Skillet Sportfishing 

4.9/5 (359 reviews)
 Kealakehe Parkway 74-380, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States

Skillet Sportfishing 

4.9/5 (359)
 Angler's Choice
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Kealakehe Parkway 74-380
Kailua-Kona, HI, United States
You may qualify for a Loyalty Program discount with Skillet Sportfishing. To check if you can use a Loyalty Program discount for your selected dates, please sign in.

Skillet Sportfishing and Captain John Burke wish you a warm welcome to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Captain John is a seasoned angler with over 5 decades of fishing, the majority of which he has spent fishing in Hawaii. He invites you to join him aboard on a trip to the areas’ beautiful offshore waters and discover the richness this fishery has to offer. Captain John will do everything he can to provide an enjoyable and productive trip for each of his guests, regardless of their skills and fishing experience. Bring your family or friends and have a memorable time sportfishing in Hawaii.

Captain John owns and runs a 32’ Topaz saltwater fishing boat that can safely take up to 6 guests. It is powered by twin 370HP Cummins engines and equipped with extensive navigation technology, making your ride to the fish smooth and quick. There’s a very nice bathroom on board as well as a table and seating downstairs. The rest of the onboard amenities include a fighting chair, a livewell, an ice box, and various fishing gear.

Kona is the billfish capital of the world. There are more thousand pound marlin caught here than anywhere else. You and the crew may catch many other pelagic species but large blue marlin are what most anglers come to Kona to catch. To reel them in, you use heavy tackle/ trolling.

The crew will have all the fishing tackle and bait(provided they are biting). You should only bring food and drinks to stay energized while on the boat.

Upon request we will cut up a designated portion of the catch per charter to provide each charter guest onboard. Just enough fish to enjoy for a few meals while on island. Ahi over 100 pounds stays with the boat. Blue marlin over 100 pounds is strictly catch and release.

Fishing License (Nonresidents Only) – Visitors to Hawaii must have a Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License (NRMFL) to fish. Licenses are available online. PASSENGERS MUST BE 10 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER.

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 359 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (303)

Beautiful Ono
Beautiful Ono
Skillet Sports Fishing charter is the best.
+300

Angler rating

336
19
3
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

96%

Appropriate for children

85%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

97%

Caught fish

68%

Showing 1 - 5 of 359 reviews
Showing: 5 of 359 reviews
Joel  DAVIS
Joel DAVIS
5.0
Verified
Beautiful Ono
4 Hour Trip AM Trip on September 11, 20252 adults
We had an incredible morning on the water with Captain John and his crew. From the moment we stepped on board, they made the trip feel special with their great storytelling, humor, and deep knowledge of the ocean. They kept us entertained and engaged the whole time, turning the trip into more than just fishing—it was an experience. The real highlight came when my wife hooked into a beautiful Ono. The crew’s excitement and encouragement made the catch even more memorable. Later, we prepared the fresh Ono into amazing blackened fish tacos with mango salsa—hands down one of the best meals we’ve ever had. Captain John and his team go above and beyond to create not just a fishing trip, but a lasting memory. Highly recommend them if you want a fun, professional, and unforgettable day on the water!
Review media 0
Review media 1
Response from Captain
September 16, 2025
Hi Joel. Thank you for the great review. You and your wife were such a pleasure to take fishing. Congratulations on your wife’s Ono! We’re glad you enjoyed it.
0
Traci Daley
Traci Daley
5.0
Verified
Amazing day on the water!
6 Hour Trip on October 1, 20256 adults
John was a terrific captain with years of experience. Neil was our first mate this trip and he was equally experienced and helpful. Boat and gear were in immaculate condition for a comfortable day on the water with our family. Our big catch of the day was a 150 pound marlin. We also enjoyed chatting with John and Neil who have both lived in Hawaii many years - we learned a lot about the island and fishing here, much more than you could glean in a book or online! Highly recommend Skillet!
Response from Captain
October 3, 2025
Hi Traci. Thank you for the great review. Neil and I thoroughly enjoyed taking you and your family fishing for the day. Congratulations on your first of hopefully many marlin!
0
Chris  Brough
Chris Brough
5.0
Verified
Best Captain and Crew!!
4 Hour Trip AM Trip on July 27, 20251 adult
Today was my second time in four days with Skillet Sportfishing. And I will be back. Captain John and crew constantly work to get you fish…and it pays off. First time, two fish, today a 5+ foot short bill marlin. What a great time. Can’t wait to fish with Captain John and crew again!! If you want professional, dedicated service and genuinely nice people to spend your day fishing with, book with Skillet Sportfishing in Kona, Hawaii. Thank you Captain John and Crew!
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Skipjack Tuna
Shortbill Spearfish
Response from Captain
July 29, 2025
Hi Chris. Thank you again for the really great review. It was our pleasure. Congratulations on your short billed spearfish!
0
Sam Rubin
Sam Rubin
5.0
Verified
Blue Marlin 2025 Father’s Day Catch
6 Hour Trip on June 15, 20252 adults
Capital Burke and Deck Hand Logan delivered on my goal to catch & release a spectacular Kona Blue Marlin. The overall experience was most relaxed and comfortable and a well maintained boat with top tackle, rods and reels which shows their serious dedication. This allowed them to focus on finding fish and working well together when it came time to showing their skills by guiding me in the fighting chair. Thanks! Sam Pacific Palisades,CA
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Reported catch:
Blue Marlin
Response from Captain
June 17, 2025
Hi Sam. Thank you for the great review. It was a great day with a great guy! Congratulations on your bucket list marlin!
1
Michael Conrad
Michael Conrad
5.0
Verified
Awesome day of fishing and wonderful conversation!
6 Hour Trip on March 27, 20255 adults
Family of 5 of us fished with on The Skillet with Captain John and Crew, Dave, including three generations of women, boy/girl twins, and ages ranging from 15 to 74. We caught 2 Mahi Mahi and one stripped blue marlin during our 6-hour trip. Both Dave and Captain John were great and made the lulls between bights go quickly with great conversation. The boat was the perfect size for our group and was clean. We stopped at a local store for snacks and drinks the day before to bring along. The Skillet provided a cooler for our items and there are other amenities including air conditioning and a flushing latrine on this clean vessel. Both gentlemen were knowledgeable, safe, patient with first-timers, and we shared a lot of laughs all while John and Dave minded our environment and safety. They also gave us recommendations for food and other entertainment on the island. Wish we had time for additional days. Maybe next time! 100% recommend!
Review media 0
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Blue Marlin
Response from Captain
March 29, 2025
Hi Michael. Thank you for the great review. It was our pleasure taking you and your family out fishing. Congratulations on your blue marlin and mahi mahis !!!!!!
1

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
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November 2025
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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4 Hour Trip AM Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
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US $875 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour PM Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
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US $875 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
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US $1,100 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
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US $1,300 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 25 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 359 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (303)

Beautiful Ono
Beautiful Ono
Skillet Sports Fishing charter is the best.
+300

Angler rating

336
19
3
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

96%

Appropriate for children

85%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

97%

Caught fish

68%

Showing 1 - 5 of 359 reviews
Showing: 5 of 359 reviews
Joel  DAVIS
Joel DAVIS
5.0
Verified
Beautiful Ono
4 Hour Trip AM Trip on September 11, 20252 adults
We had an incredible morning on the water with Captain John and his crew. From the moment we stepped on board, they made the trip feel special with their great storytelling, humor, and deep knowledge of the ocean. They kept us entertained and engaged the whole time, turning the trip into more than just fishing—it was an experience. The real highlight came when my wife hooked into a beautiful Ono. The crew’s excitement and encouragement made the catch even more memorable. Later, we prepared the fresh Ono into amazing blackened fish tacos with mango salsa—hands down one of the best meals we’ve ever had. Captain John and his team go above and beyond to create not just a fishing trip, but a lasting memory. Highly recommend them if you want a fun, professional, and unforgettable day on the water!
Review media 0
Review media 1
Response from Captain
September 16, 2025
Hi Joel. Thank you for the great review. You and your wife were such a pleasure to take fishing. Congratulations on your wife’s Ono! We’re glad you enjoyed it.
0
Traci Daley
Traci Daley
5.0
Verified
Amazing day on the water!
6 Hour Trip on October 1, 20256 adults
John was a terrific captain with years of experience. Neil was our first mate this trip and he was equally experienced and helpful. Boat and gear were in immaculate condition for a comfortable day on the water with our family. Our big catch of the day was a 150 pound marlin. We also enjoyed chatting with John and Neil who have both lived in Hawaii many years - we learned a lot about the island and fishing here, much more than you could glean in a book or online! Highly recommend Skillet!
Response from Captain
October 3, 2025
Hi Traci. Thank you for the great review. Neil and I thoroughly enjoyed taking you and your family fishing for the day. Congratulations on your first of hopefully many marlin!
0
Chris  Brough
Chris Brough
5.0
Verified
Best Captain and Crew!!
4 Hour Trip AM Trip on July 27, 20251 adult
Today was my second time in four days with Skillet Sportfishing. And I will be back. Captain John and crew constantly work to get you fish…and it pays off. First time, two fish, today a 5+ foot short bill marlin. What a great time. Can’t wait to fish with Captain John and crew again!! If you want professional, dedicated service and genuinely nice people to spend your day fishing with, book with Skillet Sportfishing in Kona, Hawaii. Thank you Captain John and Crew!
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Skipjack Tuna
Shortbill Spearfish
Response from Captain
July 29, 2025
Hi Chris. Thank you again for the really great review. It was our pleasure. Congratulations on your short billed spearfish!
0
Sam Rubin
Sam Rubin
5.0
Verified
Blue Marlin 2025 Father’s Day Catch
6 Hour Trip on June 15, 20252 adults
Capital Burke and Deck Hand Logan delivered on my goal to catch & release a spectacular Kona Blue Marlin. The overall experience was most relaxed and comfortable and a well maintained boat with top tackle, rods and reels which shows their serious dedication. This allowed them to focus on finding fish and working well together when it came time to showing their skills by guiding me in the fighting chair. Thanks! Sam Pacific Palisades,CA
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Reported catch:
Blue Marlin
Response from Captain
June 17, 2025
Hi Sam. Thank you for the great review. It was a great day with a great guy! Congratulations on your bucket list marlin!
1
Michael Conrad
Michael Conrad
5.0
Verified
Awesome day of fishing and wonderful conversation!
6 Hour Trip on March 27, 20255 adults
Family of 5 of us fished with on The Skillet with Captain John and Crew, Dave, including three generations of women, boy/girl twins, and ages ranging from 15 to 74. We caught 2 Mahi Mahi and one stripped blue marlin during our 6-hour trip. Both Dave and Captain John were great and made the lulls between bights go quickly with great conversation. The boat was the perfect size for our group and was clean. We stopped at a local store for snacks and drinks the day before to bring along. The Skillet provided a cooler for our items and there are other amenities including air conditioning and a flushing latrine on this clean vessel. Both gentlemen were knowledgeable, safe, patient with first-timers, and we shared a lot of laughs all while John and Dave minded our environment and safety. They also gave us recommendations for food and other entertainment on the island. Wish we had time for additional days. Maybe next time! 100% recommend!
Review media 0
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Blue Marlin
Response from Captain
March 29, 2025
Hi Michael. Thank you for the great review. It was our pleasure taking you and your family out fishing. Congratulations on your blue marlin and mahi mahis !!!!!!
1

FAQs about Skillet Sportfishing

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
32 ft
Year built
2004
Boat manufacturer
Topaz
Boat type
Sportfishing

Engine model
Cummins
Powered by
2 x 370HP
Max cruising speed
20 knots
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