Granders University Kona Fishing Charters 

4.9/5 (6 reviews)
 Mooring J-18 Honokohau Harbor, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States

Granders University Kona Fishing Charters 

Kailua-Kona, HI, United States
38 ft
4
4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Aloha !
Welcome to fishing with the résumé-based guide:

CAPTAIN DANA BOARDMAN, DC
Holistic Healthcare Doctor – Marlin Conservation Leader – Big Game Fishing Technologist

Capt. Dana has been guiding both new and seasoned anglers to accomplish lifelong goals, many tournament wins, record setting fish, tons of big tuna, and numerous 1,000+ lb. black and blue marlin in some of the world’s most productive waters with his professional Kona Fishing Charters since 1986.

Although this résumé-based Captain has weighed many Granders, he was one of the first individuals in the industry to consciously advocate for the catch and release of Granders and developed specific techniques and custom equipment to increase the survival of these majestic fish.

Giant Black or Blue Marlin represent the most ambitious and highly respected angling experience.
“GRANDERS”, a fish weighing 1,000+ pounds, are the mark of excellence for a truly striking catch! Capt. Dana has weighed 7 Granders, and caught & released another 21 Granders.

His conservation role began in 1992 as a lead Big Game Fishing ecologist and frontline fishing guide executing the original Billfish Foundation tag and release campaign globally, which influenced many captains, crews and anglers throughout all marlin fisheries, especially in Kona Hawaii.

In 1995, Capt. Dana invented the “SNOOTER” device for the healthy release of giant Atlantic Blue Marlin in Madeira Portugal, featured in Marlin Magazine twice, first in 1998, and again in 2006.

Capt. Dana continues to guide anglers to tight lines and big fish. As president of Granders University he manages one of the most fun, well-appointed sportfishing vacation and mentorship packages on the planet from his base of operations in Kona, Hawaii.

Fisheries from the Captain’s résumé:

AVALON, CALIFORNIA
KONA, HAWAII
GBR, AUSTRALIA
PORT STEPHENS, AUSTRALIA
MADEIRA, PORTUGAL
GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
HATTERAS, NORTH CAROLINA
AZORES, PORTUGAL
MOZAMBIQUE, AFRICA
CAPE VERDE, AFRICA

Aloha !
Welcome to fishing with the résumé-based guide:

CAPTAIN DANA BOARDMAN, DC
Holistic Healthcare Doctor – Marlin Conservation Leader – Big Game Fishing Technologist

Capt. Dana has been guiding both new and seasoned anglers to accomplish lifelong goals, many tournament wins, record setting fish, tons of big tuna, and numerous 1,000+ lb. black and blue marlin in some of the world’s most productive waters with his professional Kona Fishing Charters since 1986.

Although this résumé-based Captain has weighed many Granders, he was one of the first individuals in the industry to consciously advocate for the catch and release of Granders and developed specific techniques and custom equipment to increase the survival of these majestic fish.

Giant Black or Blue Marlin represent the most ambitious and highly respected angling experience.
“GRANDERS”, a fish weighing 1,000+ pounds, are the mark of excellence for a truly striking catch! Capt. Dana has weighed 7 Granders, and caught & released another 21 Granders.

His conservation role began in 1992 as a lead Big Game Fishing ecologist and frontline fishing guide executing the original Billfish Foundation tag and release campaign globally, which influenced many captains, crews and anglers throughout all marlin fisheries, especially in Kona Hawaii.

In 1995, Capt. Dana invented the “SNOOTER” device for the healthy release of giant Atlantic Blue Marlin in Madeira Portugal, featured in Marlin Magazine twice, first in 1998, and again in 2006.

Capt. Dana continues to guide anglers to tight lines and big fish. As president of Granders University he manages one of the most fun, well-appointed sportfishing vacation and mentorship packages on the planet from his base of operations in Kona, Hawaii.

Fisheries from the Captain’s résumé:

AVALON, CALIFORNIA
KONA, HAWAII
GBR, AUSTRALIA
PORT STEPHENS, AUSTRALIA
MADEIRA, PORTUGAL
GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
HATTERAS, NORTH CAROLINA
AZORES, PORTUGAL
MOZAMBIQUE, AFRICA
CAPE VERDE, AFRICA

Dana Boardman
Captain
Dana Boardman
40 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
August 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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3/4 Day Trip
Non-refundable
6 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Blue)
Tuna (Yellowfin)
Wahoo
+2
US $1,275
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Full Day Trip
Non-refundable
8 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Blue)
Tuna (Yellowfin)
Wahoo
+3
US $1,575
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
6 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (9)

All reviews (6)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 6 reviews
Rex A. Davis
Rex A. Davis
Member since 2024
5.0
First Marlin! ✅ Bucket List
on June 19, 2024

Thanks to Captains Dana Boardman and Neil Preston for helping me get my first Marlin! It was a bucket list kinda day! These guys were personable and professional. The boat was first rate and they run a 5 star operation from start to finish. We had two strikes and came close to grabbing a second Marlin. These guys want you to catch a fish as much as you do and they work hard to make it happen! This is my crew for every return trip to the Big Island - they provide a phenomenal experience that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Come fish with them!

Reported catch:
Blue Marlin
Dana Boardman
Response from Captain

Thank you for bringing your enthusiasm and good luck Mr. Davis. I knew you were going to have a great day fishing when I saw your hawk eye perch from the shaded lazarette seat diligently watching all the lures and teasers non-stop! Much Aloha

Will Ledbetter
Will Ledbetter
us
Texas, US
Member since 2023
5.0
Full day trip with Dana B.
Full Day Trip on April 28, 2024

Great day fishing in Kona, HI. The boat was exceptionally comfortable with an air conditioned cabin and places to sit outside in the shade while waiting for the fish We caught an Ono and were able to take some filets back to our place for dinner. Captain Dana was an entertaining host and very knowledgeable captain. We enjoyed our day of fishing!

Reported catch:
Wahoo
Shortbill Spearfish
Yellowfin Tuna
Blue Marlin
Dana Boardman
Response from Captain

Special times together. Aloha

Simon Smithers
Simon Smithers
au
Australia
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
First trip on Charter boat “Island Girl” and a Blue Marlin !!
Full Day Trip on June 27, 20252 adults

So glad we booked Dana. His love of gamefishing and Kona so evident along with his hospitality. Had fun on a blue Marlin plus the bonus of really calm seas. Highly recommend.

Dana Boardman
Response from Captain

Simon & Nicole, Thank you for bringing your good luck and our serendipitous meeting today after fishing alongside each other multiple times on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia 3 decades ago !! Truly enjoyed reminiscing about so many of our old fishing friends around Australia ... been calling a few of them since our fabulous day fishing together yesterday. Aloha, Captain Dana

JEFFREY BELTZ
JEFFREY BELTZ
us
Texas, US
Member since 2024
4.7
Verified
Didn't catch anything but a bucket of trash
3/4 Day Trip on June 17, 20244 adults

Got 2 bites the crew couldn't land either of them.. The crew was experienced and very polite. But absolutely nothing bit after the first hour. That was a long six hours staring at lures. Lol. Took some expensive naps in between. Everyone was a good sport and said they had a good time on the water which helped. All in all I'm not sure I'd do it again. This is the second deep sea fishing trip we have taken as a family (the first was in Madiera) where we have came up zeroes. There's probably a better way to spend that type of money where all the family can enjoy it.

Dana Boardman
Response from Captain

Jeff, We really enjoyed fishing with you and your family. Your son Mason was so keen and focused on the lures and the explosive bites. He certainly deserved a solid hookup! Stoked you were able to join us on your second day of Big Game Fishing, ever. Three time's a charm...you know. Hope you come fish again someday. Aloha

John Ismay
John Ismay
Member since 2024
5.0
A great morning fish trip!
3/4 Day Trip on May 31, 2024

Fabulous boat, great captain and crew and a 150lb Blue Marlin as a bonus…. Highly recommend!!

Reported catch:
Blue Marlin
Dana Boardman
Response from Captain

John it was fun to have your wife enjoy the day of fishing with the frequently calm Kona Coast conditions. Lady luck brought us multiple bites...

FAQs about Granders University Kona Fishing Charters

Granders University Kona Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $1,275 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,575 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Granders University Kona Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Fresh water toilet for less oder.
  • Air conditioning High output AC.
  • Fighting chair Release fighting chair.
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Outriggers Pipewelders heavy duty outriggers.
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Granders University Kona Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Bottled water supplied.)
  • First mate
Granders University Kona Fishing Charters offers the following type of fishing:
  • Offshore fishing (Kona Coast is very calm.)
Granders University Kona Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Heavy tackle (Best for catch & release.)
  • Trolling (Custom Hawaiian lures.)
Top targeted fish species with Granders University Kona Fishing Charters include:
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Marlin (Black)
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Marlin (Striped)
  • Spearfish (Shortbill)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

Dana Boardman
Dana Boardman
Dana Boardman

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States

ID & license verified
6 Customer reviews
Typical response within 9 hours
Member since March 2024

ID & license verified
6 Customer reviews
Typical response within 9 hours
Member since March 2024

The fish you can target

Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Marlin
Black Marlin
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
Striped Marlin
Striped Marlin
Shortbill Spearfish
Shortbill Spearfish
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Marlin
Black Marlin
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
Striped Marlin
Striped Marlin
Shortbill Spearfish
Shortbill Spearfish

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
38 ft
Year built
1982
Restored in
2011
Boat manufacturer
Custom Ricky Scarborough
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Cummins
Powered by
2 x 480HP
Max cruising speed
34 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Offshore Fishing
Kona Coast is very calm.

Which fishing techniques you can try

Heavy Tackle
Best for catch & release.
Trolling
Custom Hawaiian lures.

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Fresh water toilet for less oder.
Air conditioning
High output AC.
Fighting chair
Release fighting chair.
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Flybridge
Live bait well
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Outriggers
Pipewelders heavy duty outriggers.
Ice box
Radar

What's included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Bottled water supplied.
First mate

How cancellations work

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
You keep catch
We share fish between clients and crew.
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 2.5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Kailua-Kona right now

Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Black)Marlin (Black)
Marlin (Blue)Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (Striped)Marlin (Striped)
Spearfish (Shortbill)Spearfish (Shortbill)
Spearfish (Shortbill)Spearfish (Shortbill)
Tuna (Yellowfin)Tuna (Yellowfin)
WahooWahoo

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Granders University Kona Fishing Charters
Granders University Kona Fishing Charters
4.9
(6)
38 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+5
6 hour trip • 4 persons
US $1,275