The Kona Coast offers some of Hawaii's best deep sea fishing opportunities. Our private Kona deep sea fishing charters depart from Honokōhau Harbor, putting you just minutes from deep Pacific waters. Target blue marlin, ahi tuna, ono (wahoo), mahi mahi, and other prized game fish with Captain Dusty and the Reel Havoc crew.
Reel Havoc Sportfishing offers private deep sea fishing and family fishing charters departing from Honokōhau Harbor on Hawaii's Big Island. Whether you're planning a family fishing adventure with kids, fishing offshore for the first time, or chasing trophy fish, Captain Dusty and his crew provide a personalized Kona fishing experience.
Our four hour and six hour private fishing charters are great options for families, beginners, and experienced anglers. For guests booking our six to ten hour charters, we also offer live bait fishing opportunities. With a maximum of six guests per trip, our Kona family fishing charters provide an unforgettable adventure without crowded decks or strangers.
The crew and itinerary can flex to make it fun, safe, and memorable for the whole gang.
Planning a family fishing trip in Kona? Explore Reel Havoc Sportfishing's private four and six hour fishing charters, ideal for families, beginners and anglers of all experience levels.
We offer fish mounts for your catch! Guests may also keep up to 20 lbs of fish fillets. However, certain fish weighing over 60 lbs may not be eligible for processing or filleting.
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.
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.
(valid Hawaii and active duty military ID card required)
We offer discounts on our 8-hour Full Day and 10-hour Extended Hardcore trips for local residents and active duty military.
Valid Hawaii ID or active duty military card required at time of booking. Contact us to apply your discount.
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.
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).
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.
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:
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.
Captain Dusty Slagill is the founder and owner of Reel Havoc Sportfishing, a top-rated Kona fishing charter operating out of Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. With over eight years of commercial fishing experience in Hawaiʻi, he brings real offshore knowledge to every Kona deep sea fishing charter. This isn’t part-time fishing, it’s a career built on hard-earned experience in Pacific waters.
From tournament bass fishing in Florida to targeting blue marlin, ahi (yellowfin tuna), mahi-mahi, and ono off Oʻahu and now the Kona coast, Dusty has mastered the patterns that make Kona sportfishing world famous. He understands current breaks, temperature shifts, bird activity, and bait movement, the details that separate average trips from successful ones.
Dusty’s background sets him apart from other big island fishing charters. Originally a competitive bass tournament angler, he later became an Assistant Scuba Instructor and Divemaster, giving him a rare and unique understanding of ocean conditions above and below the surface.
Few captains bring the communication skills Dusty does. As a child, he worked in Disney print, commercials, film projects, and as an adult appeared in major films such as Murder Mystery 2. Those experiences and training sharpened his professionalism and ability to create a high energy, welcoming environment onboard while connecting with people from all walks of life.
On the water, that matters. Captain Dusty is known for working hard, staying focused, and creating an atmosphere that’s exciting and memorable. Whether you’re targeting mahi-mahi, ahi (yellowfin tuna), ono, or trophy blue marlin, he brings energy, expertise, and a genuine passion to every Big Island sportfishing charter.
Whether you’re booking a Kona marlin fishing charter, targeting trophy Ahi offshore, or planning a family-friendly Big Island fishing trip, Captain Dusty brings focus, work ethic, and a relentless drive to produce results.
Reel Havoc Sportfishing delivers the authentic Kona deep sea fishing experience, serious fishing, serious effort, unforgettable memories.
Captain Dusty Slagill has spent 8 years fishing the Pacific waters off the Big Island, and he brings that knowledge plus a background in competitive bass tournament fishing and commercial diving to every charter he runs.
He works hard, puts clients on fish, and makes sure everyone on the boat knows what is happening and why.
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.”
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, comfortable cabin with bathroom and a/c, and high energy makes us one of the most distinctive charter options in Kona, Hawaii.
74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Reel Havoc is a 39-foot Topaz Flybridge powered by twin 500 HP Yanmar turbo diesel engines, built for offshore performance, not sightseeing.
The boat has a spacious deck with a fighting chair, an air-conditioned cabin with sofa and restroom, and a full complement of Shimano big-game gear.
Fast, clean, and ready.
This is a charter boat made for chasing big fish, not just sightseeing.
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.
Follow the latest offshore fishing action from Kona, Hawaii. Read recent reports, catch highlights, and updates from the Reel Havoc Sportfishing crew.
Your fish is out there. Blue marlin, Tuna, Striped Marlin, Short Billed Marlin, Mahi Mahi and Wahoo are out there, and so is your story. Let's go make some memories!
Legal, Licensing & Fine Print
Located in Honokohau Boat Harbor, 74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Slip B-11
Reel Havoc Sportfishing
Honokohau Small Boat Harbor -- Slip B-11
74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
808-970-1287 | reelhavocsportfishing@gmail.com
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. See your confirmation email for details.
