Kona Sportfishing

Billfisher · 10-27-2003, 09:02 PM

Anyone know a good charter for Kona? I'm going in a couple of weeks, and was hoping to get out for a 1/2 day if my wife gives in. -D

Pitch Pocket · 10-28-2003, 06:25 AM

If you get can get a copy of West Hawaii Today, they used to publish a list of the fish caught and the captain/boat that caught them. You can get a good idea about who and how they are doing.

I think it's a good idea to go to the dock when you get there and watch the boats come in. Pick your guy based on what you see. Last time I was there, very few boats were really busy and a couple of days in advance was no problem. They were begging for customers and the prices were lower than you'd get booking in advance. Often times you're just paying for an expensive boat ride.

You can pick your weather window too, something you can't do very well even a couple of weeks in advance. Even though the waters are normally flat, I've seen days when I wouldn't want to be out there.

Knucklebuster · 10-28-2003, 09:54 AM

I go at least twice a year out of Kona. I go back to the the Anxious out of the small boat harbour just north of kona. Can't remember the captains name though. We hooked a 750lb. marlin, and lost it. Also brought home some nice Ono and Ahi, and a few mahi mahi. Good time.

royalfish · 10-28-2003, 02:39 PM

If you go, most of the charters will not let you keep the fish you get, they are for the "crew".
Fish ends up being sold. Ask before you book and have fun!!

Born to Fish · 10-28-2003, 04:33 PM

Last time I went to Kona I fished with three different charters I picked out of the local brochures. From what I recall, the only fish generally kept by the crew for resale were the bill fish, but good advice to check first if you're wanting to keep your catch.

StreamSide · 11-02-2003, 05:57 PM

Here is the contact info for the Anxious ~

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We are going to Kona the first week of December to meet with some yacht brokers for business and of course FISH!

Enjoy
John

[ 11-18-2003, 09:27 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

Billfisher · 11-03-2003, 12:19 PM

Thanks for the advice! -Doug

Denali · 11-04-2003, 02:54 PM

Went out on the "Huntress" out of Kona. Crewed by a couple of younger guys. They run charters in Hawaii half the year and Australia the other half. Good guys, will fish hard all day.

northriver1 · 11-04-2003, 03:16 PM

You could try this guy. He was helpful when I was looking for a charter on Maui. Here is his e-mail address.

webmaster@fishmaui.com

Joe · 11-08-2003, 06:24 PM

A great choice is Hula Girl Sportfishing. Captain AJ Friend is a native Oregonian who has been fishing the Hula Girl for over 15 years.

[ 11-18-2003, 09:28 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

Billfisher · 11-11-2003, 03:25 PM

Well... I did end up fishing, but I caught only a great boat ride. I went out on the Rod Bender, with Capt. Chip Van Mols. It was one of the 35 Cabo's I've been seeing ads for in Saltwater Sportsman and Sport Fishing for years, yet never in person. Cool Boat! Anyway, the skipper was WAY squared away, but we didn't have lady luck onboard. Thank you all for the input. BTW, Dennis on the Sundowner got 2 medium blues the day he recommended the Rod Bender. If anyone's going, Chip is at bvanmols@rod-bender.com

-Doug