Kona Fishing Calendar: Time Your Trip, Land Your Trophy

There’s no question that Kona, renowned as the Blue Marlin Fishing Capital of the World, has incredible year-round sportfishing. The calm, deep waters are protected from trade winds by massive volcanoes, and the ocean floor drops off to thousands of feet just a few miles from shore, creating a perfect fishing ground.

The open-ocean waters are teeming with 1,000+lb marlin (dubbed “granders), but the thrill doesn’t stop there. The “big six” of Kona sportfishing also includes the acrobatic striped marlin, the elusive spearfish, the powerful ahi (yellowfin tuna), the vibrant mahi-mahi, and the lightning-fast ono.

Timing an epic fishing trip in Kona depends on what you’re after. To help with your travel plans, we’ve put together this fishing calendar to help you zero in on your best plan of attack.

What’s The Best Time of Year for Blue Marlin?

Though blue marlins are available year-round, the peak time of year to go after the giant ones in Kona’s waters is from March through May. This is when the fishing is red hot. The action stays strong all summer in a long, consistent fishing season that solidifies Kona’s reputation as the best place in the world to fish for blue marlin.

What About Striped Marlin and Spearfish?

The best months for striped marlin are in the winter: December, January, and February. These beautiful fish are famous for their aerial acrobatics and neon-blue stripes. March is still a good month for them, but from May to November, the action drops off.

Spearfish, a prized and elusive catch, do well throughout the year but really hit their peak from February through April. Catching one is a true accomplishment. They give a fantastic fight on lighter tackle.

Rounding Out the List: Ahi, Mahimahi, and Ono

Kona is also a world-class destination for these other highly prized game fish. Here are the best months to find them:

• Ahi (yellowfin tuna): The peak season for these muscle-bound torpedoes is from May through August, perfectly overlapping the best Blue Marlin months. There’s nothing like the sound of a reel screaming as a big Ahi takes a scorching, deep run.
• Mahimahi (dorado): These stunningly beautiful fish, famous for their vibrant green, blue, and yellow colors, are most common from December through April. They are aggressive, acrobatic, and a favorite for anglers of all skill levels.
• Ono (wahoo): Known as the “speed demons” of the reef, Ono are one of the fastest fish in the ocean. Their peak season runs from December through April. They famously smash lures at high speed, making for a sudden and exciting bite.

Best of all, when you catch these “meat fish,” the Tantrum crew is happy to fillet your catch for you to enjoy during your stay.

For a month-by-month guide that rates the fishing from “Let’s pick a better time” to “GIANT MARLIN RED ALERT!,” head to our fishing page and scroll down to our species chart (just above the photo gallery).

Ready to Catch a Fish of a Lifetime?

Now that you know the best time to target your trophy, the next step is to secure a world-class charter that knows how to find them. Whether you’re dreaming of a “grander” blue marlin during the red-hot summer season or stocking the cooler with ahi, mahimahi, and ono, the Tantrum Sportfishing team is ready to make it happen.

We provide a premium, comfortable experience on our custom-built 41′ G&S Sportfisher, equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and our own tournament-proven Tantrum Lures. Our expert crew lives and breathes these waters, and our passion is putting you on the fish.

Peak Kona fishing season dates fill up months in advance, so don’t wait. Check our availability and book the Kona fishing adventure you’ve been dreaming of.