Deep-blue fishing in private. That’s the whole point here.

This Kona charter is built for people who want privacy and a real shot at big-game fishing from Kailua-Kona. You’ll be on your own boat with pros such as Dean and Claydo, and in winter you may also spot migrating humpback whales from the water.

Two things I really like: first, the fishing style is flexible—trolling for big game when conditions fit, plus drifting and bottom fishing with real and artificial bait when the current is favorable. Second, the hassle load is low because all tackle is included, so you’re not stuck hauling gear across the islands. One consideration: fishing is never guaranteed, and if weather turns nasty, the trip can be rescheduled or refunded.

Kona Private Fishing Charter: Big-Game Trolling, Real-World Setup

This charter runs from Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, out of the marina at Manta Adventures Inc (74-429 Kealakehe Pkwy, Slip G-2). The day is about living on island time: you can fish, or you can relax while your crew works the water. The whole trip lasts about 6 hours, then you head back to the same meeting point.

You’re not just going out to cruise. The team sets you up to fish using more than one method. Expect trolling for big game, and also expect time for drifting and bottom fishing when the current makes it worth it. The goal is simple: put your lines in the right places and keep the day feeling active, not passive.

Your Own Boat: Private Charter for Up to Five

This is a true private tour. Only your group goes, with a maximum of 5 people. That matters more than it sounds.

When you’re not sharing space with strangers, you can actually talk with the crew, get hands-on help, and settle into a rhythm. It also makes a difference if you’re traveling as a family or as a couple who wants the day to feel personal. One review specifically praised the way the captain and first mate slowed down and made sure a child understood what to do when a fish came up.

The vibe is also practical. When someone hooks something, the boat doesn’t go quiet and wait. The energy ramps up fast—line goes down, it’s game time.

The 6 Hours on the Water: Trolling, Drifting, and Bottom Fishing

Think of this charter as a mix of targeted effort and freedom.

Start of the trip

You meet at the marina (Slip G-2) and get ready to head out. Since it’s private, you’ll have time to get oriented without feeling rushed. Your crew’s goal is to get you fishing—properly—while you enjoy the deep-blue views of Kailua-Kona.

Trolling for big game

When conditions line up, you’ll set the lines for big game trolling. This is the method that can produce big moments fast. One group described a late flurry: the action stayed slow until the final stretch, then they caught a wahoo and a 250 lb marlin back to back within about 30 minutes. You never know if the bite will switch on early or late, but the setup is designed for that kind of opportunity.

Drifting and bottom fishing (when the current cooperates)

The charter isn’t married to one technique. If the current is favorable, you can switch to drifting and bottom fishing. In that mode, the crew may use real and artificial bait, depending on what’s working that day. This is also where your day can feel more like hands-on fishing rather than watching the ocean from a distance.

Holding tackle and fishing with guidance

You’re not expected to be an expert angler. The team wants you actively involved. In the best moments, you’re holding the tackle, fishing along, and learning by doing while you take in the coastline and open-water scenery.

Wrap-up back at the marina

You’ll return to the meeting point at the end of your 6-hour window. The trip is designed as a complete half-day outing, not a multi-stop adventure.

All Tackle Included: Travel Lighter Than You Think

For most people, the biggest friction of fishing on vacation is gear. Here, that’s mostly handled for you.

Included in your charter:

• All tackle
• Bottled water

That means you can show up without packing reels, lines, or specialty gear. If you’ve ever done a guided excursion and realized you forgot the one thing that matters, you’ll appreciate this.

Still, don’t ignore comfort basics. The Big Island can change quickly, and the water is out there doing water things. One practical tip from the experience: bring sunblock and layered clothing because weather can be unpredictable. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider bringing medication you already trust—Bonine was specifically mentioned as working well.

Kona Wildlife Watching: Humpbacks in Winter and More

Fishing isn’t always constant action, and that’s where the wildlife payoff comes in.

If you’re traveling in winter, keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales. That’s one of the highlights built into this charter experience, and it gives the day a second storyline even when you’re waiting for the next bite.

And whales aren’t the only potential stars. One trip included a pod of pilot whales, and another featured a tiger shark nicknamed Lavern. You can’t plan your day around sightings, but when the boat is out in deep water off Kona, the scenery tends to be part of the reward.

Crew Energy Matters: Dean, Claydo, Logan, and Captain Brent

A fishing charter lives and dies on the people running it.

Across the experiences, the crew shows a clear pattern: they love the hunt and they want you to have fun while they’re working. Guides such as Dean and Claydo were praised for being experienced and for bringing the right atmosphere on the boat. When someone lands fish, the energy spikes. When someone isn’t hooked up, the crew keeps things moving and doesn’t make it feel like you’re stuck.

You’ll also see names like Logan in the crew mix, praised for being easy to talk with and guiding smoothly through the moments that matter. And in one response, Captain Brent signed off after a day where the fish didn’t cooperate.

One extra value point: Claydo was mentioned as sharing local shore-fishing tips after the charter. That’s the kind of add-on that can extend your trip beyond the boat day, especially if you’re staying on the island and want to keep fishing afterward.

What You’ll Catch (and What You Might Not)

Let’s be honest: fishing is a gamble. Even the best crew can’t control feeding behavior.

The positive side is that the charter is clearly capable of landing serious fish. Examples from actual trips include:

• Blue marlin (including very large individuals)
• Wahoo
• Short-billed spearfish (one described as 69 inches)
• A small female marlin that checked a lure and then didn’t commit

The balanced side is also real. One experience had no fish on the line, yet still felt like a great day because the crew worked hard, covered a lot of ground, and took time to make the experience easy—especially for a family with a child.

If you’re hoping for guaranteed hookups, you may end up frustrated. If you’re treating this as a guided ocean adventure with a shot at big game, it fits that mindset well.

Price and Value: Is $995 for a Private Charter Reasonable?

At $995 per group (up to 5 people), the math only works if you share the cost in a smart way.

• If you book with a full group of 5, you’re at about $199 per person.
• If you’re a smaller group, it costs more per person, but you still get the private setup and the included gear.

What you’re paying for isn’t just “someone takes you fishing.” You’re paying for:

• A private boat for your group
• Multiple fishing methods based on conditions (trolling plus drifting/bottom options)
• All tackle handling (and bottled water)
• A crew that keeps you involved and teaches as needed
• The chance to pair big-game fishing with winter whale spotting

Also, this kind of charter gets attention. It’s booked on average 74 days in advance. If your dates matter, plan ahead.

Getting Ready: Weather, Seas, and a Couple Smart Extras

You don’t need to pack a tackle box, but you should plan for ocean realities.

Bring:

• Sunblock
• Layered clothing (conditions can shift)
• Anything you need for seasickness, if you get motion sick

A practical note: if you want extra food beyond what’s provided, you can bring your own. One review pointed out a Texaco gas station with snack and hot foods west of the marina turn-in, which can be handy if you’re trying to top up before departure.

Fitness level also matters a bit. You should have a moderate physical fitness level for this activity, which makes sense for time on deck and moving around during fishing.

Should You Book This Kona Private Fishing Charter?

Book it if:

• You want a private boat experience rather than a shared fishing day
• Your group can fill more of the spots (up to 5)
• You like the idea of flexible fishing methods—trolling and also drifting/bottom when conditions allow
• You’re traveling in winter and want the added bonus of potential humpback whale sightings
• You’d rather have included gear and guidance than manage your own setup

Skip or rethink if:

• You need guaranteed fish on the line. No charter promises that.
• Motion sickness is a big issue for you and you don’t have a plan for it.
• Your budget can’t handle paying for a private group charter, especially if you’re only booking 1–2 people.

If you match the mindset—patient, excited about the ocean, happy to be hands-on while the crew works the water—this Kona outing is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Kona private fishing charter?

It’s about 6 hours.

How much does it cost, and how many people can go?

It costs $995 per group for up to 5 people.

What’s included in the price?

You get bottled water and all tackle.

Where does the trip start?

It starts at Manta Adventures Inc., 74-429 Kealakehe Pkwy, Slip G-2, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What kinds of fishing will we do?

You can expect trolling for big game, plus drifting and bottom fishing with real and artificial bait when the current is favorable.

Can I see whales on this trip?

During winter, there’s an opportunity to spot migrating humpback whales.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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