Charter Operator
Skillet Sportfishing

Member since June 2022 Kailua-Kona, United States
Background
Captain John's interest in fishing goes back to early childhood. He's been a fisherman for the past 50 years, 35 out of which in Hawaii. He holds a Captain’s License from the US Coast Guard and has made a living in the guided fishing industry for the past 30 years. The four types of pelagic fish in the area that he loves to catch are Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Ono, and Tuna. Captain John treats everyone that steps foot on his boat with dignity and respect, and expects the same from each charter guest. He never assumes people have done this before and tries to show them the best time they can have while they’re here fishing in Kona.
Techniques
Captain John's preferred style is big game fishing either with bait or trolling lures for pelagic game fish.

Hey, we're Skillet Sportfishing

Kailua-Kona, United States
Background
Captain John's interest in fishing goes back to early childhood. He's been a fisherman for the past 50 years, 35 out of which in Hawaii. He holds a Captain’s License from the US Coast Guard and has made a living in the guided fishing industry for the past 30 years. The four types of pelagic fish in the area that he loves to catch are Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Ono, and Tuna. Captain John treats everyone that steps foot on his boat with dignity and respect, and expects the same from each charter guest. He never assumes people have done this before and tries to show them the best time they can have while they’re here fishing in Kona.
Techniques
Captain John's preferred style is big game fishing either with bait or trolling lures for pelagic game fish.
Anglers Choice
Verified
Our Team
John B.
Captain

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(352 reviews)
Angler's choice
Kailua-Kona
 3 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $875

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 352 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (303)
Beautiful Ono
Beautiful Ono
Skillet Sports Fishing charter is the best.
+300
Angler rating
329
19
3
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
85%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
69%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 352 reviews
Joel D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Beautiful Ono

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip AM Trip on September 11, 2025
We had an incredible morning on the water with Captain John and his crew. From the moment we stepped on board, they made the...
Joel D. recommends Skillet Sportfishing
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MATTHEW M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Slow day be very enjoyable.

VERIFIED   4 Hour PM Trip on April 24, 2025
Captian John was fantastic through the whole afternoon.ย  It was our first time deep sea fishing and himself and his helper...
MATTHEW M. recommends Skillet Sportfishing
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William K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Skillet Sports Fishing charter is the best.

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour PM Trip on September 4, 2025
Skillet Sportsfishing captained by John Burke and deckhand Grant is the best fishing charter in Kona.ย  Their knowledge and...
William K. recommends Skillet Sportfishing
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Chris B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best Captain and Crew!!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip AM Trip on July 27, 2025
Today was my second time in four days with Skillet Sportfishing. And I will be back. Captain John and crew constantly work...
Chris B. recommends Skillet Sportfishing
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Sam R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Blue Marlin 2025 Fatherโ€™s Day Catch

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip on June 15, 2025
Capital Burke and Deck Hand Logan delivered on my goal to catch & release a spectacular Kona Blue Marlin.ย  The overall experience...
Sam R. recommends Skillet Sportfishing
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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Skillet Sportfishing Charter Operator replied