Why should we go sportfishing in the first place?

             Nothing personifies the Hawaiian lifestyle better than a day on the water.  Whether you are a seasoned big game fisherman or a novice, a day on any one of the fine fishing boats you see on these pages is sure to become a lasting memory of your trip to Hawaii.  These waters provide some of the worlds finest fishing grounds for everything from succulent Mahi Mahi to the famed blue Marlin. 

How do I know that these tours are the best?

             We live, work, and play here in Hawaii.  We have had continued relationships with the operators we showcase here because they have consistently proven themselves in terms of fishing instinct and experience, safety, and sheer enjoyment on the water.  Take our word for it: you will not be disappointed with any tour you choose.

 What is the difference between bottom-fishing and sportfishing?

             Bottom fishing is done by drifting in 60 180 feet of water for smaller fish with lower test (strength) line and is not as strenuous as sportfishing, the goal of which is to land the largest game fish in as dramatic a battle as possible.  Generally, more fish are caught bottom-fishing, but the allure of sportfishing is having your very own fish story to brag about at home.

Do I have to be experienced?

            Not at all; the captains and crew of each of our featured boats have more than enough experience for everyone.  They can teach you the proper technique to land the big one, or help you hone your skills for consistent angling.  However, kids usually have a better time aboard a bottom-fishing charter simply because it is easier for them.

What sort of fish will we be baiting for?

             Game fish include blue, black, and striped marlin, ahi (yellow-finned tuna), mahi mahi (dorado or dolphin-fish), ono (wahoo), and spearfish.  Bottom-fishers go for gray snapper, ta'ape, nabeta, ehu, aweoweo, moi'lua, and trevally.  There are no calico bass, rock cod, halibut, or many other types of fish with which you might be familiar here.  The warm Hawaiian waters have many of their own unique types of fish.

What is the difference between a share boat and a private charter?

             Shared charters will put you and your party with other, unknown fishing partners.  This could be a good thing, but you might also end up with less than desirable boat mates, and the boats schedule is more rigid and inflexible.  With a private charter, it would be just you and your party, plus the captain and crew, and you have full control over the itinerary (subject to the captains consent, of course).  Also, if a share boats minimum number of passengers is not met, you may likely be bumped to another day.  Finally, companies with more than one boat will guarantee a particular vessel to private charters, while shared passengers might be placed on any boat the company chooses.  If at all possible, a private charter is recommended. 

How long should we go out on the water?

             The overall fishing grounds are fairly consistent, but the elusive bite moves around constantly.  Some days, fish are biting just out of the harbor, while on others you may need to traverse several miles of water before reaching the schools.  The longer you fish, the better the odds of landing the big one, so six hours is a good amount of time to spend on the water, especially since it doesnt cost much more than a four-hour charter.  Morning trips leave between 5:00 and 6:00 am, while afternoon charters usually depart around 1:00 pm. 

How do I make a reservation and get confirmation?

             You may fill out our online request form, or feel free to call us toll free at 866-667-6766 and speak with one of our agents.  Your reservation will be confirmed and you will be sent an email confirmation of your trip details, usually within 2 hours.  In most cases, payment is due upon check in at the harbor.  All trips require 48 hour advance notice of cancellations for no cancellation charge.

Cant I just wait until I get to the island?  Do I need to book in advance?

             It is highly unlikely that you can show up to the harbor and get on a charter that day, or even several days down the road.  Fishing charters are quite popular in Hawaii, and with the help of the internet, many boats sell out 3 6 weeks ahead of time.  Add to this the prevalence of international fishing tournaments, and boat schedules can get filled up very quickly.  How far in advance you book directly affects your choice of boats and charter times.

What should we bring?

             The boat will provide all equipment, tackle, bait, and ice.  Lunch and beverages are up to you.  A word of advice when packing your picnic basket: avoid bananas; they are considered bad luck aboard Hawaiian fishing boats.  Beer and wine are allowed on most boats. 

Do we get to keep the fish?

             It is customary in Hawaii to leave the catch with the captain and crew.  They are usually more than happy to filet enough for dinner that night, but since there are no fish packing or processing facilities on the island, and because of the strict exportation regulations, it is not advisable to keep your fish.  What you can take, however, is as many pictures as youd like.

Are we guaranteed to catch a fish?

             They call it fishing, and not catching for a reason.  While the crews on each of our featured boats are all very experienced, no one can guarantee with certainty where, when, or even if the fish will bite; Mother Nature can be a fickle mistress.  That said, we can tell you from experience that theres hardly a day when a boat comes back without at least a few trophies. 

What about the weather?

             Occasionally, the captain is forced to cancel a charter due to inclement weather.  Safety and comfort are top concerns, and if conditions look menacing, you will be notified of the cancellation as soon as possible.  Hopefully, you can be rebooked on a better day, but if not, you will NOT be charged for cancellations made by the captain.

Should I tip?

            Fishing boat crews rely on their tips in much the same way as restaurant employees and other service workers, and split them evenly.  10 20% is greatly appreciated.

Hawaii Fishing Chart by Season

Toll Free    1-877-667-6766
Local        808-661-6655
E-mail        info@best-hawaii-fishing.com