Frequently Asked Questions

Some things to know to prepare for your Kaua’i sport fishing charter

How long of a fishing trip should I book?

Fishing is seasonal in Hawai’i and fish are not always concentrated in one area. We often must travel 20 plus miles off Kauai to find them. That’s why captain Scott recommends the 8 hour or a full day 10 hour charter off Kauai’s shores. With high speed trolling, we cover more area in less time, which allows you to fish for all kinds of fish like Ahi/tuna, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo/Ono. A longer trip gives us the time needed to try different fishing methods, fish different areas and normally produces better results. But with all fishing, we cannot guarantee how many or the size of fish you may catch. Half-day, 4-hour and ¾-day 6-hour charters are also available.

What is included with my Kaua’i fishing charter?

Private fishing charters include all bait, tackle and ice.. The captain and crew will provide all the necessary fishing gear needed to catch fish.

Why should I take a private fishing charter?

Private Charter: You and your party charter the LAHELA sport fishing boat for your own pleasure. No additional strangers are on board with you. This is the preferred way to fish on Kauai as you are assured that any fish that hooks up is yours to reel in. Click here for private charter rates.

 

How many people can go on the fishing charter?

Private Charters: The vessel Lahela is licensed to charter up to a maximum of 14 passengers for whale watching and sightseeing tours only. For your comfort we recommend you limit your passenger count to maximum of 8 to 10 passengers on a fishing trip, however we will accommodate larger groups. And please understand not everyone can be fishing at the same time, or is guaranteed a turn at catching a fish.

What does it mean to be Coast Guard certified?

Boats that carry passengers for hire are required to have a U.S. Coast Guard Inspection Certification. There are a few exceptions to this rule such as a six-pack charter (see explanation below).

The number of passengers any boat can carry is determined by the U. S. Coast Guard after a stability test. This number has no bearing on comfort but relies solely on stability measurements. Some boats may be certified for many more guests than can comfortably fit on a particular boat. So one of our strengths is advising our clients how many guests can comfortably fit on our boat depending on your charter criteria.

Guest count includes adults and children equally. Also included in the guest count is the vessel crew. The vessel Lahela is limited by law to a maximum of 14 passengers and 2 crew members. The US Coast Guard is very strict about this. Therefore, charter operators will not bend these rules as they risk losing their permit to operate.

A six-pack charter is a charter on an uninspected vessel that carries up to six guests plus crew. An uninspected vessel can be any size but has not gone through the US Coast Guard inspection process which is quite laborious and expensive. The uninspected vessel is not necessarily unsafe but has not officially met all the Coast Guard requirements and passed the rigorous inspection.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes!! Ladies, feel secure–we have a comfortable and clean enclosed restroom on our boat. Gentlemen will be ask to pee off the back of the boat but the restroom can be used by all.

What time does the boat leave?

Typically, depending on the time of year, check in for our morning fishing charter is between 6:00 & 6:45 A.M. However when you’re booking a private charter we can make special arrangements in advance to accommodate your schedule. Please check with us prior to booking your fishing charter for available departure times.

Where do we depart from?

We fish out of Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor so distance from the harbor depends on where you’re staying. For instance, it will take you about 20 minutes to get to the Boat Harbor from the south side (Poipu) area and 50 minutes from the north shore (Princeville) area. If you are arriving via a cruise ship it’s just a short 5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk to the Small Boat Harbor. Click here for map/directions.

What do we fish for?

Depending on the time of year, the types of game fish we can target in Hawai’i are Blue Marlin, Stripe Marlin, Skipjack Tuna, Yellow Fin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo or Ono, Amberjack, Gray Snapper and Shark. Most fish average 10-20 lbs. Yellow Fin Tuna & Shark can reach weights exceeding 200 lbs. Blue marlin can get over 500 Lbs.

A few things about the fishery on Kaua’i or Hawaii fishing in general. Hawaii is a total different fishery than Florida, Mexico and Alaska. And just like everywhere else on this planet, fishing is also seasonal in Hawai’i.

We have Photo Gallery link on our main page where you can see the different species of fish we catch throughout the year  and also what we have been catching most recently.

Do we fish with live bait?

We troll with artificial lures but will fish with live mackerel and tuna when and if available. What you must understand is that there are no bait barges off Kaua’i. You will have to catch our own bait. Sometimes they are easy to catch, and sometimes you spend a full day just fishing for bait.

What do I need to bring for the charter?

Most of all, dress comfortably. We recommend you bring sunscreen, hand wipes and or sanitizer, sun glasses, a baseball cap or visor. Bring a towel for each person, rain gear or a water proof wind breaker. Any type of non-marking footwear is ok, (Please be aware that your feet are going to get wet to some degree). You will need to bring your own food/snacks, beverages in cans only and bottled water. (NOTE: No hard liquor or spray-on sunscreen please). We have plenty of cold storage for your food items. You may request a cooler for your drinks or you may bring your own (one without wheels).

We are a “zero tolerance boat.” No drugs are allowed aboard the F/V LAHELA.

Keep Your Catch! Can I take my fish home with me?

We Are The ONLY Kaua’i Charter Fishing Company Offering This Service.

If interested, we would be happy to help you with making arrangements to have of your catch processed and stored for the remainder of your trip. Shipping your catch home using FedEx or UPS is available on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays. We suggest you contact  local office’s on Kauai for shipping rates and information.

Any and all shipping arrangements are the customers responsibility. Or you can take a cooler of fish with you as baggage on your return flight.

All shipping materials, gel packs, dry ice is the customers responsibly to supply. And customer is responsible for all fish processing costs.

You can purchase some of these item at Ace, Home Depot, Target and  Walmart. The dry ice at Gas pro in Lihue. All located 3 miles from the Nawiliwili harbor.

Fish processing can take 24 to 48 hours and is only available during the weekdays and not available on State and Federal Holidays. 

Not  interested in having your catch processed. Once we have returned to the dock, we will gladly clean one fish or a combination of smaller fish up to 30 lbs. At the end of the day the captain will make the call on what fish gets cut for our customers to enjoy while staying on Kaua’i. Please be sure to have a cooler in your car so you can take your catch with you that same day as we do not hold fish over night for customers..

If you would rather memorialize your catch instead of eat it, we can also help you get it mounted, Or get a fish print of your fish through Gray Taxidermy.

There are dozens of fishing charters out of Kaua’i harbors. If keeping your catch is important to you, we encourage you to check the boat’s policy as not all charters will allow you to keep the fish.

What if I want to have my fish mounted?

We will help you with making arranging to have your trophy catch mounted and shipped to you. Be sure and let the captain know of your intentions in advance of catching your fish so he can take the appropriate actions before releasing any Bill Fish.

What about tipping?

We are in the service business and our goal is to exceed your expectations. If you feel your captain and crew served you well and did a good job for you, tipping 20% is customary and always appreciated.

What are my payment options?

We require a valid credit card number to hold and confirm any reservation request. You will pay an online booking fee to hold your spot when you make a reservation. The remainder of your payment will be collected in the morning, prior to your departure. Should you prefer to pay by cash, you will not be subject to state taxes and processing fees.  

What’s your Cancellation Policy?

Cancellation Policy: Notification of cancellation or any and all changes is required 14 days PRIOR to your scheduled departure date. Should you cancel your trip, change departure date or party count less than 14 days prior to your scheduled departure date or fail to show up at the scheduled departure time, then the total cost of your charter will be charged to your credit card and is non-refundable. Of course, if the captain cancels a trip due to the weather conditions, you will not be charged any cancellation fees. And please understand it rains here somewhere on Kaua’I almost every day and all fishing tours will depart rain or shine. No refunds for charters returning early for any reason, including sea sickness.

What about weather conditions?

Please understand our Hawai’i Ocean Swells & Weather Conditions: All fishing tours will depart rain or shine. Sea conditions off the kaua’i coast can average 3 ft. to 6 ft. and trade winds averaging 10 to 20 knots year round. As long as there are no marine offshore warnings posted, your trip is going to depart.

Please understand we fish in exposed waters. Know your own limitations when it come to motion-sickness. This trip my not be for everyone.

What are the minimum age requirements?

NO Babies/Infants allowed.

The minimum age for children on private offshore fishing charters is 7 years old.

The minimum age for children on private whale watching and fishing combination trips, including kids trips is 5 years old.

If you’re only taking a Whale watching tour, the minimum age is 3 years old. This means you my not bring any child on board our vessel under the age of 3 yrs old, especially and including any Infants.

What about motion sickness?

If you have a tendency for motion sickness, there are preventive over-the-counter medications such as Dramamine and Bonine. They work very well when taken the night before your fishing charter and again, an hour before you get on the LAHELA. Once aboard, saltine crackers help if your stomach feels a little queasy. On a private charter, you may request that the boat return to port. 

Is this boat adventure for me?

No expectant Mothers or anyone with a history of health, heart, back problems, or the disabled, including anyone who has had any recent surgeries.

Ocean conditions can vary and may turn rough. All physically challenged individuals are subject to Captains discretion.

Children on Offshore fishing trips must be 7 years, 5 years for kids trips, whale watching  and sightseeing trips.

We reserve the right to refuse service.

Our vessel is not handicap accessible. We cannot accommodate wheelchairs, walkers or anyone requiring the use of crutches.