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Oahu Deep Sea Fishing Guide
Best times to catch Marlin, Mahi & Tuna in Hawaiian waters
Year-Round Fishing Paradise
Hawaii offers world-class deep sea fishing every month of the year. While you can catch fish any day, knowing the peak seasons helps you target specific species and maximize your chances at a trophy catch.
Blue Marlin
A'u
Blue marlin can be caught year-round in Hawaii, but the biggest fish over 500 pounds are most common during summer months. The best time to fish is early morning or just before sunset.
Pro Tip: Hawaii is the only place in the world where marlin over 1,000 pounds have been caught every month of the year!
Mahi Mahi
Dorado
Mahi mahi are available year-round but become especially abundant during spring and fall months. In March, they average 10-15 pounds, but by late spring can reach 40-50 pounds.
What to Look For: Mahi mahi congregate around floating debris and structure offshore, making them easier to locate.
Yellowfin Tuna
Ahi
Yellowfin tuna over 100 pounds are caught more frequently during summer months than any other time of year. Tuna hang around Hawaii year-round, with the optimal time to target them from April through December.
Local Favorite: Ahi is the most prized fish for eating in Hawaii — perfect for sashimi or seared rare!
Ono
Wahoo
The best time to catch ono is from May to October, with fish averaging 20-30 pounds in Hawaiian waters. We typically find them on the ledge around 40 fathoms, but when we catch them farther offshore, it's often a sign that ahi are in the area!
Seasonal Chart
Winter (Dec-Feb)
- • Striped Marlin appear
- • Bigeye Tuna season
- • Skipjack & small Yellowfin Tuna
- • Occasional Mahi Mahi
Spring (Mar-May)
- • Mahi Mahi peak!
- • Ono start showing up
- • Good Ahi action begins
- • Great overall fishing
Summer (Jun-Aug)
BEST FOR BIG FISH
- • Blue Marlin over 500 lbs
- • Yellowfin Tuna over 100 lbs
- • Peak Ono season
- • Consistent Mahi Mahi
Fall (Sep-Nov)
- • Marlin & billfish season
- • Mahi Mahi second peak
- • 20-50 lb Yellowfin
- • Spearfish more abundant
Hawaiian Trolling Tips
Hawaiian fishing primarily involves trolling with lures at speeds up to 9-10 knots. Often, six lines are in the water as soon as you leave the harbor, allowing you to hook Ono, Spearfish, and Mahi Mahi even before reaching the main fishing grounds.
Best Times of Day
- ✓Early morning (sunrise)
- ✓Late afternoon (before sunset)
- ✓Night fishing for Tuna and Swordfish (late spring/early summer)
Fishing License Requirements
As of May 2024, the State of Hawaiʻi requires all non-resident anglers age 15 and older to purchase a recreational marine fishing license before fishing — including on charter boats.
Important: We recommend purchasing your license online before your trip to avoid any delays. You can buy it on your smartphone right up until departure if needed.
$20
1-Day License
$40
7-Day License
$70
Annual License
Who's Exempt:
- Hawaiʻi residents
- Active-duty military, their spouses, and minor children
- Youth under 15
What to Bring
Ready to Book Your Adventure?
Reel Addiction III departs from Ko Olina Harbor with the only SeaKeeper gyro stabilizer in the fleet — meaning we fish when other boats can't!
$2,495
3/4 Day (6 hours)
$2,995
Full Day (8-10 hours)
$3,300
Extravaganza