What to Know Before Your Fishing Charter 

Here's your go-to packing guide to help make your trip smooth, comfortable, and fun:

• Food & drinks – We’ll have a cooler with ice on board. Just bring what you’d like to eat and drink (no glass bottles, please).
• Fishing license – Required for non-Hawaii residents age 16 and older. 
• Sunscreen – Reef-safe preferred. You’ll be in the sun all day, so lather up!
• Sunglasses & hat – Glare and heat are no joke out there.
• Light jacket or layers – It can be breezy in the morning or shady under the canopy.
• Motion sickness medication – If you're prone to seasickness (or unsure), it’s best to take it before boarding.
• Comfort items – A small towel, camera, or dry bag for your personal items can come in handy.

We’ll provide all the fishing gear, tackle, and ice — you just show up ready to fish!

If you plan to fish and you’re a non-Hawaii resident age 16 or older, yes — a fishing license is required by law.

If you’re just along for the ride and don’t plan to fish, then no license is needed. That said, we do recommend getting one just in case you decide to participate during the trip.

Click here for more details about the fishing license.

Skillet Sportfishing follows responsible fishing practices and local regulations:

• Upon request, we’ll clean and cut a designated portion of the catch so each guest on the charter can enjoy a few meals while on the island.
• Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna) over 100 lbs stays with the boat.
• Blue Marlin over 100 lbs is strictly catch and release.
• We do not ship fish to the mainland.

Please note that fish portions are prepared for charter guests only. We want you to enjoy the freshest catch during your stay — but we don’t package extra fish for large parties or gatherings.

Fishing conditions vary by season and species, but we fish year-round in Kona’s deep, productive waters. Want to see what you might catch during your trip?

Check out our Fishing Seasons Chart and Monthly Kona Fishing Calendar for a full breakdown of what’s biting and when.

We appreciate the thought, but tips must be in cash. There’s no card reader on board, and we don't use Venmo. Cash is simple, secure, and goes straight to the hardworking crew.

No, charter extensions are not available. We offer 4-hour, 6-hour, and 8-hour trips, and the time must be chosen when booking. Once you're on the boat, the trip duration is set.

Children must be at least 10 years old to join the charter. This helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone onboard.

Check out our packing list below for everything you’ll want to bring (and what to leave behind).

Yes — there's a clean enclosed bathroom onboard. That said, we always recommend using the restroom before you arrive at the harbor for comfort and convenience..