What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Haleiwa, Hawaii for the first time?

We booked the 5-hour private fishing trip and caught 3 mahi mahis but overall, the experience was lackluster. The method used was trolling instead of casting. After catching live bait near the shore, we went offshore and did trolling for the rest of the trip, where our job was to “throw the bait” into the water. We only got to reel in the fish once it was hooked, which was not exactly the fishing experience we expected. If you want to go out to the water just to enjoy, there are many other cheaper alternatives. Additionally, the way the fish were handled was surprising. Instead of being bled or killed right away (which we’ve seen done in other places), the mahi mahis were simply tossed into the cooler to die off. At the end of the trip, a tip was also expected, bringing the total cost well above $700. Compared to fishing experiences in other states or countries, this one fell short. Perhaps this is the style of fishing in Hawaii. We wouldn’t recommend it.

Have a plan to prepare your fish after the catch. In the past we have always taken our catch (non-Hawaii fishing trips) to a local restaurant near the docks to have them cook-up our catch for lunch/dinner. Could not find a restaurant to do this so cooked it ourselves which turned out great, but we were not initially prepared for this. Tuna steaks and Mahi-Mahi fish tacos were a success!!!

Be prepared for swells and waves and make sure to use motion sickness medication if you need it. The larger boat allowed us to go out further due to the waves on the day that we fished so in our case the added expense was worth it.

It’s just another day of fishing. Slow this time. But that’s why it’s called fishing, not catching. Any particular day may be good or bad fishing. But a bad day on the water is still a good day?

Definitely take something for motion sickness... Better to have it and not need it then regret it. Sunscreen and water and LOTS of it. Take the hats and sunshirts, if you think you have on enough sunscreen...apply more. Listen to the crew and you'll have a blast!

We made the right choice to book with Deep Sea Fishing Charters and would rebook again. Some other captains were “salty” when just talking to them on the phone but Captain Matt was genuinely happy and excited with us.

be prepared for a bumpy few hours for sure. do not recommend this for smaller children and elder as they are easily knocked around from the waves unless they are used to deep sea of course! it's hard to rate fishing in June because we have never fished any other months in Hawaii so that is the only reason i am rating it as okay.

I must say that my first time to fish in Hawaii, conditions were not ideal. In fact, the day before our trip was scheduled I got a call from Sarah who recommended that we wait a day for more favorable conditions. Am I glad we did. This group did everything right. I'll come back just a little later in the year and fish with this charter group again

Don’t underestimate the waves. Take Dramamine or whatever else before getting on the boat. My wife and I didn’t get sick but definitely felt queasy for a few mins. Ran into some bigger waves and super cloudy day so we couldn’t see land at times

Sunscreen, sunglasses, Dramamine the night before and an hour before fishing. Ice cooler for your take home filets, food and drink for the day (they have a cooler you will use for that) tip the crew. They earn it

We had never gone deep sea fishing and that was what we wanted to do. So we went deep and caught a marlin. If we wanted to catch more fish we probably would have fished more inshore but my sons wanted to go deep for the big fish.

If you have never done it before eat some ginger or take a Dramamine the seas are the seas the rough but not crazy. First word advice. If you’re not used to it don’t drink on the boat I’m talking alcohol that is otherwise have a great time.

The fishing could be slow it could be fast you are indeed taking a risk whenever you go but I beleave you have good chances going on this charter. Prepair for big waves and lots of rocking, it will be very difficult to stand on your own without a firm handhold. Be ready to help when called on beacuse it will happen at a moment's notice.

North Shore fishing is not like mainland fishing and can get a bit rough. Take your Dramamine the night before if you even remotely think you might get sea sick. The upside is there are some mighty big sea creatures in those waters with some really beautiful scenery!!!

I have no experience with fishing seasons... But we didn't even have a bite. The kids spent all thier hard earned allowance on an expensive boat ride. Not the captains fault... But they were super bummed.

Fishing is fishing, timing is everything. When the mackerel are prolific to catch you can catch everything else with it!

Absolutely great for first time fishers looking for a private charter. Way better than a party boat or bigger boat for the price.

Book this fishing charter and get ready to cook the fish. I recommend making fish tacos out of this fresh catch.

Look for a boat and captain with good local fishing knowledge and ensure that captain is on the boat and not just selling you a trip.

The fish were hard to find and not a lot out there. Some boats came back empty handed. We were lucky with our crew they didn’t want that to happen.

Research the time frame you are fishing and understand the migratory patterns of the fish.

Waters were rocky, rough and didn’t catch anything. Wouldn’t recommend a full day with this company. Couldn’t get even a bite.

Tuna arrive about this time of the year. Water was choppy and saw some rain showers. Fishing was great!

Take Dramamine or bonine the night prior and bring lots of sunscreen.book a full day so you can get out to the 2nd shelf and the buoy system

If the captain was right there is not much out there to catch during April. "Summer is better" so it is what it is

The experience is awesome, but just remember, you’re an open ocean water no matter what there’s a little choppy water. Bring your Dramamine and you’ll be fine.

Weather is the key, we had a beautiful calm sunny day. It made the difference in my opinion since I have been on other trips where the weather and waves were bad and so was the fishing.

Kind of a transition period. Always gosh to catch just need to get lucky! Can’t catch those open ocean shore fish sitting on the beach!!

Can’t catch them sitting in the hotel or on the snorkel beach! Fishing is fishing and constantly moving. Give it a shot! You could catch a giant!

combining whale watching with trolling/bottom fishing was the perfect combo for families keeping the attention of children the entire tour