The island of Hawaii is one of the world's best marlin and big-game fishing destinations. The Big Island's Kona Coast is uniquely situated on the sheltered, leeward side of the island. This coast is protected from heavy seas and Pacific trade winds by mountains nearly 14,000 feet tall. (Click here for a map.) 

Nowhere else in the world is such successful big-game fishing found in such calm waters. Sea conditions off the Kona coast are typically calm and sunny, and the island's steep bottom puts big-game fishing just 1/4-mile offshore. Most of Kona's 1,000-pound marlin have been caught only 2 to 5 miles from shore! 

Six species of billfish roam the Kona coast: pacific blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, shortnose spearfish, Pacific sailfish, and broadbill swordfish. 

Fishing styles vary depending on target fish and season. Marlin are caught on trolled lures or on live bait -- typically using aku (skipjack tuna) between 2 and 20 pounds. Boat speed, rigging techniques, depth of bait, and skirt color are some of the variables that we employ.

The Pacific blue marlin is our most prized and abundant game fish. Marlin season runs all year -- summer is best, but striped marlin and spearfish make strong appearances throughout the year, along with black marlin and Pacific sailfish in other seasons.

Kona, Hawaii Fishing Tournaments

Kona fishing tournaments range from one- day, jungle rules to five- day, IGFA rules tournaments, such as the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. While there are a few tournaments that happen throughout the year, most of the Kona tournaments happen between June and August. 

There is currently one wahine (ladies) tournament, which is very popular, and kids' tournaments with impressive results.

Most big game tournaments feature the Pacific Blue Marlin and stress tag and release. However, there are several tournaments that target other species of fish including ono (wahoo), mahi mahi, ahi (yellowfin tuna) and spearfish.

If you are interested in fishing in a fishing tournament in Kona, talk to the Captain and book early.