PLAYTIME Sportfishing
PLAYTIME Sportfishing
Kailua-Kona has a fish with your name on it, so let Playtime you catch it! Your guide for the day is Captain Shawn, allowing you to benefit from years of professional experience.
Depending on the time of year, you might hook into Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Shortbill Spearfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and anything else that bites. You’ll target your catch by light tackle fishing, trolling, jigging, or maybe something more specialized in this area. Capt. Shawn also offers fly fishing, but you may need to bring your own fly gear.
Families who love fishing together will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! If you don’t have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there’s one on board. Snacks are never a bad idea!
Your day begins aboard a 26’ Shamrock sportfishing vessel that holds up to 4 passengers. It comes with outriggers, downriggers, a fighting chair, and all the essentials no fishing machine can run without. There’s a toilet on board for your convenience. Rods, reels, and tackle are included, as well as lures. Live bait is included, but you should ask the captain whether you’ll be catching it yourself.
You’ll have the help of a First Mate to put you on fish.
It’s recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (non-spray). Bottled water will be available for you. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.
And that’s it! Your fishing trip with Playtime is just a click away.
Customer reviews
- Captain Shawn and Jason lead a skilled, safety‑minded team, with Joe providing local island history and a patient, kid‑friendly approach that tailors each trip to guests’ goals.
- Big‑game success spans multiple charters, including blue marlin around 300 lb and multiple wahoos, with on‑board filleting and the option to have fish cooked or taken home.
- Flexible 4‑hour and half‑day itineraries come with clear meet‑up instructions, water on board, and a family‑friendly vessel that suits small groups.
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (101)
+98Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Appropriate for children
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Caught fish
69%
- Captain Shawn and Jason lead a skilled, safety‑minded team, with Joe providing local island history and a patient, kid‑friendly approach that tailors each trip to guests’ goals.
- Big‑game success spans multiple charters, including blue marlin around 300 lb and multiple wahoos, with on‑board filleting and the option to have fish cooked or taken home.
- Flexible 4‑hour and half‑day itineraries come with clear meet‑up instructions, water on board, and a family‑friendly vessel that suits small groups.
Nov 14, 2025
Full Day Trip
a truly great experience with Captain Joe and Shawn
i have been on over 20 guided trips with most being in the ocean in Hawaii, CA, and Oregon. Capt Joe was one of the most responsive and hardest working Captains i have ever met. the name of the game is fishing, not catching. Capt joe and Shawn busted their asses to put us on fish. We were included in every step. They worked hard to keep us engaged and laughing. The real tell for me was that the communication was incredible from the beginning. i told him what we hoped for. He told me what to expect, conditions, and tactics. Capt. Joe seemed truly excited to talk about the upcoming trip every time and did not seem bothered or preoccupied. Many Captains i have messaged would either not reply or would give one or 2 word answers. Shawn was great. He engaged my wife and I start to finish. He was friendly, fast, and always looki g for ways to make the trip better. I truly appreciated his candid conversations and humor. We busted our asses and were on fish most of the day. Missed several, but I did land a great eater mahi. If you are not about hype or fish stories, want to really ecperience a day of real honest fishing, and have a crew that outworks everyone on the Island, go out with Capt Joe.
i have been on over 20 guided trips with most being in the ocean in Hawaii, CA, and Oregon. Capt Joe was one of the most responsive...
Captain replied
Jul 24, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM) multi- species
Unforgettable Day on the Water with PLAYTIME Sportfishing!
This trip was hands down the best. The ocean was so calm and such a deep, unreal blue, it already felt like a perfect day. We caught skipjack early on, then hooked into a 250+ lb marlin that gave us an absolute show before it got away. Total adrenaline rush! Captains Shawn and Joe were incredible. Super knowledgeable, easygoing, and just all-around great to spend the day with. You can tell they love what they do, and it made the whole experience even better. If you’re even thinking about booking a trip, do it. Playtime Sportfishing made it a day we’ll never forget.
This trip was hands down the best. The ocean was so calm and such a deep, unreal blue, it already felt like a perfect day. We...
Captain replied
Aug 14, 2025
3/4 Day Trip
Good times and a few great memories
Shawn and Joe from playtime fishing got us out on some fish early. We got some action right away and were able to land a couple of rainbow runners for dad and son. It was definitely a fun experience and Joe caught all the action for us on video for us to watch over and over and show family back home. The girls didn’t get a shot but we all had a great time and a bunch of laughs on our trip. Shawn and Joe were also great guides of the overall history of fishing off the big island among many other cool facts and features of the island that made our trip enjoyable. We hope we can come back and give it another try in the future.
Shawn and Joe from playtime fishing got us out on some fish early. We got some action right away and were able to land a couple...
Captain repliedJul 5, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM) multi- species
Half Day Trip
We chose the half day option which was the perfect amount of time for our vacation schedule. When we come back will do a full day. Boat and equipment were in excellent condition. Shawn and Joe were great to work with and know what they are doing. My son said this was the best part of the trip to the Big Island. Thanks for a memorable experience and look forward to booking again in the future.
We chose the half day option which was the perfect amount of time for our vacation schedule. When we come back will do a full...
Captain replied
Jun 25, 2025
Full Day Trip
Not your average charter
1st trip to Hawaii, 1st time taking 3 family members on the ocean fearing they may get seasick. Joe and Shawn made sure our trip was not only comfortable and fun, but rewarding with some rockfish and a nice Skipjack. They were friendly and knowledgeable which made us feel at home and as people, not just clients. They worked 110% to put us on fish, in a time where no other boats were landing fish. Highly recommend and will definitely look them up the next time we are on the big island.
1st trip to Hawaii, 1st time taking 3 family members on the ocean fearing they may get seasick. Joe and Shawn made sure our trip...
Captain repliedTrip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (101)
+98Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Appropriate for children
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Caught fish
69%
- Captain Shawn and Jason lead a skilled, safety‑minded team, with Joe providing local island history and a patient, kid‑friendly approach that tailors each trip to guests’ goals.
- Big‑game success spans multiple charters, including blue marlin around 300 lb and multiple wahoos, with on‑board filleting and the option to have fish cooked or taken home.
- Flexible 4‑hour and half‑day itineraries come with clear meet‑up instructions, water on board, and a family‑friendly vessel that suits small groups.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
a truly great experience with Captain Joe and Shawn
Full Day Trip on November 14, 2025
i have been on over 20 guided trips with most being in the ocean in Hawaii, CA, and Oregon. Capt Joe was one of the most responsive and hardest working Captains i have ever met. the name of the game is fishing, not catching. Capt joe and Shawn busted their asses to put us on fish. We were included in every step. They worked hard to keep us engaged and laughing. The real tell for me was that the communication was incredible from the beginning. i told him what we hoped for. He told me what to expect, conditions, and tactics. Capt. Joe seemed truly excited to talk about the upcoming trip every time and did not seem bothered or preoccupied. Many Captains i have messaged would either not reply or would give one or 2 word answers. Shawn was great. He engaged my wife and I start to finish. He was friendly, fast, and always looki g for ways to make the trip better. I truly appreciated his candid conversations and humor. We busted our asses and were on fish most of the day. Missed several, but I did land a great eater mahi. If you are not about hype or fish stories, want to really ecperience a day of real honest fishing, and have a crew that outworks everyone on the Island, go out with Capt Joe.
i have been on over 20 guided trips with most being in the ocean in Hawaii, CA, and Oregon. Capt Joe was one of the most responsive and hardest working Captains i have ever met. the name of the game is fishing, not catching. Capt joe and Shawn busted their asses to put us on fish. We were included in every step. They worked hard to keep us engaged and laughing. The real tell for me was that the communication was incredible from the beginning. i told him what we hoped for. He told...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Unforgettable Day on the Water with PLAYTIME Sportfishing!
Half Day Trip (AM) multi- species on July 24, 2025
This trip was hands down the best. The ocean was so calm and such a deep, unreal blue, it already felt like a perfect day. We caught skipjack early on, then hooked into a 250+ lb marlin that gave us an absolute show before it got away. Total adrenaline rush! Captains Shawn and Joe were incredible. Super knowledgeable, easygoing, and just all-around great to spend the day with. You can tell they love what they do, and it made the whole experience even better. If you’re even thinking about booking a trip, do it. Playtime Sportfishing made it a day we’ll never forget.
This trip was hands down the best. The ocean was so calm and such a deep, unreal blue, it already felt like a perfect day. We caught skipjack early on, then hooked into a 250+ lb marlin that gave us an absolute show before it got away. Total adrenaline rush! Captains Shawn and Joe were incredible. Super knowledgeable, easygoing, and just all-around great to spend the day with. You can tell they love what they do, and it made the whole experience even better. If you’re even thinking about booking...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Good times and a few great memories
3/4 Day Trip on August 14, 2025
Shawn and Joe from playtime fishing got us out on some fish early. We got some action right away and were able to land a couple of rainbow runners for dad and son. It was definitely a fun experience and Joe caught all the action for us on video for us to watch over and over and show family back home. The girls didn’t get a shot but we all had a great time and a bunch of laughs on our trip. Shawn and Joe were also great guides of the overall history of fishing off the big island among many other cool facts and features of the island that made our trip enjoyable. We hope we can come back and give it another try in the future.
Shawn and Joe from playtime fishing got us out on some fish early. We got some action right away and were able to land a couple of rainbow runners for dad and son. It was definitely a fun experience and Joe caught all the action for us on video for us to watch over and over and show family back home. The girls didn’t get a shot but we all had a great time and a bunch of laughs on our trip. Shawn and Joe were also great guides of the overall history of fishing off the big island among many other...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip
Half Day Trip (AM) multi- species on July 5, 2025
We chose the half day option which was the perfect amount of time for our vacation schedule. When we come back will do a full day. Boat and equipment were in excellent condition. Shawn and Joe were great to work with and know what they are doing. My son said this was the best part of the trip to the Big Island. Thanks for a memorable experience and look forward to booking again in the future.
We chose the half day option which was the perfect amount of time for our vacation schedule. When we come back will do a full day. Boat and equipment were in excellent condition. Shawn and Joe were great to work with and know what they are doing. My son said this was the best part of the trip to the Big Island. Thanks for a memorable experience and look forward to booking again in the future.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Not your average charter
Full Day Trip on June 25, 2025
1st trip to Hawaii, 1st time taking 3 family members on the ocean fearing they may get seasick. Joe and Shawn made sure our trip was not only comfortable and fun, but rewarding with some rockfish and a nice Skipjack. They were friendly and knowledgeable which made us feel at home and as people, not just clients. They worked 110% to put us on fish, in a time where no other boats were landing fish. Highly recommend and will definitely look them up the next time we are on the big island.
1st trip to Hawaii, 1st time taking 3 family members on the ocean fearing they may get seasick. Joe and Shawn made sure our trip was not only comfortable and fun, but rewarding with some rockfish and a nice Skipjack. They were friendly and knowledgeable which made us feel at home and as people, not just clients. They worked 110% to put us on fish, in a time where no other boats were landing fish. Highly recommend and will definitely look them up the next time we are on the big island.
FAQs about PLAYTIME Sportfishing
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
