jonathan

Verified Review

August 27

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
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Tom

Verified Review

March 30

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

Verified Review

March 30

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.
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Steven

Verified Review

January 29

No bite, No fish. Not one of us actually touched the fishing rod.
Boat was well worn. We were told not to poop in the toilet as it cannot be flushed. Not much conversation. No refreshments. Felt like steerage.

Steven

Verified Review

January 29

No bite, No fish. Not one of us actually touched the fishing rod.
Boat was well worn. We were told not to poop in the toilet as it cannot be flushed. Not much conversation. No refreshments. Felt like steerage.
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Response from Captain Experiences:
Steven - I am so sorry to hear about this experience with Captain Dale. We would never want anyone to feel uncomfortable out on the water and will work with Captain Dale to make sure any relevant information about the trip or his vessel is communicated to our clients right away. We would love an opportunity to make this right. With over 3,000 trips around the world, I hope we can get you back out...

Response from Captain Experiences:

Steven - I am so sorry to hear about this experience with Captain Dale. We would never want anyone to feel uncomfortable out on the water and will work with Captain Dale to make sure any relevant information about the trip or his vessel is communicated to our clients right away. We would love an opportunity to make this right. With over 3,000 trips around the world, I hope we can get you back out on the water for a better outcome. Please give the team a call so we can offer you a discount on your next adventure!
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Ladawn

Verified Review

August 23

Traveled around for 4 hours with two slight “maybes”. We’ve been deep sea fishing for years and this was the first time we’ve charted a boat and came back empty. “This will be like nothing you’ve ever done before.” I guess they were right. The experience was definitely underwhelming. Down to just getting my name correct. Some times it’s the little things that make the biggest impact.

Ladawn

Verified Review

August 23

Traveled around for 4 hours with two slight “maybes”. We’ve been deep sea fishing for years and this was the first time we’ve charted a boat and came back empty. “This will be like nothing you’ve ever done before.” I guess they were right. The experience was definitely underwhelming. Down to just getting my name correct. Some times it’s the little things that make the biggest impact.
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Response from Captain Experiences:
Hey Ladawn, our goal at Captain Experiences is to create the good memories, not bad ones, and it sounds like we came up short. I'm sorry this trip did not live up to your expectations. We know how disappointing it is to come back to the dock empty handed. With over 3,000 trips around the world, we would love another shot at making this right for you. Please reach out so we can get something...

Response from Captain Experiences:

Hey Ladawn, our goal at Captain Experiences is to create the good memories, not bad ones, and it sounds like we came up short. I'm sorry this trip did not live up to your expectations. We know how disappointing it is to come back to the dock empty handed. With over 3,000 trips around the world, we would love another shot at making this right for you. Please reach out so we can get something set up!
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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.
We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.
Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!
In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.
Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.
After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.