For most people, fishing can best be described as a tranquil way to experience nature, forget your troubles, and perhaps, if you’re lucky, actually catch a fish. However, there is certainly a more extreme way to go about this sacred pastime that involves a bit less relaxation, but much more excitement. Deep sea fishing is a sport for those who just don’t feel the thrill from the conventional methods of casting out into open waters. It essentially requires more precision and attention to angling the rod, and is only performed in deeper parts of the ocean to hopefully lure in all kinds of massive fish. The waters surrounding Maui happen to be some of the best areas in the world to go deep sea fishing, and there are plenty of charter companies that offer travelers the opportunity to experience the rush of the sport. Avid fishermen who are planning on staying at a Maui vacation rental this year should check out this quick guide for all your deep sea fishing inquiries you may have during your time spent on Maui.
“Summer months are considered the best time for deep sea fishing.”
Best time of year
Having a great opportunity to catch some exotic or gigantic fish during a deep sea fishing expedition near the shores of Maui depends heavily on when you plan to visit. According to Hawaii Deep Sea Fishing, the best time of the year to potentially catch the most popular types of big game fish near Maui is between May and June, otherwise known to local fishermen as the “golden zone.” While there certainly is never a wrong season to go fishing anywhere on Hawaii, the summer months present the excellent opportunities to catch various big game tuna, mahi mahi, marlin and giant trevally. Be warned that the winter months are typically when fishermen experience the most storms while out at sea, typically dealing with higher wind conditions and choppier waves, while the summer months tend to be more predictable and calm.
What to expect
Just because you’ve never experienced the rush of deep sea fishing before doesn’t mean you’re not qualified to venture off on an expedition with a charter company. Anyone is welcomed to join in on the fun, regardless of experience, and the trip can provide tons of memories for you and your travel party during your stay at a Maui beach rental. But before you sign you or your family up for a deep sea fishing trip, it’s important to at least know what you might be getting yourself or others into. While the summer months mean more big game fish will be hopping through the waters, this time of year obviously means hotter temperatures and sunnier weather, so be sure to hydrate and bring plenty of sunblock. Be prepared to spend a lot of time on the water, as many of the charter companies only offer deep sea fishing tours that last quite a while, ranging from six hours to an entire day spent out in the ocean. If you’re trying to save money, then you’ll definitely want to book a shared boat charter tour instead of a private expedition. Otherwise, private tours for you and your group can start to get pricey very quickly. Anyone in your travel group who is susceptible to motion sickness should probably sit out a deep sea fishing trip, and it’s not recommended to bring younger kids or toddlers along, as the long hours and watery conditions may prove too demanding for them.
You’ll use top-of-the-line equipment for reeling in the monsters of the Maui waters.Choosing a charter company
There are dozens of deep sea fishing charter companies to choose from on Maui, which can make booking a trip seem a tad intimidating. However, there are a few factors to look out for when it comes to deciding which tour guide is right for you and your group. Time is a huge issue, and while a four- to six-hour excursion might seem long, you also should take into account that getting into the deeper waters generally takes at least 30 minutes to an hour by boat, eliminating precious fishing time from your trip. The amount of people in your party also has a big impact on which companies you’ll consider. The more people in your party, the bigger a boat you’ll need, which means things can get more expensive due to higher operating costs for larger vessels. If you have a group of four people, you can easily be paired with another group through a boat-sharing tour, which will save everyone money. Larger parties will most likely have to book a private tour. However, these options give you more freedom to direct the driver on where to go and receive more one-on-one deep sea fishing lessons. It’s typically wise to schedule a reservation at least a week or two in advance, and always reconfirm your reservation a few days before your expected departure.