Frequently Asked Questions

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!

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.

No, just come as you are!

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.

We have everything you need for fishing, including top-quality conventional gear, lures, bait, etc., as well as excellent fly fishing tackle and flies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. We provide all premium heavy-tackle, custom tournament rods, reels, lures, and licenses required for your trip. You only need to bring your choice of food and drinks.

Our 4-hour private half-day sportfishing trip is engineered for high-action offshore fishing along the calm Kona Coast. It includes completely private boat usage, premium heavy tackle, professional tournament gear, target trolling for big game, and full fish cleaning services at the Honokohau Harbor docks

Sweet Sadie offers a premium, luxury fishing charter experience in Kailua-Kona. Our pristine sportfish boat features a fully air-conditioned cabin, custom Release Marine fighting chairs, and top-of-the-line tournament gear for discerning clients looking for elite comfort and performance on the water.

Yes, Sweet Sadie is one of the few private fishing charters in Kona that offer specialized fly fishing for big game. Built by IGFA Hall of Fame legend Alan Merritt, our vessel is widely considered one of the best classic sportfishing boats available for hire in Hawaii, giving you an unmatched, maneuverable platform to chase historic world-record billfish on a fly rod

To book a deep-sea fishing trip in Kona with Sweet Sadie Sportfishing, simply scroll down to our online date inquiry form, select your preferred calendar day, and submit your group's details. You can also secure your private charter directly by calling us at 251-599-9274 to check real-time availability.

Sweet Sadie Sportfishing is located at Honokohau Harbor Park at 74-380 Kealakehe Parkway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. You can find our boat moored at A Dock, Slip A13 on the north side of the harbor.

While marlin can be caught in Kona year-round—and granders (marlin over 1,000 lbs) have been landed in every calendar month—the absolute peak season depends on the species you are chasing:

• Blue Marlin: June through September is the prime summer run. The warmer waters bring the highest consistency and your best shot at a trophy-sized giant.

• Striped Marlin: January through March is the peak winter season. They prefer the cooler water temperatures and often hunt closer to the surface.

If you are looking for the overall most consistent big-game window, planning your trip between May and September gives you the best overlap for massive Blue Marlin, heavy Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi), and Ono.

Yes! Honokohau Harbor is home to family-friendly fishing charters, and aboard Sweet Sadie, we love welcoming anglers of all ages and skill levels.

Our private charters are completely customizable to keep younger kids engaged and comfortable. Whether that means targeting hard-fighting game fish offshore or moving closer inland to bend the rods on smaller, fast-action species, our patient, veteran crew ensures a safe and exciting experience. The boat is fully equipped with top-tier safety gear and plenty of comfortable amenities, making it the perfect setting for a memorable family day on the water.

The best sportfishing boats available for hire in Hawaii are found in world-renowned big-game hubs like Kona’s Honokohau Harbor and Honolulu's Oahu coast. Premium charters emphasize legendary hulls, veteran captains, and state-of-the-art fish-tracking technology.

Aboard Sweet Sadie, a beautifully maintained 37-foot Merritt hull, we deliver an elite private charter experience built for speed, maneuverability, and comfort.

Whether you are chasing a 1,000-pound "grander" Blue Marlin or looking for specialized bluewater fly fishing, booking a dedicated, owner-operated boat ensures premium tackle, tournament-tested electronics, and an unbeatable shot at Hawaii’s legendary pelagic game fish.