Kona Fishing Charter FAQ

Yes -- Hawaii requires a recreational fishing license for all anglers before your trip. We will send you the purchase link in your booking confirmation email. You can also grab it now at fishing.hawaii.gov/login. It is quick and handled online.

Online, 24/7, through our booking system. You get immediate confirmation once your deposit is processed. You can also call or text us at 808-970-1287 if you want to talk through options first. We are happy to help you pick the right trip length.

Cancel 7 or more days before your trip for a full refund. If weather forces us to cancel on our end, you will have the choice to reschedule or receive a full refund. We do not penalize guests for weather -- that is on us.

Yes -- discounts are available on 8-hour Full Day and 10-hour Extended Hardcore trips. Valid Hawaii ID or active duty military card required to show before departure.

Half Day trips depart at 6 AM or 11 AM. All other trips depart at 6 AM. Sunset Bite departs at 3:30 PM. Plan to arrive at the boat 15 minutes before your scheduled time. We are at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, Slip B-11.

Absolutely. Some of the best days we have are putting a young angler on their first fish. We generally recommend ages 5 and up so they can really get into it. If your child is younger and comfortable on a boat, reach out ahead of time and we will figure it out. The crew guides them through everything -- how to hold the rod, what to watch for, how to fight the fish. We are patient, we adjust to their pace, and we make sure the whole family has a good time.

Most days out of Honokohau are smooth. Kona is known for calm leeward conditions, especially in the morning. That said, the ocean is still the ocean. If you are prone to motion sickness, take non-drowsy Dramamine or Bonine the night before and again an hour before departure. Eat a light meal and stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol the morning of. We will always do what we can to keep the boat positioned comfortably, but coming prepared makes a real difference.

Yes, beer and wine are fine in moderation. No hard liquor and no glass bottles, please. This is still an active fishing charter and we need everyone sharp and safe. Most groups find the right balance naturally. If you are unsure what to bring, just ask.

Mineral sunblock (we sell it onboard if you forget), polarized sunglasses, a hat, snacks or lunch, drinks (see above), and a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt -- it can be cool on the water early. We handle all the fishing gear. Travel light and focus on the fishing.

Yes. Reel Havoc is a 39-foot Topaz Flybridge with an air-conditioned cabin, sofa, and a full onboard private restroom. You are not roughing it.

Kona waters hold blue marlin, yellowfin tuna (ahi), mahi mahi, wahoo (ono), striped marlin, sailfish, spearfish (hebi), skipjack tuna (aku), bigeye tuna, and barracuda. What we are targeting on your trip depends on the season and what is biting. We will always tell you exactly what to expect before we leave the dock.

Two things mainly. First, we specialize in live bait fishing for the 6-10 hour charters, most Kona charters troll plastic lures all day. Live bait means you watch the bait, see the strike, and feel the fight from the first second. It is a more hands-on, more effective approach. Second, we cap every trip at 6 guests. Not 12, not a party boat. Six people maximum, which means more attention, better coaching, and a better shot at putting fish in the boat.

No. We take guests from complete beginners or children to experienced tournament anglers. The crew will coach you through everything on the water. What helps is showing up ready to listen and have a good time, we handle the rest.

Kona has no true off-season. Blue marlin are available year-round and peak September through November. Yellowfin tuna peak May through August. Mahi Mahi have two windows spring and fall. Wahoo run May through October. Striped marlin and sailfish are best in winter. Whatever month you are coming, something is biting. Check our fishing reports for the latest conditions.

Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, Slip B-11. Address: 74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.. Free parking is available at the harbor. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your departure time - we will be rigging and ready.

Meeting location directions: Stay on the main marina road, pass the dry dock area and turn left toward the boat launch. You will see restrooms and an ice machine just past the boat ramp. Park near the restrooms. You will see the Reel Havoc Sportfishing sign beside the path to the boats. Go down the path and turn left on B dock. We will be a few boats down on your right in slip B-11.

Licensed captain and trained crew, all rods, reels, and tackle, cooler with ice, access to the air-conditioned cabin and onboard restroom, and coaching from start to finish. You bring your fishing license, food, drinks, and sunblock. We take care of everything else.

Yes! For table-fare species such as ahi, mahi mahi, and ono (wahoo) we’re happy to prepare a portion of your catch for you to enjoy. For fish weighing 40lbs or less, we will fillet up to 20lbs. for your party. Larger fish are generally not filleted for guests. Marlin and other billfish are typically released, particularly larger fish as part of our commitment to responsible sportfishing and conservation.

Yes. Add a GoPro media package to your booking and you will receive hook-up footage, catch photos, underwater scenes where possible, and a highlight video post-trip. A lot of guests add this -- catching a blue marlin or landing your first ahi is worth having on film.

Yes. Turn your catch into a memory that lasts a lifetime. Reel Havoc can assist with professional fish mount services for guests who want a lasting keepsake from their Kona fishing adventure. Today’s high-quality fish mounts can be created from measurements and photos of your catch so you can preserve the memory, without needing to keep the actual fish. This is especially ideal for marlin and other billfish that are released. We’ll help documents your catch with the necessary photos and measurements then we will place your order with our fish mount professionals. It will then be shipped directly to your home when completed. Ask Captain Dusty about fish mounting options during your charter.