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Lance Gelman
Captain

Lance Gelman

Kailua-Kona, United States
100+ reviews
Captain Lance has worked in the charter fishing industry since he was 14, and his love of fishing, the ocean, and his clients has always rewarded him. Captain Lance believes it is his responsibility to show his clients a great day whether the fish are biting or not. With that said, he is a very accomplished captain, catching two grander Blue Marlin (1058 lb and 1075 lb), 57 Mahi Mahi in a single day, and has many tournament victories to his credit. A superb Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna) fisherman, Captain Lance won first place in the Maui Jim Tournament Ahi Division three years in a row: 2009, 2010, and 2011.

Charter

Rating

4.7
116 reviews
4.7
Boat & Equipment
4.8
Captain & Crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

92%
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
93%
Recommend this charter
90%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
71%
Caught fish

All reviews (116)

Showing 1 – 5 of 116 reviews
  • Eric Palmer
    Eric Palmer
    us
    Montana, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Fishing with Lance

    Full Day Trip • 2 adults
    Response from Captain

    Thank you for the review.

  • Lieven Rudd
    Lieven Rudd
    Repeat angler
    us
    Oregon, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    wonderful day on the water

    Full Day Trip • 2 adults

    although we didn’t catch Fish, that is Fishing. That happened Lance and first mate Jack we’re very friendly and knowledgeable and spent time speaking and talking with us throughout our trap. Would recommend this trip to anyone.

    Response from Captain

    Thank you for review!

  • Anthony Worthey
    Anthony Worthey
    Repeat angler
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2020
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Hawaii Experience

    Half Day Trip • 2 adults

    Captain and first mate were experienced, knowledgeable and friendly.

    Response from Captain

    Thanks Sherry, we enjoyed have you onboard!

  • Brett Shaw
    Brett Shaw
    us
    Colorado, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Morning

    Half Day Trip • 4 adults

    Sunrise from the ocean, anticipation of a hit, great conversation, time with my sons. Great morning

    Response from Captain

    Thanks for the review and video, always a special time of day!

  • Jack Larson
    Jack Larson
    Repeat angler
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2024
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Can’t Recommend Medusa Enough!

    Full Day Trip • 2 adults

    This was a great experience from the start. Captain Lance was proactive with his communication before the trip, which was very helpful. He and his mate Jack were very friendly and made great conversation! We got an in-depth training in how to use the tackle and the fighting chair, and we were invited to sit up on the bridge while we were fishing, which had a lovely bench seat where we could see everything going on - including the crew checking and replacing baits/lures and also several wildlife sightings. Saw multiple pods of pilot whales, sea birds, and spinner dolphins. Lance and Jack were quick to point them out when we didn’t see them first, and changed course to follow them looking for fish. We didn’t catch anything - which is the only thing that could’ve made the trip better - but it wasn’t for lack of trying. They even put out a light line when we found a flock of birds to see if something smaller would bite. We’d heard the bite had been slow recently. When we got back to the harbor, Lance even invited us to stay up on the bridge to watch the sunset. They also provided some delicious snacks and water, truly going above and beyond in every way. We will definitely book a trip with them next time we’re in town!

    Response from Captain

    Thank you for the review Jack. We hope to see you again in the future when the fish are more cooperative!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Medusa Sportfishing
    Medusa SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Blue marlin alongside a boat in choppy open water, still hooked during an active offshore fishing encounter.
    Fish 1
    Blue Marlin
    Blue Marlin released today!
  • Medusa Sportfishing
    Medusa SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    A family proudly displays a large Mahi Mahi on the deck of their charter boat at the marina, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Family fun and fish for the grill
  • Medusa Sportfishing
    Medusa SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    An angler seated on a boat, focused on fishing while the boat navigates through calm waters.
    Anthony W.
    Anthony W.
    Captain and first mate were experienced, knowledgeable and friendly.
  • Medusa Sportfishing
    Medusa SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    A large, filleted Yellowfin Tuna displayed on a cleaning table, showcasing the intricate cuts and vibrant colors of the fish.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Yellowfin Tuna
    David S.
    David S.
    My kids ages 15 and 12 had a great time with Lance’s associates Jackson and James. We caught a TON of fish - both kids literally simultaneously got a 30 pound spearfish, and then the older one got a mother-lode 110 pound ahi yellowfin tuna!!! We also release a maybe 150 pound Blue Marlin. Weirdly they got everything in the first 3 hours of the 8 hour trip - that is how fishing goes. The ahi was just incredibly memorable - they found us a group of literally up to 100 dolphins plus all sorts of birds flying on top - with lots of fish around all that commotion. Which is what the ahi came out of. Jackson and James were also excellent with my 12 year old - who wanted to talk fishing literally the whole time. Muffins and soft drinks and water were a nice touch too. My wife appreciated the bathroom on the boat. All in all - great! We will look up Lance again next time on BI!
  • Medusa Sportfishing
    Medusa SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    A close-up of fishing flags on a rod, indicating a fishing activity in a coastal environment.
    Fish 1
    Sailfish
    Elaine K.
    Elaine K.
    Captain and crew were so great! My son was looking forward to this the most about our trip and they made it memorable!
  • Medusa Sportfishing
    Medusa SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Two anglers proudly displaying a large Sailfish while aboard a sport fishing boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Sailfish
    Ryan F.
    Ryan F.
    Crew was great and helpful, even if we hadn’t caught fish it would have been a amazing day.
  • Medusa Sportfishing
    Medusa SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Adult angler holding a large colorful mahi-mahi at a tropical marina beside charter boats.
    Fish 1
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Aaron B.
    Aaron B.
    The day was perfect! Beautiful scenery great water and a fantastic Captain and deck hand. Both were extremely knowledgeable and great conversation. Had a fantastic trip. We caught a huge spearfish and a good size Mahi Mahi. Super fun fights and action packed. I will and would recommend fishing with them to everyone I talk to about Kona fishing. Great day!
  • Medusa Sportfishing
    Medusa SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    An angler proudly displaying a large fish aboard a boat in open waters, showcasing a successful deep-sea fishing experience.
    Fish 1
    Striped Marlin
    Michael C.
    Michael C.
    First time out with the family. Hooked a blue Marlin within an hour. Oldest kid was in the chair reeling it in, the other kid was puking his guts out. Great character building for all. First kid eventually puked too. He says it was worth it. Captain and first mate were exceptional. Both loved being on the water and were happy to turn the boat around when asked. Highly recommend.
  • Medusa Sportfishing
    Medusa SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Angler proudly displaying a large Mahi Mahi while aboard a sportfishing boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Kent W.
    Kent W.
    Great skipper let us know that fishing had been slow. Enjoyed the ride and weather. Missed the first hit but landed the second with a beautiful Mahi Mahi.
  • Medusa Sportfishing
    Medusa SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Two anglers proudly display large offshore fish aboard a moving sportfishing boat, with rods and foamy ocean wake visible.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Frank D.
    Frank D.
    We caught a Spearfish that was 48-50 inches long and weighed probably 45 pounds! 1 Yellowfin that weighed 100-120 pounds! Fishing was great and Captain Lance and first mate Jack were awesome!

What's biting with Medusa Sportfishing in Kailua-Kona

There may not be the same number of Billfish around in November, but Bigeye Tuna arrive in force. These are some of the tastiest fish out there, so you will find you have lots of new friends if you bag one!

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Blue marlin alongside a boat in choppy open water, still hooked during an active offshore fishing encounter.

Blue Marlin

Jul 6, 2026 • Kailua-Kona
Blue Marlin released today!
Show more
A family proudly displays a large Mahi Mahi on the deck of their charter boat at the marina, showcasing a successful fishing trip.

Family Fun!

Jul 3, 2026 • Kailua-Kona
Family fun and fish for the grill
Show more
Young anglers display freshly caught tuna aboard a sportfishing boat during an offshore fishing trip.

Happy angler

Mar 28, 2021 • Kailua-Kona
Making dreams come true, happy we could help Hunter!
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