Charter Operator
Silky Sportfishing

Member since August 2016 Kailua-Kona, United States
Background
Captain John Bagwell has been fishing for big game since 1970. Having started his career in Daytona Beach, Florida, in the early 1970s, he has since then traveled extensively around the famous fisheries of the East Coast, the Bahamas, Mexico’s Yucatan Penninsula, and now Hawaii. With a career that began with fishing in North Carolina with sportifshing legends such as Buddy Cannady, Sam Stokes, Omu Tillett, Buddy Davis, and Sonny Briggs, he continues to provide top of the range sportfishing adventures forty years on. John has been living in Kona since 1998 and enjoys the unparalleled year round Blue Marlin and Tuna fishery that the area provides. For the past 10 years, he has been working with Captain Dave Bensko, so one of these two amazing Captains will be taking you out.

Hey, we're Silky Sportfishing

Kailua-Kona, United States
Background
Captain John Bagwell has been fishing for big game since 1970. Having started his career in Daytona Beach, Florida, in the early 1970s, he has since then traveled extensively around the famous fisheries of the East Coast, the Bahamas, Mexico’s Yucatan Penninsula, and now Hawaii. With a career that began with fishing in North Carolina with sportifshing legends such as Buddy Cannady, Sam Stokes, Omu Tillett, Buddy Davis, and Sonny Briggs, he continues to provide top of the range sportfishing adventures forty years on. John has been living in Kona since 1998 and enjoys the unparalleled year round Blue Marlin and Tuna fishery that the area provides. For the past 10 years, he has been working with Captain Dave Bensko, so one of these two amazing Captains will be taking you out.

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.7 / 5
(268 reviews)
Kailua-Kona
Trips from US $790

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 268 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (292)
Great Experience
Great half day fishing trip!
3 marlins on the line 2 brought in and released! Epic!!
+289
Angler rating
211
35
16
3
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
85%
Friendly captain
97%
Recommend this charter
90%
Appropriate for children
86%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Caught fish
63%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 268 reviews
Lori A.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fish werenโ€™t biting, BUT still an amazing experience!

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip on July 8, 2025
Although we didnโ€™t catch any fish (and my daughter being seasick the entire time), Captain John and his assistant Clayton,...
Lori A. recommends Silky Sportfishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Lori A. recommends Silky Sportfishing
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

David R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

3 marlins on the line 2 brought in and released! Epic!!

VERIFIED   NEW  3/4 Day Trip on July 14, 2025
This is by far the best charter I have ever joined. I have charted many boats in this one surpassed it all. When does anybody...
David R. recommends Silky Sportfishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
David R. recommends Silky Sportfishing
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Andrea M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great half day fishing trip!

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip on August 4, 2025
Great afternoon with David and Clayton the captains. They were very friendly, knowledgeable and so helpful with my 13 year...
Andrea M. recommends Silky Sportfishing
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Andrea M. recommends Silky Sportfishing
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Brock V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Experience

VERIFIED   NEW  3/4 Day Trip on August 6, 2025
Though it was a tough day out on the water, we did have a great time with the crew. Iโ€™d highly recommend this boat. We will...
Brock V. recommends Silky Sportfishing
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Brock V. recommends Silky Sportfishing
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Samuel C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Repeat customers!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on June 5, 2025
My family continues to return to silky Sportfishing. Captain Dave is amazing a well connected and does a great job putting...
Samuel C. recommends Silky Sportfishing
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