Catch
Kauai Fishing Charter: The Waters and The Fish
Kauai has some of the best fishing grounds in the state of Hawaii. On any trip there is potential to catch a world class trophy fish. The current world record marlin was caught in the channel between Oahu and Kauai, weighing it at an incredible 1,800 pounds.
The waters off Kauai are extremely deep, causing an upwelling of nutrients that makes for an environment rich in marine life. The pelagic species that frequent our waters are Blue and Stripe Marlin, Ahi (Yellow fin tuna), Mahi mahi, and Ono (Wahoo).
Other species we catch are Albacore, Short-billed Spearfish, Blue Marlin (caught all yr), and Sailfish, but these species are far more rare.
Want to make a reservation? Call us at (808) 635-8442, or email us at gofish@fishingcharterskauai.com.
Catch Your Dream Fish on Kauai’s Rich Offshore Waters
Step aboard Ohana Fishing Charter, where every day on the water is an adventure, effortlessly unforgettable and full of thrill. If you have dreamed of exploring the best fishing grounds in Hawaii, our team brings you close to the action with simple guidance, safe trips, and real chances to reel in strong pelagic fish. Many visitors join us for a fishing charter to enjoy moments they talk about long after the trip ends.
The deep waters around Kauai are filled with marine life. These waters rise sharply just offshore, creating a nutrient-rich zone that attracts some of the strongest and fastest fish in the Pacific. From fishing striped marlin to fishing yellow fin tuna, every outing gives you a genuine opportunity to test your skills and learn more about these incredible species.
Below, you can explore the fish you may find while enjoying a fishing charter in this part of Hawaii.
Why Kauai Holds the Best Fishing Grounds in Hawaii?
Kauai’s underwater landscape is unlike any other island. Because the ocean floor drops quickly, big game fish gather close enough for safe and comfortable trips. Many anglers call these waters the best fishing grounds in Hawaii because trophy-size fish often feed near the surface. Even the world-record marlin was caught between Oahu and Kauai.
You do not need professional experience to enjoy these waters. Our captain and crew help you learn, guide your steps, and share tips that make your day fun and stress free. With steady conditions across the year, Yellow fin tuna and marlin keep these grounds active almost every season.
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin are probably the most exciting fish to catch due to their incredible power and beauty. Often marlin will jump or tail walk pulling off as much as 1000 yards of line in one run. Captain Lance’s largest blue marlin to date is 986 pounds, although most range from 150 to 500 pounds on average . Blue marlin are caught March through November, but the best months are June through August.
Blue marlin are giants of these waters and often spark the most excitement. The captain has caught marlin reaching nearly 1,000 pounds, and many visitors aim to meet one of these giants themselves. Blue marlin jump high, tail-walk across the surface, and peel line farther than almost any fish in the region. They are most common from March to November, with summer offering the strongest chance.
Even if you come mainly for fishing yellow fin tuna, you may still encounter a blue marlin along the way at Kauai’s best seasonal spots.
Striped Marlin
Stripe Marlin, while smaller, are a real challenge on light line and will attack the lures in packs of up to six fish. These fish species ranges from 30 to 150 pounds and are caught from December through May.
If you enjoy speed and sudden action, fishing striped marlin is an unforgettable challenge. These fish often appear in groups of three to six, racing toward the lures with incredible bursts of energy. Striped marlin usually range from 30 to 150 pounds, and winter to early summer is the peak time to find them in this region.
When you choose a fishing charter with us, our crew helps you handle lighter lines, keep good balance, and use smart technique. Watching a striped marlin strike is often one of the most exciting moments on the entire trip.
Yellow Fin Tuna
Many guests join us for fishing yellow fin tuna or for full-day Yellow fin tuna fishing in Hawaii because these fish are known for their intense strength. Ahi range from 8 to more than 200 pounds, offering steady action for beginners and experienced anglers. They visit Kauai year-round, but the largest Ahi often appear from April to August.
During Yellow fin tuna fishing, you may feel strong pulls, long runs, and deep circles as the fish tires. Our team is always close by to help adjust the drag, guide the rod, and keep the fight steady.
Ahi
Ahi (or Yellow Fin Tuna) are an extremely powerful fish ranging in size from about 8 to 250 pounds. Although they frequent Kauai year-round, the best time to catch one over 100 pounds is April through August.
Mahi Mahi
Mahi Mahi is one of the best fish to catch. Not only do they taste great, but they jump, pull hard, and have beautiful colors. They are also the most popular fish made into a trophy mount. Mahi’s are here all year-round, but are most plentiful in the spring and fall.
Mahi Mahi are some of the most eye-catching fish you can find in these waters, known for their bright colors, quick jumps, and strong pull. Many guests enjoy the challenge of reeling them in because they stay active from the moment they strike the lure. Mahi are also popular for mounts due to their shape and vibrant patterns. They visit Kauai all year, with larger numbers in spring and fall. On a fishing charter, landing a Mahi Mahi becomes a memorable mix of fun, action, and steady excitement.
Ono
Ono are exactly what their name means in Hawaiian: delicious. Also called Wahoo, they’re by far one of Captain Lance’s favorite fish. They have an explosive strike and incredibly powerful runs. Ono can swim upwards of 50 miles an hour making them one of the fastest fish in the ocean.
When they’re biting it’s possible to get 10 to 20 strikes on a four hour trip. That’s strikes, not landed fish! The reason for this is that Ono have some of the sharpest teeth in the ocean, enabling them to bite through 450 pound test in two shakes.
Ono live up to their Hawaiian name, which means delicious, and they are known for an explosive strike that surprises almost anyone on the boat. These fast fish can reach speeds close to 50 miles per hour, creating powerful runs that make every moment exciting. When Ono are feeding, a single four-hour trip can bring 10 to 20 strikes, although their sharp teeth often cut heavy line in seconds. They are most common in spring and fall, but they stay around all year, especially during summertime Ahi trolling when big Ono often appear.
Book a Trip with Ohana Fishing Charter!
Our fishing charter schedule fills quickly because many visitors return year after year to enjoy Yellow fin tuna fishing, striped marlin runs, and open-water excitement. If you want to experience the best fishing grounds in Hawaii with a skilled team that treats you like family, ring us at (808) 635-8442 or email gofish@fishingcharterskauai.com.
Our fishing charters in Kauai fill up quickly. Don’t delay - book your excursion, today!