Kona (Hawaii) Charter Recommendations?

Square Grouper · September 2011

Trip has been planned for almost a year, and while timing could be better, it's paid for so we are going. Heading over in Mid October for 10 days. Would like to get a charter lined up for a couple days. Curious if anyone knows anyone or has an experience or recommendation. We'll be staying in Kailua-Kona, west side of the Island on Kona Bay http://www.konasunsetsvacationrentals.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__44233/10185/default.aspx

Thanks - SG :beer

Trollaltdelete · September 2011

On our 25th we took a cruise to Hawaii, and fished off of a boat called "High Noon" We only caught one small tuna, but the captain was pretty good and worked very hard, but you know how a 4 hour trip can go. Hit or miss. I would be sure to talk with the captain to see if they hook the fish and you "Winch" it in, or if they let you fish. I have found that most of them only let you reel it in after they hook it for you, and that is not very enjoyable, and not much fun.

The water was incredible, very big swells but no breaking. We did enjoy it but did not catch much.
http://www.fishingcharterskona.com/highnoonboatinformation.html

surfreefroad · September 2011

Lots of good ones to choose from. I would see if capt. Marlin Parker "Marlin Magic" is available or anybody he recommends.

Coolchange · September 2011

I've been fishing with Captain dennis Cintas for the past 5 years. He's fished all over the world both commercially and as a charter captain, so he knows his stuff. Besides being a great fisherman, he's a great guy! He'll let you get as involved and hands on as you want and can go light or fly if that's your thing. He's fishing a 35 Bertram now that's top notch and all of his gear is the best. Catch a tuna and the mate will have a plate of sushimi right out for you...still twitching! Dennis will tell you how it is, Mid October is the tail end of marlin season(they can be caught year round) but the mahi and YFT should be goin off. You can call Dennis at (808) 506-5944 or visit his web site tropicalsunsportfishing.com
Be warned, Kona is addictive!
Here's some pics from some of my outings with dennis:

Backcountry Fix · October 2011

I would strongly suggest checking out Capt. Kevin Nakamaru on the Northern Lights. Had some great days with them and they are a class act. Catch em up!

nuclearfishn · October 2011

I fish with Capt James Dean on the Blue Hawaii about 10 years ago for a week. Best charter i have ever been on.

Square Grouper · October 2011

Thanks for all the info, it's down to Firehatt, Tropical Sun, or Northern lights. Have to make some calls. :fishing

dpdash · October 2011

I'm sure that you already know but the rates are pretty inexpensive, because most, not all, of the boats supplement their income by selling the catch. Make sure that you ask up front who gets the fish and if billfish are released. Many times they will release all billfish but the rate will be higher.

Off The Wall · October 2011

I have fished there many days. I have fished with everyone listed below and they are all great to fish with. Jason is a really good fisherman and the old Marlin Magic great old boat. He caught my wife a 1104 last April. Kevin Nakamaru is a great Ahi fisherman and if you want to try something different go green sticking with him. Teddy and Kevin Hiberd are also very good fisherman and a blast to fish with.
All the guys listed will let almost everything go unless you want to take a fish.
Jason Holtz 808 960 9097 Marlin Magic
Kevin Hiberd 808987 0781 J R Hooker
Teddy Hoogs 808 936 5168 New Gamefisherman
Kevin Nakamaru 808 325 7529 Northern Lights
I have spent lots of time there and if you have any questions about the fishing or other things to do feel free to send me an email.
Good luck