Anglers Delight In Abundant Fishing Waters of the Garden Isle
Ever dreamed of reeling in a 1,000-pound marlin or a big ‘Ahi (Yellow Fin Tuna)? This is a very real possibility off Hawaii’s shores, even if you are a novice at fishing. Before you book your fishing charter make sure you check out the great deals available now on Kauai vacation rentals as well as oceanfront condominiums.
Summary of sport fishing on Kauai
While most Kauai fishing charters leave from Nawiliwili Harbor in Lihue on the east side, charters also leave from the north shore and from Port Allen on the southwest shore.
Open sea fish on the menu include Ono (Wahoo) and Mahimahi (Dorado) as well as ‘Ahi Yellow Fin Tuna and A‘u (Marlin). Numerous inshore species are also targeted, including Ulua (Jack), Kaku (Barracuda), Uku (Grey Snapper) Sea Bass, Kamanu (Rainbow Runners), and Manō (Sharks).
When you choose a charter company consider if you want to troll for bottom fish or go for big game fish. Only about two miles offshore of Nawiliwili Harbor is a 100-fathom ledge (600 feet), and then three miles farther out is the 1000-fathom ledge.
Most people share a charter but you can also book your own private charter if you wish – charters are usually four or eight hours. Of course there are no guarantees you will catch fish, but on fishing trips off Kauai the odds are very good that you will be dining on something you caught that evening.
Some companies are exclusively tag and release unless the fish is injured and won’t survive if released, or if the fish is a potential world record. Other companies share the catch and some companies offer taxidermy mounting services and will even ship your fish back to your home. Ask about specific policies before booking your charter.
No experience is necessary. Beginners on these trips are welcomed and given instruction in fish-catching techniques. Also boosting the success rate is the use of depth finders and electronic fish-locating devices.
Captain Don’s Sportfishing leaves out of Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor and offers recreational and tournament fishing on the June Louise, a 34-foot, twin diesel sportfisher with a 6-person maximum.
Captain Don will lead you to ‘Ahi (Yellow Fin Tuna), Kākū (Barracuda) Mahimahi (Dorado), A‘u (Marlin) Ono (Wahoo), Amber Jacks, Giant Travalie, Sharks, and more.
Depth finders and fish locators are used, and a number of custom rods and reels are available, Shimano and Penn plus custom lures. Big game fishing, trolling, bottom fishing, saltwater fly-fishing, light tackle, blue water, deep sea fishing. Charters run from 2 hours to all day.
Captain Don Jones is certified with a 50-ton masters license and life saving/first-aid training.
Kai Bear Sportfishing Charters leaves from Nāwiliwili Harbor seeking marlin, mahi mahi, ‘ahi, and other game fish. The company policy of Kai Bear is to share the fish catch. Their boats include the 41-foot Kai Bear and the 45-foot Grander. Amenities include fighting chairs, furnished salon, galley, fully equipped with electronics. Charters run 4, 6, and 8 hours and the equipment includes Blue Water Rod and Penn Gold two-speed reels. Kai Bear also runs sunset cruises, and whale watching trips during the winter.
Deep Sea Fishing Kaua‘i runs tours out of Port Allen on the Big Ta Do, a 31-foot Bertram Sportfisher that has a Pampano fighting chair and is equipped with custom rods and Shimano Tiagra reels as well as all the necessary tackle. Charters run 4, 6, and 8 hours, and there is also a 10-hour Ni‘ihau trip.
Lahela Ocean Adventures leaves from Nawiliwili Harbor on their 34-foot Radon sport fisher which features a restroom and interior seating for five as well as two v-berths for short naps, and a shower. Lahela practices tag and release if requested, or will have your catch mounted and shipped to your home. They will also filet at least one 30-pound fish that you catch, for you to keep. Equipment includes a Furono color fish finder, GPS/plotter, autopilot, and Shimano Tiagra reels and custom rods, and Shimano trolling tackle. Tours run from 4 to 12 hours. Also offered are trips to Niihau and the Na Pali Coast.
C-Lure Fishing Charters leaves out of Nawiliwili on the 41-foot power catamaran Mele Kai. Captain Rivera hails from Puerto Rico where he fished the Caribbean – now he has more than 15 years experience on Kauai. The crew is fully licensed, and drug and alcohol free.
The Mele Kai has a fly bridge, fighting chair, advanced electronic fish-finding equipment, Shimano tackle, and custom rods. Charters are full day and multiple days including Niihau trips and productive deep water areas.
Nā Pali Explorer runs the 41-foot Happy Times which carries six passengers and has a forward stateroom, head, and galley area. Charters run 4, 6, and 8 hours.
When you are not out on the open sea then you can relax in an affordable vacation rental near any of Kauai’s bays or harbors. Great deals are available right now on Kauai, so you will have a nice base camp from which to launch your fishing adventures!