Kona area fishing

spinnergal · 07-18-2007, 06:40 PM

Hubby & I are headed to Kona Hawaii on Aug 4 to 11 & wonder if anyone can give some reccommendations for a fishing opportunity.
I'm pretty sure none of them could compare to my 1st TUNA! experience a couple weeks ago (thanks so much Bajadan2000!! !!)

But since we are leaving prime fishing opportunity here to make the trip-we'd like to make some more memories while we are there & the fishing variety would make us both very happy

Any referrals to help celebrate our 25th?

Thanks in advance!!

SG

Tower Todd · 07-18-2007, 07:38 PM

The fishing can be excellent in Kona. It isn't likely to be insane fishing with large numbers of fish caught, but rather large fish caught in small numbers. The waters are calm and very blue. I think it is one of the best bargains in big game fishing going. Much better deals than fishing in other popular destinations such as Cabo or Costa Rica. The other really cool thing is that fishing really starts a few hundred yards from the harbor. No hour or three runs to get to where the fish are.
If you are after a blue marlin then talk to the Sea Genie II with Capt. Gene Vanderhoek, or Northern Lights or Marlin Magic. Really there are several good boats. Just talk with them before you book and ask your questions up front. Let them know what you are trying to catch. Do you want to focus on billfish? tuna? wahoo? a mixture? Some of the boats there specialize in one area more than others. Also try to book directly with the captain if possible. There is a really good charter desk in Kona, but you won't get the chance to talk to the captain and feel the vibe of his operation and express what you are after.

Todd

spinnergal · 07-18-2007, 08:10 PM

Thanks so much Todd--I'll take this info along-
Not sure what kind of fishing we'd consider-I was unsure what is available at this time of year.
Any ideas are always appreciated!!

SG

Zodiac-Fisherman · 07-18-2007, 08:13 PM

Sea Genie is a great boat, even better capt. I've fished kona and maui 4 times, X-mas week, nadda luck. Last time I fished kona, ran into george clooney @ the honokohau marina after returning from a trip, we both got skunked.Kona is one of the very few places in the world where a grander is caught each month out of the year.It is hit or miss.Check it out, big game fishing in kona is not something you want to miss out on especially if your in town.

Grady252 · 07-18-2007, 08:13 PM

Bill fishing in Kona is few and far between, but they have more big ones than any place else.... Many long boat rides searching for Marlin out of Kona.... Depending on the timing Yellow Fin Tuna can be off the hook, so to speak.... wide open bite can be a blast. I have always just gone down and walked the docs and inspected the boats and talked with the Captain to charter....

My last trip was two years ago and the fishing was more expensive than Cabo... Just my experience. Cabo I can get a nice boat for $600-$800, in Kona it was $800-$1200. I did rent a small 25' boat one day for $650.00, nice guy Father/Son owner, but I can't remember the name.

fishboys · 07-18-2007, 09:06 PM

If you want to fish from shore for smaller fish with a small spinning rod PM me and I will tell you what I know. It's fun and I caught plenty of fish, Didnt know what they were and didnt keep any, but fun none the less.

Headhunter · 07-18-2007, 10:37 PM

A few years ago we stayed at Kona Village which is a just an amazing place. You can check it out at konavillage.com

We fished one day with Capt Rusty Ungar aboard the Kai Lio. He is a great guy, very laid back and a good sportfisher.

Good luck and post up some photos when you return!

Jim

Billfisher · 07-19-2007, 01:35 AM

I'd third Sea Genie, but also reccommend Rod Bender Sportfishing with Captain Chip Van Mols. Kona sportfishing charters

I fished with Chip last, and that was the cleanest 35 Cabo I have ever seen! It was immaculate!

-D

Tower Todd · 07-19-2007, 08:26 AM

Last time I checked the Sea Genie II was $825 per day. This is a 39' Rybovich, with all teak everything. I was in heaven even without going fishing. As in any port there are boats that sometimes catch fish and boats that consistently catch fish. Sea Genie is one of the latter, hence Capt'n Gene's Aftco Tag awards for most Blue marlin C&R'd in a season (he's won it several times).

Blue Marlin, a few black marlin, shortbill spearfish (the rarest billfish, found in good number in Kona), mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna, big eye tuna, wahoo should all be available in August.

Do a Google search for the local newspaper "West Hawaii Today". In the sports section there is a weekly big fish list. It shows most of the fish and estimated weights of those released. You'll be able to see what is being caught week to week.

Todd

007SPRIG · 07-19-2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishboys

If you want to fish from shore for smaller fish with a small spinning rod PM me and I will tell you what I know. It's fun and I caught plenty of fish, Didnt know what they were and didnt keep any, but fun none the less.

Read your reply and I'm interested. I've often thought about packing a rod to take over there. Any suggestions on what to take tackle wise and where to fish would be appreciated.

Mahalo

bwild · 07-19-2007, 11:03 AM

We went in June last year and got one bump and a short lived 10 second fight from a 30 lb spearfish. Out of 24 boats on the water that day, only 8 came back with something. However, one was a 1000 lb blue marlin and a 130 lb Yellow Fin Tuna. It was enormous! All the rest were a couple small Mahi Mahi and Wahoo (Ono). It is very hit or miss out there, but I guess when it's on, it's ON!

5 Salt · 07-19-2007, 11:08 AM

Friend keeps a boat over there - recent fishing reports:

Yesterday:
Calvin: Got a nice Ono yesterday and saw some huge Ahi but could not get them to bite.

Day before:
Calvin: Hope all is well. I am in Hawaii with the guys working on my boat. Fishing is ok. We are catching Mahi and Ono and small tuna. No Marlin yet.
Looking forward to Cabo

Reef Diver · 07-19-2007, 11:56 AM

We go fishing on a Boat called �Hapalaka� out of Kona.
The boat owner Allen has a 24 foot Diesel powered boat that is a good ride.
My wife and I have been fishing with Allen every couple of years for 10 years now. He only charges Aprox. $300 for an 8 hour day.
Last year we had 2 Marlin on for about 1/2 hour each before they came unbuttoned. We caught a Short Billed Spearfish which he gave us. Very nice guy and he will get you into fish if there is any around. I don't have his number at the moment but you could get directory assistance for Kona. I believe he has an 800 number. If you need it and can�t get it let me know.
Good Luck
RD

freespool · 07-19-2007, 05:22 PM

I would take the time to drive north to Kawaihae, pronounced kwhyhi, there is some amazing fishing just off shore around a fish aggrigation habitat bouy. Lots of ahi and mahi mahi, so the action can be fast and furious.
If you desire to keep some or all of your catch, ask ahead of time, a lot of charters just automatically figure they keep the catch.