I have a buddy getting married over there in March. A small group of non-seasoned anglers want to go out on a charter before the big day. Does anyone have any info/experience with the charters out of this island? Seems like most of the big operations run out of Kona but that won't be an option.

TIA.

The last time I was in Hawaii, when I was in Maui, I just hopped in a cab and went to docks. From there I hooked up with a boat that had a few guy going out, met one guy from Victoria. It seems at the time it only cost me a few hundred or maybe even a hundred dollars.
Anyways, I lucked out, got a skipper that had actually been a guide in Alaska before hitting Hawaii, loved it so much he stayed and bought his own vessel. He fished hard for us and we stayed out almost all day. We caught many Mahi Mahi and Small tuna and I even had a Blue Marlin on for all of 6 or so seconds. Just long enough for it to grab the lure and jump and throw that lure. The blue water is out of this world and I can't wait to do it again sometime.

Steve Ng

Just remember that in Hawaii all the fish caught customarily belong to the boat.

and don't let 'em try to charge you for a fishin' license!!! you don't need one.....

I have fished on the STart Me Up out of Lahaina. They are very good, informative and take you out far enough. Some of the boats only take you for a little spin. Saul was out captain and he was very good. I was in the chair three times with striped marlin, but they are wiley to get to the boat. March is a pretty good time too. That's when I went out laast year. You can make a reservation at fishingmaui.com in advance, which is highly recommended. The boats fill up fast and usually months in advance.