Big Island Fishing Charters

Activity Tips

Kevin Ditamore – Owner / Manager

One of the things that makes Kona the BEST sportfishing location in Hawaii is the deep water that exists just offshore. This makes it possible to have a successful charter with less time getting to and from the productive fishing areas. Normally we don’t recommend half-day, four hour charters but Kona is the one place where trips of this length are often successful. For your highest probability of a productive charter, you should still consider a 6 or 8 hour trip if your budget and schedule allows.

We are often asked about the policy of handling fish that are caught during the charter. Here in Hawaii it is traditional for the fish that are caught to be kept by the crew as part of their compensation (it’s actually good for the visitor’s fishing experience because it gives the captain and crew a greater incentive to try HARD to find the fish). While that’s the general rule in Hawaii, each company has a slightly different policy. Bite Me Sportfishing’s policy is that any fish under 50 pounds is normally cut up for the guests to cook in their condo (if they have cooking facilities). Larger fish are either kept for their own restaurant, Bite Me Fish Market located in Honokohau Harbor, or tag and release is practiced. It is very important to the crew that fish that is caught is NEVER wasted … our ocean rescources are a precious thing and that would be very bad karma.

Share charters are available on Bite Me I and Bite Me III and Bite Me 4 but we recommend that you go with a private charter if your budget allows. Sportfishing is less expensive in Kona than on other Hawaiian islands, and for two people the cost of a private charter in Kona is about the same as the cost of a share trip on Maui. With a private charter you are guaranteed to be a part of all the action, and you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with someone you don’t “click with” during your charter.

Please be aware that bananas are strictly forbidden on fishing boats. Everything about a banana is slippery … everybody’s heard the expression “One foot over the edge and the other on a banana peel.” In time bananas became known as a symbol of bad luck that would even affect your ability to catch fish.

The other thing you shouldn’t bring on board … glass bottles. All beverages should be in cans for safety of everyone on board.

What time slot to pick? That’s actually a tough call in Kona. Generally in Hawaii ocean conditions are calmer in the morning, which makes for a more pleasant experience out on the water. That’s less of an issue in Kona though, because this coastline is so sheltered from the trade winds that blow in the afternoon. There are more boats out on the water in the morning, and popular spots can be rather crowded. Afternoon charters in Kona are often just as productive (or more so). We recommend that you just select the time slot that sounds the best for your schedule if you are doing a 4 hour trip. If you are doing a 6 or 8 hour, those trips both leave early in the morning.

Occasionally we get asked if there is a money-back guarantee if fish are not caught. No, sorry … boats are expensive to operate and maintain. The fishing gear is also expensive. The crew needs to be paid. It isn’t common to get skunked on a fishing charter in Kona, but it does happen on occasion. Many factors come into play that make some days excellent and other days below average … surface conditions, tides, schooling patterns. There’s also the human element. How lucky are you??? How’s your karma??? Have you been nice to people lately? It’s rare, but occasionally a boat gets skunked … there are no guarantees. Just remember … the sport is called “fishing” and not “catching.” But the crew of your boat will try their very hardest … they are professionals who know what they are doing. When you go to a restaurant in Hawaii and see a wide variety of fresh fish on the menu, just remember that SOMEONE caught those fish … might as well get out there and let it be YOU!

Check in for the 6:30am trips is done at the respective boat; Bite Me I is in slip H-17, Bite me II is in slip D-7, Bite Me III is in slip D-5, Bite Me 4 is at the downtown Kailua-Kona pier,  Bite Me Sportfishing has a retail store at the harbor; be sure to stop in after your charter and check out their line of logowear. Checkin for the 10:30am and 2:30pm charters is done at the retail store.