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Ryan Lutes
Captain

Ryan Lutes

Kailua-Kona, United States
50+ reviews
Aloha, My name is Ryan Lutes and I have been in and around the ocean my whole life. I was a beach lifeguard for the State of California at 16 years old during my early years and grew up in Southern California fishing and surfing with my father. In 2004 my family moved to Kona, Hawaii after graduating high school. When I got to Hawaii I worked the deck for many legendary Captains from Kona over the years, eventually working my way to Captain of the Tropical Sun. I got my Captains license at 18 years old, while Sportfishing and commercial fishing in Hawaii. I have traveled and spent time fishing in Mexico, Panama, and Kona. My life passion is having my clients experience this amazing water world we call home!
Stephanie M.
Stephanie M.
Staff

Charter

Rating

4.8
62 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
4.8
Captain & Crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

93%
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
92%
Recommend this charter
90%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
77%
Caught fish

All reviews (62)

Showing 1 – 5 of 62 reviews
  • Jessica Lindsey
    Jessica Lindsey
    us
    California, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    4.3
    Verified
    NEW

    Caught a marlin

    8 Hour Fishing Charter 6:30am • 2 adults

    Just a heads up. If booking with fishbooker the price does not include local taxes/fees. That took us by surprise at the end of the trip. But anyway. We booked an 8 hr trip. I had the most amazing experience catching my first marlin. Captain Andy and Lineman Kerry were by my side to help make it happen. Unfortunately, that was the only opportunity the ocean presented us with that day. That’s why it’s called fishing they say. It’s an expensive experience I wish my husband could’ve gotten in a fish.

    Reported catch:
    Blue Marlin
  • Curtis Deal
    Curtis Deal
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great friendly crew

    8 Hour Fishing Charter 6:30am • 6 adults • 2 children

    Family of 6 and we came to Kona for the worst weather in 30 years. Had a trip cancelled on Saturday for weather and this was our last shot. Booked last minute and Capt Ryan called to warn us he wasn’t sure but was hopeful for Tuesday. Weather worked out. Capt Ryan and Mate Cary were very friendly and answered all questions. They kept working to put us on fish and boy did they. My Wife and daughter got their first blue marlin and my son got a spearfish. Then capped it off towards the end of the day with a triple on yellowfin tuna. All around a great day. A+ outfit

    Reported catch:
    Blue Marlin
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Shortbill Spearfish
  • Thomas Greenberg
    Thomas Greenberg
    us
    Virginia, US
    •
    Member since 2019
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    finally caught a Blue Marlin

    8 Hour Fishing Charter 6:30am • 2 adults

    had an amazing time on the Tropical Sun. I finally caught a Blue Marlin and can check it off my bucket list. crew and boat were awesome. the boat has gyro stabilization and it mskes the ride so much better. great job tropical sun!

  • Janna Hibbard
    Janna Hibbard
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    No Fish, But Still a Great Experience!😀

    6 Hour Fishing Charter 6:30am • 6 adults

    We had a great time deep sea fishing! Our group was pretty exhausted, so we were definitely running on low energy, but we still had a lot of fun and enjoyed being out on the water. Unfortunately, we didn’t catch any fish, but we got to see dolphins and whales, which made the experience totally worth it! Even without a catch, it was a fun memory and a great way to spend the day in Hawaii!

  • Don Holle
    Don Holle
    Repeat angler
    us
    Minnesota, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great outing!

    6 Hour Fishing Charter 6:30am • 4 adults

    Wife and daughter were able to catch naps during the trip. Boat was comfortable and smooth (even air-conditioning). Crew mentioned that it was slow day but had several bites. Caught a nice short billed spearfish. It tasted incredible and shared it with several others where we were staying. Recommend considering if you want a great comfortable charter!

    Reported catch:
    Shortbill Spearfish

Real catches shared by our community

  • Tropical Sun Sportfishing
    Tropical Sun SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    finally caught a Blue Marlin
    Thomas G.
    Thomas G.
  • Tropical Sun Sportfishing
    Tropical Sun SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Caught a marlin
    Jessica L.
    Jessica L.
  • Tropical Sun Sportfishing
    Tropical Sun SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    very nice boat. great crew.
    David S.
    David S.
  • Tropical Sun Sportfishing
    Tropical Sun SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    No Fish, But Still a Great Experience!😀
    Janna H.
    Janna H.
  • Tropical Sun Sportfishing
    Tropical Sun SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    excellent trip
    James M.
    James M.
  • Tropical Sun Sportfishing
    Tropical Sun SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Fantastic Day in Kona
    Lauren W.
    Lauren W.
  • Tropical Sun Sportfishing
    Tropical Sun SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Great Trip!
    Melissa F.
    Melissa F.
  • Tropical Sun Sportfishing
    Tropical Sun SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Beautiful and clean Boat, captain and crew top-notch
    Daniel B.
    Daniel B.
  • Tropical Sun Sportfishing
    Tropical Sun SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Fishing with Ryan
    Sam E.
    Sam E.
  • Tropical Sun Sportfishing
    Tropical Sun SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Great outing!
    Don H.
    Don H.

What's biting with Tropical Sun Sportfishing in Kailua-Kona

The summer madness starts to wind down in September, and tournaments season draws to a close. This can still be a great time for Blue Marlin, though, and you won't be fighting for space to target them.

Top catches for September

Fishing reports

A young child and adults engaged in reeling in a large fish, likely a Marlin, during a deep-sea fishing trip.

Morning half day Blue marlin!

Apr 12, 2025 • Kailua-Kona
1-2 on blue marlin on our morning half day!
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A young angler actively reeling in a large fish, showcasing the excitement of deep-sea fishing in open waters.

Another great day with Tropical Sun Spor

Nov 26, 2023 • Kailua-Kona
Released a blue marlin and captured 2 mahi mahi for the grill tonight!
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Two anglers proudly displaying their large Mahi Mahi catches aboard a fishing boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.

Awesome Day Fishing with Tropical Sun Sp

Nov 16, 2023 • Kailua-Kona
Awesome day on the water! 2-3 on Blue Marlin and 2-2 on Mahi-mahi. 37 pound Mahi for the bbq!
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