“We’ve got salt in our veins and havoc in our wake. Let’s go catch something you’ll never forget.”
Reel Havoc Sportfishing
Kona Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Big fish. Open Ocean. Unforgettable stories.
The Kona Coast offers one of the rarest sports fishing opportunities anywhere on Earth. Get ready for Kona deep-sea fishing with a personal touch on a premier Kona fishing charter. Reel Havoc Sportfishing operating from Kailua-Kona, offers private, small-group Hawaii fishing charters designed for hands-on adventure and high-impact action.
Want to relive the moment you landed your big catch?
Whether it’s your first marlin, a feisty mahi mahi, or a full-on tuna battle, capturing it on film turns your fishing story into a lifetime memory.
Add a GoPro Media Package and receive:
Hook-up footage
Catch photos
Underwater scenes (when possible)
Highlight video post-trip
Many of our Kona fishing charter guests choose this add-on to share their experience with friends, family, or social media, and to relive the thrill of the moment over and over again.
Kamaʻāina & Military Discounts Available On 8 and 10-Hour Trips
(valid Hawaii and active duty military ID card required)
What’s Included in Your Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Every fishing trip comes with:
Licensed captain + trained crew
All rods, reels, tackle
Cooler with ice
Access to the onboard restroom and air conditioned cabin
Coaching and support start to finish, your experience and safety are our top priority
Top-of-the-line trolling gear designed for big game fishing:
Shimano 130W reels with 150 lb mono line
Shimano 80W reels with 130 lb mono
Shimano 50W reels with 100 lb mono
Note: We’ll send you the link to purchase your license in your confirmation email. In case you miss it, you can also access it directly here: https://fishing.hawaii.gov/login
The Fishing Boat: A 39-Foot Topaz Flybridge
Reel Havoc is a serious fishing boat, built for comfort and performance
Charter Boat Features:
39’ Topaz Flybridge
Twin Yanmar 6CXM-GTR2 turbo diesel engines
Spacious deck with fighting chair
Air-conditioned cabin with sofa, microwave & restroom
Large cooler for drinks & catch
Upper helm with 360° water visibility
This is a charter boat made for chasing big fish, not just sightseeing.
Sportfishing Seasons Calendar
What’s Biting Year-Round in Kona, Hawaii Waters
Fishing in Kona, Hawaii, isn’t limited to one season; it’s a year-round opportunity to chase big pelagic species in warm, calm waters. Whether you’re targeting striped marlin in winter or yellowfin in summer, the Kona fishing calendar always offers something exciting for anglers of all skill levels.
Blue Marlin
The ultimate trophy
PEAK: Sept-Nov
Available all year
YEAR ROUND
Yellowfin Tuna
Summer speedster
PEAK: May-Aug
Hot summer action
SUMMER
Mahi Mahi
Colorful fighter
PEAK: Mar-May, Oct-Dec
Two peak seasons
SPRING/FALL
Striped Marlin
Winter warrior
PEAK: Nov-Jan
Cool season star
WINTER
Wahoo (Ono)
Lightning fast
PEAK: May-Oct
Extended season
SUMMER/FALL
Sailfish
Winter acrobat
PEAK: Winter
Cool season jumper
WINTER
Spearfish
Spring sprinter
PEAK: Spring-Summer
Warm season favorite
SPRING/SUMMER
Barracuda
Always ready
PEAK: All Year
Consistent action
YEAR ROUND
No “Off-Season” in Paradise!
There’s no “off-season” in Kona, Hawaii, just shifting opportunities. Whatever time of year you come, there’s something biting and ready to give you the fight of your life!
Kona Deep Sea Fishing Like You’ve Never Seen It
Just Off the Shore of the Big Island of Hawaii, the Real Adventure Begins
This isn’t your average deep-sea fishing charter. In Kona, the fishing grounds begin just minutes offshore, no long boat rides or choppy waters. Within minutes of the harbor, you’ll be in 1,000+ feet of water, hunting pelagics in calm seas.
That means more time on the lines, more chances at a serious bite, and more fun on the water. Whether you’re here for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or want to add something unforgettable to your vacation, this is the kind of fishing excursion people come from around the world to experience.
Thanks to the island’s unique geography, deep-sea fishing off the Kona coast offers some of the best action in the world, with frequent sightings of giant blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi (dorado), and ono (wahoo).
The Big Island of Hawaii is known for:
Year-round pelagic fishing
Calm, protected waters on the leeward side
Short runs from the dock to the deep
World records for blue marlin and other billfish
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a complete beginner, Kona fishing delivers. It’s no wonder the area hosts major marlin fishing tournaments every year, and that some of the world’s top captains call this place home.
The Fishing Charter That Offers Live Bait Action
Not every Kona fishing charter is created equal. Most Hawaii fishing charters troll plastic lures for hours. Reel Havoc Sportfishing is different. We specialize in live bait fishing, a method that gives guests a chance to:
Watch the bait, see the strike, and feel the fight
Experience bait rigging and fishing techniques
Improve chances of attracting larger predators
Make the experience far more hands-on and engaging
Live bait isn’t just a technique; it’s a strategic advantage that dramatically increases your chances of catching fish, especially when your goal is to land something legendary. Unlike artificial lures, live bait creates real movement, scent, and struggle in the water, triggering instinctual strikes from apex predators. This method gives you a more dynamic and hands-on experience, letting you see the action unfold from the moment a fish locks in. It’s especially effective for targeting trophy fish like striped marlin and ʻahi (yellowfin tuna), species that respond aggressively to natural prey and demand serious skill to land.
Kona Deep Sea Fishing Like You’ve Never Seen It
Captain Dusty Slagill grew up on the water, with salt in his veins and a rod in his hands before he could walk. Born into a long-time fishing family, his great-grandfather was a shrimper in the Gulf waters off the coast of Texas. His grandfather taught him to fish as soon as he could hold a rod. He was a tournament bass fisherman in his early years, rubbing elbows with the pros. At the age of 15, he moved to Hawaii and was taken under the wing of local fishermen who taught him the local ways of fishing.
Today, he’s a:
USCG Licensed Master Captain
Certified scuba divemaster
Big game angler with thousands of hours on Hawaiian waters
Known for helping guests land their first marlin or biggest catch ever
With thousands of hours on the water, winning tournaments, and a passion for sharing the thrill of the hunt, the legendary Kona is now his home. Dusty is known for putting clients on fish and making sure every trip is safe, fun, and unforgettable. From first-time anglers to seasoned pros, Dusty is a great captain who has an upbeat, fun personality. When combined with his calm, confident approach to fishing, he makes everyone feel welcome. You will have an unforgettable day on board.
Captain Slagill’s Motto: “We’ve got salt in our veins and havoc in our wake. Let’s go catch something you’ll never forget.”
What Sets Reel Havoc Sportfishing Apart
From Other Big Island Fishing Charters
Small groups only (max 6)
Live bait fishing for hands-on action
Calm seas and fast access to fishing zones
Top-tier Shimano equipment
No pressure, just good energy
In a competitive market like Kona, Hawaii, it’s the details that make a difference. From personalized coaching to next-level gear, Reel Havoc Sportfishing is built to give every guest a better, more rewarding experience than you’ll find with most standard Big Island charters. Our focus on small-group outings, premium tactics, and high energy makes us one of the most distinctive charter options in Kona, Hawaii.
Our Harbor & Departure Location
Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor
Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaiʻi
This central location gives us fast access to deep water and prime pelagic zones within minutes. As one of the busiest fishing charter hubs on the island, Honokōhau is the ideal launch point for serious sportfishing. With quick runs to world-class grounds and on-site amenities for guests, it’s the perfect setting to begin your fishing charter experience.
What to Bring On Your Fishing Trip
Essentials for a Comfortable Day of Sportfishing with Your Captain
Being prepared ensures you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and focus on the sportfishing experience. Our captain and crew will walk you through everything onboard, but having a few basics packed will help you stay comfortable and ready for the catch of a lifetime.
Mineral Sunblock (we sell if needed)
Polarized sunglasses
Hat
Snacks or lunch
Drinks (alcohol allowed in moderation)
Light jacket or long-sleeved shirt
Booking Your Charter Boat Adventure
24/7 online booking
Immediate confirmation
Cancel 5+ days out for a full refund
Weather cancellations will receive option to reschedule or receive a refund
Booking your Kona fishing charter in advance is the best way to secure prime dates during the high season. Whether you’re planning months in advance or looking for a last-minute opportunity, we’ll help you get locked in for an unforgettable experience on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes, you'll need a Hawaii recreational fishing license before your trip. We'll send the link after booking. But in case you need it now, you can get it here: https://fishing.hawaii.gov/login
A: Yes, kids 10+ are welcome with a parent or guardian
A: Very unlikely. Kona's west coast is protected and usually calm. However we offer Ginger chews and recommend non-drowsy Dramamine the night before and one hour before departure.
A: Yes, beer, wine, and mixed drinks in moderation are okay. No hard liquor.
Ready for Your Kona, Hawaii Sportfishing Adventure?
The ocean’s waiting. Blue marlin, tuna, and wahoo are out there, and so is your story.
Reel Havoc Sportfishing is fully licensed and insured. We operate under a Hawaii Commercial Fishing License. All guests must purchase their own individual fishing license before departure.
