What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii for the first time?

Keep in mind the trip can fit 4, but 3 was better for us to be able to move around on the boat easier. Also if taking a child, 10 and up is best as the strength needed to reel in the catch is significant. Even my wife had a slightly hard time reeling in her 35 lb wahoo

There is everything here in kona. Shore casting, bottom fishing , wahoo, dorado, tuna, its a heck of a fishing ground. While you cant always target a specific species with absolute success there is always something swimming in the neighborhood.

Make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen. Pack a small cooler of your favorite drinks and some snacks for the trip. Not every time you will catch something but that’s why they call it fishing not catching.

You are booking a fish trip for a trophy fish; not everytime are you going to hook up. I personally have gone on 3 charter trips and this is the only one that ended in success. Its a great way to see the island and hear stories as well.

Find the crew at Fire Hatt. They are super professional and friendly. We brought our four- and six-year-olds. They might have been a bit too young. I think it might be better for, maybe, an 8-year-old or 10-year-old. Sean and Jason were great with our little kids, but the boys struggled a bit with four hours on the boat. But, all in all, it was a great experience for the adults.

Listen to what the crew is telling you. They are a wealth of information and only want you to have a fun time and catch fish. This was my first time sitting in the chair waiting for a hit on a line. It's pretty darn exciting when it finally happens and you get to start reeling in your catch!!

Try a half day trip here before going on longer ones if you’ve never tried. Seasickness is real and miserable. Luckily I was ok but it was there. Someone else on our boat started puking 15 min in. Poor girl. At least she caught a fish too.

You are not going to find a more picturesque and idyllic place to fish than right here on the Big Island. From the crystal clear deep blue waters to the deep ocean just mins from the harbor, Kailua-Kona is among the best places that I have fished in the world.

Always remember why its called fishing, not catching and think of catching as a bonus, because it should be about the moments you share with family and friends, old as well as the new you meet and make on your adventure. We met some of nicest,friendliest new people on out trip!

Go out for a bucket list trip. Fishing starts right out of the harbor. The boat also stays close to shore due to the very close deep water so should be especially easy for most people prone to motion sickness.

Just get out there! Book ahead of time - they fill up quickly. It is great fishing conditions most days, and any bad weather tends to blow through quickly. I was there 12 days, and could have fished every day with no problems. Bring your own food and drink, but dont get drunk - if you aren't used to the water, you will likely get sick if you are drunk.

Get a captain that will stay awake and that wants to put you on fish. I love to fish, grew up in South Florida fishing all the time, I've been looking forward to coming out here fishing for over a year now, and it was nothing but a waste of time and money. Thank you fishbooker

Know that fishing in Kona is mostly trolling versus deep sea. That way people know and can ask questions if they never did fishing this way.

Bring your lunch/snacks and take bonine the night before and day of trip to avoid getting sea sick. Go expecting not to catch, but to have a great time

make sure you have a clear understanding with the captain about what your expectations are and what they will provide

have reasonable expectations and an understanding with the captain. not every captain is the same or will even target what you want to catch. most plan on keeping what you catch to sell

Fishing was tough across the fleet that day. Wasn't for lack of trying by our Captain. All tricks and a lot of miles were put on trying to get us hooked up.

Patience is important because as Seth says every day is different. There are no secret hot spots

Very fishable, leeward water so not often rough or unable to go out due to wind or waves. Good place to blue water fish if succeptible to motion sickness and typically in sight of shore.

I would find out if the fish are biting first before I booked again Not that means you will catch anything but ups the odds

Fishing for big game can be a long boat ride or can be fast paced. Every day varies. The ocean is big. Be patient and enjoy the day regardless of the results.

It was slow, but that is how fishing can be sometimes. That's why it's called fishing and not catching.

It was hit or miss, that why they call it “fishing” not Catching. Captain’s were both professional and very knowledgeable

Bring a towel or light jacket, it can be windy. We brought our own snacks, lunch and drinks but the captain does provide waters and snacks too!!

Remember, it's called fishing, not "catching". Luck was on our side, but that's now always how it works.

We caught a ton of tuna! We also saw people catch blue marlin. The tuna was quick catching, but the marlin takes lots of patience.

Take a morning trip and a long trip- the fish weren’t biting today, but more time and earlier gives you a better chance. Still a great experience, and would absolutely recommend!

It's fishing - not catching - even if you are in great fish waters - it isn't guaranteed that you will catch fish, much less multiple fish

Look at other reviews before booking and ask the captain what they don’t ensure they put their guests on a fish!

We were disappointed we didn’t catch any fish, but knew going in that was a possibility. Captain John and his crew were great!