Skillet Sportfishing Earns Multiple 2025 Angler’s Choice Awards | Kona, HI
Skillet Sportfishing Wins Angler’s Choice Award
Twice in 2025
Kailua-Kona, HI (October 2025) – Skillet Sportfishing is proud to announce that we’ve once again earned FishingBooker’s prestigious Angler’s Choice Award, recognizing us as one of the top-rated fishing charters in Kona, Hawaii. FishingBooker now evaluates captains on a rolling 12‑month basis and presents this honor every three months, making our repeat recognition in 2025 a testament to consistent excellence.
This award highlights our ongoing commitment to creating unforgettable sportfishing experiences, delivering exceptional service, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism on every charter. Whether you’re chasing your first marlin or returning for another adventure, guests continue to choose Skillet Sportfishing for award-winning Kona fishing trips.
What Is the Angler’s Choice Award?
The Angler’s Choice Award is a prestigious honor from FishingBooker, the world’s largest platform for booking fishing charters. It’s awarded to guides that earn top marks from their clients and operate with professionalism and transparency.
This year, just 672 captains earned the badge, which is only 7.7% of the 8,732 listed charters worldwide, highlighting Skillet’s place among the very best.
To qualify, operators must meet strict performance criteria over a 12-month period, including:
- A minimum 4.8-star average review score
- 98% response rate to customer inquiries
- 98% reliability on bookings
- Full business verification
This recognition puts Skillet Sportfishing in an elite group of top-rated charters, not just in Kona but on a global level.
FishingBooker awards Angler’s Choice every three months based on these rolling 12‑month metrics, so repeat wins show sustained excellence.
“We highly recommend Skillet Sportfishing. If we do another charter from Kona it will definitely be with Captain John.” - George L., Verified Fishing Booker Review
Why Kona Leads in Sport Fishing
Kona is consistently named one of the best sport fishing destinations in Hawaii and the world. What makes it so special? For starters, the coastline drops off fast, hitting depths of over 6,000 feet just a few miles from shore. That means you can get to deep-sea fishing grounds within minutes of leaving the harbor.
Thanks to the towering volcanoes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the Kona coast is naturally sheltered from trade winds, giving us calm waters for most of the year. These ideal conditions allow charters like Skillet Sportfishing to focus on the fishing without battling rough seas. Add in the nutrient-rich ocean currents that attract marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, and more, and it’s easy to see why every angler should fish Kona at least once.
These unique conditions, deep water, calm seas, and abundant big game, are why Kona consistently produces world-class catches and why our crew can maintain the high performance needed to earn repeat Angler’s Choice Awards.
What This Means for Our Guests
At Skillet Sportfishing, this award isn’t just a badge—it’s a reflection of the unforgettable experiences we strive to deliver every day on the waters off Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Here’s what it means for you:
- You’re fishing with a team known for outstanding customer service.
- You can trust in reliable, responsive communication every step of the way.
- You’ll head out with a verified, professional operation that delivers memorable experiences.
- You benefit from deep local expertise with over 35 years of experience fishing Kona’s waters.
- Recognition across multiple award cycles in 2025 confirms our consistency and reliability.
Whether you’re chasing your first marlin or just soaking in the Kona coast vibes, we’re here to make your trip seamless, exciting, and unforgettable.
Want to get the most out of your trip? Check out our:
Best Kona Fishing Seasons and
Deep-Sea Fishing Tips
“This vessel is first rate. Great skipper, and great deck hand. We caught a once in a lifetime fish but that was the icing on the cake. We had an awesome day with very knowledgeable anglers. If you’re going, go the full day and give yourself the best opportunity possible. There are big fish here and these guys know how to find them.” - Nathan L, Verified Fishing Booker Review
About Skillet Sportfishing
Led by Captain John Burke, a seasoned guide with over 35 years fishing Hawaii’s waters, Skillet Sportfishing is all about expert knowledge, top-tier service, and unforgettable big-game adventures. Our crew blends premium gear, eco-conscious practices, and warm Hawaiian hospitality to help turn your time on the water into stories worth sharing.
Want a peek at what we’re all about? Watch our
Fishing Charter Overview Video.
“Capital Burke and Deck Hand Logan delivered on my goal to catch & release a spectacular Kona Blue Marlin. The overall experience was most relaxed and comfortable and a well maintained boat with top tackle, rods and reels which shows their serious dedication. This allowed them to focus on finding fish and working well together when it came time to showing their skills by guiding me in the fighting chair. Thanks!” - Sam, Verified Fishing Booker Review
Skillet Sportfishing’s Current Performance
(October 2025)
93 Verified Reviews
4.9 Average Star Rating
100% Booking Response Rate
99% Booking Reliability
FAQ: Skillet Sportfishing’s Angler’s Choice Award
What is the Angler’s Choice Award from FishingBooker?
It’s a recognition given to top-performing fishing charters worldwide. Skillet Sportfishing earned it by consistently exceeding FishingBooker’s strict performance thresholds over the past 12 months: maintaining verified reviews, fast response times, and reliable bookings.
How does this award benefit me as a guest?
It means you’re booking with a proven, professional crew. The award shows we’re responsive (100% response rate), dependable (99% reliability), and highly rated by real guests (4.9-star average from 93 verified reviews). You can trust that your experience will be handled with care and local expertise.
How many charters earned this award?
Just 672 captains earned the Angler’s Choice Award in 2025—only 7.7% of the 8,732 charters listed worldwide. It’s a select badge of trust.
What makes Skillet Sportfishing stand out in Kona?
Captain John Burke brings over 35 years of local experience, backed by premium gear, a safety-first mindset, and genuine aloha hospitality. Plus, we’ve earned multiple Angler’s Choice Awards throughout 2025, confirming consistent performance.
Where can I learn more before booking?
Check out our Fishing Charter Overview Video, or explore our guide to Why Every Angler Should Fish Kona.
How do I book a charter with Skillet Sportfishing?
You can book directly through our website via FishingBooker. Both options offer real-time availability and instant confirmation. Have questions first? Reach out through our contact form and we’re happy to help you plan the perfect Kona fishing trip.
Fish with Confidence
Skillet Sportfishing – Proud Recipient of the Angler’s Choice Award
Recognized for excellence by FishingBooker. Verified. Trusted. Loved by anglers.
Ready to Cast Off with an Award-Winning Crew?
Book your next Kona Fishing Charter today and discover why Skillet Sportfishing is a top choice for anglers worldwide.
Let’s go fishing!
