What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Honolulu, Hawaii for the first time?
Answers by verified FishingBooker anglers who went fishing in Honolulu
Showing:
1 - 30 of 155 answers
1 - 30 of 155 answers

Dylan Karl
It was my first time deep sea fishing, so take my advice with a grain of salt. Other than heading out early in the morning, Hoku mentioned that the Mahi bloodline bait was really effective at attracting the fish.

Scott Stephenson
I would suggest a short trip with as much action as possible. This will keep kids interested.
We chose the sea bottom fishing so we could have a better chance at quick catch and release. It gave my son the chance to reel and check the bait, keeping him involved.
I believe you have a better chance at catching fish that generally sit near the bottom with greater numbers. I don’t know that children would have the patience for trolling.
Just my opinion

Kyle Darrow
In the pictures online it displayed outlets, speakers, water hose but none of that worked
The speakers didn’t work so no music I would have brought my blue tooth speaker to get music going and set the vibe
The outlets didn’t work so I couldn’t keep my phone charged to take pictures of the day which also sucked as it showed outlets and I brought my charger but couldn’t use it
No fresh water tank to hose off the salt water that was on us and kids
Overall the boat didn’t come equipped with what it shows and kind of ruined the day as a little communication stating these things didn’t work at least I can come prepared with a portable charger and portable speaker and bring more water to wash off. When you spend that much money nearly 2k on a day private charter you would think this would come standard. I was disappointed with the day for sure and my kids were also a little sad.

Bradley Shearman
Seemed to be slow across the board most of the week we were here talking to several charters all expressed the same “it’s been slow all week” message. I am sure weather and perhaps the recent southern swell played a role in that.

Amy Murdock
It's amazing, adrenaline rushing, exhausting, and relaxing at times...
Definitely take meds if you get motion sick and no fear of getting sick over the boat...been there, done that. I got right back out there and caught one! So it can be done!

Clayton Maze
Definitely worth it! Be sure to take anti sea sickness medicines the night before and day of. I’m normally very prone to being nauseous and I felt great the whole time at sea. Our youngest got a little queasy but they were good to let her lay down inside the boat and she slowly felt better. Also, make sure you bring sufficient food/snacks/lunch for the trip.

Patrick Filbin
Book the all-day trip, it’s your best chance to get on the fish. The boat can cover more water and go out farther. There’s a good amount of luck and chance involved but more time on the water is always a good bet!

Matt Bleakley
Heard it’s really good but we did not catch anything. Most boats had canceled. I wish we could have postponed to a day with better conditions. I understand fishing is fishing but paying this much it would have been nice to have the option to switch up the style after 5 hours of not seeing fish or getting g a single bite.

Harry Ford
I’ve been lucky enough to use several charters out of Honolulu and this is far away the best one. Good boat the crew knows what they’re doing. Very very family friendly and angler friendly couldn’t have expected or asked for more.

Judith Ferrante
Do your homework! Know what to bring (or not) and understand what may or may not happen. The crew cannot make the fish bite but this cre works hard to get the job done. Even so, you might only get a nice boat ride. Don’t blame the crew! Fish bite when they want to,but an experienced crew like this one will get the job done for you!!!

Caleb Mcgeeney
Kelp doesn’t grow on the reefs in Hawaii, so there is nothing to keep the fish in the same place for long periods of time so you are going to rely on the birds a lot. You’ll have cell signal so maybe turn off your signal if you want to get away

Richard Williams
Check the fishing reports. For some reason, marlin were showing up off of Oahu. Normally people fish for marlin off of the Big Island (Kona side). The captain and deck hand were as thrilled as we were! They were masterful at spotting opportunities to hook into these blue marlin and striped marlin.

Kelli Frantik
I recommend to be sure for anyone who wants to experience fishing safely, with kindness and good equipment. I think his assistant name was Tito (sorry if I got it wrong) but what a nice young man he was! He even cooked the caught fish while we were on boat and everyone shared. I thought it was great! And most certainly good value for money spent! I have paid way more to fish while on my worldly travels and even grand expensive trips may produce not catching any. Part of the deal with fishing. I’m ok with trying and enjoying anyway! I only wish I had more time there and I would have had the captain take me on one of his deep sea fishing trips!!

Jim Arnold
Belgrade, Belgrade
This was my first charter trip, and if I had it to do over again, I would ask more questions about the type of fishing that was going to be done. I prefer a more active role when fishing, and in this case, the guides pretty much do it all. That’s understandable, since the gear is considerably heavier and more elaborate than what I’ve experienced before! Not my cup of tea, but if you’re after big fish, this is the boat and crew!

Garrett Veltman
You are on an island. When you go out a few miles you are in the middle of the ocean. The oceans swells get a bit large and at a few points we couldn’t see the island hotels. The crew are professionals and do this for a living this is very normal to them. Please treat them with the respect they deserve. You are on their boat, using their gear.
It doesn’t matter if you have 100$ in fishing equipment or 30,000$. At the end of the day you can’t make the fish bite. Was well worth the trip for us and we didn’t bring a fish home.

Randy Sizemore
VERIFIED
Went fishing with Sea Verse 3 on October 18, 2023
Went fishing with Sea Verse 3 on October 18, 2023
Remember it is called 'fishing' and not 'catching'. No one can control the weather, or make the fish bite. I have fished for over 50 years, so perhaps I have a bit more realistic approach, and expectations. You won't catch fish everytime you go out. When you can, and if you have the time and money, book a full day trip. It increases your chances of having a great day. Half-day charters are hard as it limits the time you have, and you may not catch the tides right.

Cori Cole
I had to rate bad because we did not catch anything some others may have had a better experience. Not good for small children they would be bored small boat nothing to do and make sure you bring food and water.

Anthony Pittman
The Captain and crew will guide first timers through the process to keep everyone safe and maximize the opportunity to bring the fish. I’ve been on a few charters in Honolulu, all outstanding experiences.

Brett Duff
VERIFIED
Went fishing with Blue Ocean Hawaii on July 20, 2024
Went fishing with Blue Ocean Hawaii on July 20, 2024
This trip was exactly what I expected for the price. Serious fisherman will want to choose a pricier option. Great trip for families with young kids! Boat was clean and comfortable and the crew was patient and kind!

LYNN SHAFFER
Fishing is hard to review, because you can't make a fish bite the hook. They strike when they want too! We went for 6 hours pretty hard and didn't catch anything big, so that was disappointing. I'm not sure when's the best time to fish Hawaii, but we didn't have much luck the 3rd week of June.

Camille Luntao
Do research on type of fishing/charters (trolling, jigging etc) Wear sunblock, hat, bring anti nausea meds if you need it. Don’t have high expectations don’t expect to catch fish. Have fun make memories,

Carsten Puls
Note that you are going for a chance at catching some large sport fish. But it’s a chance - not a guarantee. It’s a big ocean and there are lots of variables that constantly change so it’s very possible you won’t catch anything. But you may be lucky and land an incredible once in a lifetime catch!

Matthew Hays
Again, it is called fishing, not catching. These Captains and crews know the Hawaiian waters and how to catch these local fish, and will do their very best to put you on those fish. Remember, you aren't guaranteed to catch anything, amd remember, they are professionals at their jobs and doing their very best, so give them some slack if luck is bad.

Travis Woodard
Please always know that your captain and crew want to catch fish as badly as you. Sometimes they bite, sometimes they don't. If you catch fish, fantastic! If you dont, blame it on the fish. Those dudes and ladies know what they're doing and do everything possible to put you on fish. I've fished all over the world and it's about the experience. That's why we call it fishing and not catching!

Joseph Acquafredda
Be prepared and know the fishing seasons here! Looks like it is all year round! Also be prepared for a fight of your life. Listen to your crew they know what they are doing and can help you be successful !

Nicholas Wankum
Obviously no guarantees with fishing but I’ve been very happy with my hawaii fishing experiences and even if you don’t catch anything it’s gorgeous seeing the island from the water, especially at sunrise.

Eric Sheibley
Bring sunblock! We did not and we definitely felt it the next day. Take pictures! It’s an experience you’ll want to look back on. And be patient! It’s still fishing. You never know when the big one is going to hit.

Stephen Holland
This was our first time fishing hawaii we had deep sea fished in tofino BC and Cancun this ocean is easily rougher make sure to take something for sea sickness before going. Would still do it again though

Daniel Minton
This was our first time fishing in Hawaii, so not sure seasonally how fishing changes. Our trip started out pretty slow but glad we booked the full day. All our fish came in the afternoon. Caught multiple Mahi-mahi.

Drew Clausen
Follow the crews instructions to keep your bait close to the bottom while not getting snagged and pretty soon you should be catching and not just fishing. Everyone in our party of 3 caught fish and only one was an experienced fisher.