Frequently Asked Questions
Always feel free to email or call us if you have questions about availability, gear, or anything else. But below you’ll find answers to many of the most frequently asked questions we get from potential guests.
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Sunscreen, sunglasses, boat shoes (non-marking shoes) or flip flops, hats, alcoholic beverages, and any specific drinks or snacks you’d like to enjoy. If you have any special requests, let us know as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate you.
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Industry-standard is 15 – 20% of the trip cost. All tips are split between the captain and crew, so you can give a lump sum to the captain who will divide it among everyone. They work extremely hard to ensure you have a great day on the water, and tips are very much appreciated!
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We are located in Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in slip number A-13. We are on the North side of the harbor. Just look for our Sweet Sadie sign.
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No, just come as you are!
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Sweet Sadie is licensed to carry up to 6 passengers, however, a maximum of 2 to 4 adults is ideal for comfort and fishing flexibility.
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We have everything you need for fishing, including top-quality conventional gear, lures, bait, etc., as well as excellent fly fishing tackle and flies.
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Absolutely! We love children, our only requirement is that if you have any children under 10, there must be at least 2 adults on board, in addition to the captain and crew. You must closely monitor your children given sharp hooks, a fast-moving boat, etc.
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Generally, yes — with a few exceptions. We do our best to release all blue marlin. Likewise, for any yellowfin tuna larger than 50 pounds, we reserve the right to sell those ourselves at the market, which is a standard practice among most charters. However, for any yellowfin smaller than 50 pounds, all wahoo, mahi-mahi, and other fish not specified here, we are happy to filet those fish for you and you can take them home to cook (our crew can give you some great recipes) or we can suggest a restaurant that will cook your catch for you.
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Given the calm waters of Kona, the smooth-riding characteristics of Sweet Sadie, and the absence of any diesel fumes from our engines, it’s rare for passengers to get seasick. But if it does happen, we can return to the dock at any time if you like, and always a good idea to have a few Dramamine tablets with you just in case.
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We are an insured Coast Guard Certified vessel, and have all necessary and required safety equipment on board. Safety is our paramount concern, and we are happy to discuss any and all aspects when you arrive for your charter.
½ Day Charters — $1200
Off the dock early between 5:00AM - 6:00 AM. Lines in the water before the sun is high.
Spend a couple action-packed hours hunting Hawaii’s ultimate game fish. We’ll head offshore to troll for legendary Blue Marlin while working a full pelagic spread for Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna), Ono (Wahoo), and Mahimahi.
This is a fully private charter guided by a veteran crew who knows exactly where the fish are running. You’ll be back by early afternoon with incredible stories—and plenty of time left to enjoy the rest of your day.
¾ Day Charters — $1450
Off the dock early between 5:00AM - 6:00 AM. Lines in the water before the sun is high.
The 3/4-day charter is the ultimate angler’s choice, giving our seasoned crew the time they need to track down Blue Marlin and work the full pelagic spread for Ahi, Ono, and Mahimahi. Enjoy a premium, private boat experience and head back to the docks by mid-afternoon with a cooler full of stories.
Full-Day Experience — $1650
More time on the water means more blue water covered—and more shots at the fish of a lifetime.
This is the ultimate layout for serious anglers and anyone who came to Kona for the definitive big-game experience. You get the exact same premium setup as our 3/4-day trip—a fully private boat, expert local crew, and a relentless full lure spread—but with the crucial extra hours needed to hunt the deep trenches and do it right.
If you're here to chase a giant, give yourself the time to make it happen.
