Shark  Night Fishing with Sea Strike on Hawaii Island's Kona Coast

Shark Fishing aboard the SEA STRIKE

Although not as popular as Kona's marlin, sharks abound in these waters. 16-foot-long tiger sharks have nosed up to the boat when we're not looking for them. Large tigers have also been seen within Honokohau Harbor, looking for scraps and turtles. Thresher sharks have been landed on marlin lures while trolling, but are most commonly caught at night. World record-sized tiger and great white sharks will come from miles away to feed on an unfortunate whale, even though great whites don't generally like the warmer waters of Hawaii. Additional supplies and rates are needed for these customized fishing trips.

The 677 pound mako shark, pictured top left, was not the target of the day. The angler, who has fished in Kona many times over the years, really wanted to catch a big marlin. Captain Dale rigged a large live bait and trolled the area that had been hot lately. Instead of a big marlin, this monster mako shark hit the bait hard and fast. the shark shot out of the water like a missile, 20 feet straight into the air. Lit up electric blue (just like a marlin would do), the fish provided quite the aerial display. After being weighed, the mako was sent to the market. If you ever get the chance, Mako shark steaks on the grill are delicious!

While fighting a spearfish, the father-son team (pictured at left center) got a run for their money when a small mako thought they should share their catch. Bad decision for the mako, but customers at the local restaurants were rewarded with some fresh shark steaks.

Many different types of sharks can be found in Kona waters, including bottom dwellers. The green-eyed shark, shown at bottom left, was caught while deep sea fishing just outside of the Honokohau Harbor, by the green buoy. A really cool looking shark, it was safely released after its photo op.

Kona Sword Fishing

We target broadbill swordfish on special night-fishing trips. Swordfish are among the most elusive sport fish to catch. Equal in size to marlin, swordfish is an ultimate quest for many big-game anglers. Also known as a broadbill for its flat-swordlike bill, this billfish slices through its prey. Late spring/ early summer is the best time of year to fish for swordfish in Kona.

Dal Kube, of Florida, is a regular visitor to the Kona Coast and has fished with Captain Dale many times. They caught the 116 pound swordfish, pictured top left, aboard the Sea Strike during one night in May.

Captain Mark Schubert went along for a ride one night and caught a nice broadbill with Captain Dale and first mate Jack Leverone, pictured centered left.

The bill of a swordfish is about 1/3 of the length of the body of the fish, and can be a dangerous weapon. Get the swordfish to the back of the boat, and it starts slashing with that long lean bill. Since the bill is so long, the fish has great reach, and even the most seasoned fisherman can get injured. A lot of skill, combined with extreme caution is necessary when landing a swordfish on rod and reel.

Swordfish are pretty elusive in Kona waters, which make them even a bigger goal for the sport fisherman who is targeting different billfish species.

Jack Leverone, son of Captain Dale, was born with fishing in his blood. Since he could say the word "fish", he has been driven to become the best he can be. So, when his dad asked him if he wanted to go night fishing, Jack was practically in the boat before Captain Dale could get the words out. Captain Dale wanted to try out his new glo stick, so he invited Steve McKitrick along to see if they could raise a swordfish. Team Sea Strike came home with a nice broadbill the next morning along with a great story to go along with it. The makers of the glo stick were so impressed by the story, that they featured the picture at left in their Melton's Fishing Tackle Magazine ad.