If you want to catch fish, it doesn't get any better than the Kona Coast, known internationally as the marlin capital of the world. Big-game fish, including gigantic blue marlin and other Pacific billfish, tuna, mahimahi, sailfish, swordfish, ono (also known as wahoo), and giant trevallies (ulua), roam the waters here. When anglers here catch marlin that weigh 1,000 pounds or more, they call them granders; there's even a "wall of fame" on Kailua-Kona's Waterfront Row, honoring 40 anglers who've nailed more than 20 tons of fighting fish.
Nearly 100 charter boats with professional captains and crew offer fishing charters out of Keauhou, Kawaihae, Honokohau, and Kailua Bay harbors. If you're not an expert angler, the best way to arrange a charter is through a booking agency like the Charter Desk at Honokohau Marina (tel. 888/KONA-4-US or 808/329-5735; www.charterdesk.com) or Charter Services Hawaii (tel. 800/567-2650 or 808/334-1881; www.konazone.com). Either one will sort through the more than 40 different types of vessels, fishing specialties, and personalities to match you with the right boat. Prices range from $590 to $1,200 or so for a full-day exclusive charter (you and up to five of your friends have the entire boat to yourselves), or for $80 you can share a boat with others and rotate your turn at pulling in the big one.
Serious sportfishers should call the boats directly. They include Anxious (tel. 808/326-1229; www.alohazone.com), Marlin Magic (tel. 808/325-7138; www.marlinmagic.com), and Ihu Nui (tel. 808/325-1513; www.charterdesk.com/ihunui.html). If you aren't into hooking a 1,000-pound marlin or 200-pound tuna and just want to go out to catch some smaller fish and have fun, I recommend Reel Action Light Tackle Sportfishing (tel. 808/325-6811; www.charternet.com/flyfish/hawaii.html). Light-tackle anglers and saltwater fly-fishermen should contact Sea Genie II (tel. 808/325-5355; www.seageniesportfishing.com), which has helped several anglers set world records. All of the above outfitters operate out of Honokohau Harbor.
Most big-game charter boats carry six passengers max, and the boats supply all equipment, bait, tackle, and lures. No license is required. Many captains now tag and release marlins; other fish caught belong to the boat (not to you, the charter) -- that's Island style. If you want to eat your catch or have your trophy marlin mounted, arrange it with the captain before you go.
