Maui Fishing Charters
Maui fishing charters offer deep sea runs for big game pelagics, nearshore trips along reefy dropoffs, and calm bottom fishing just outside the harbors.
Top Rated Charters in Maui
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Maui, HI Fishing Guide
Maui fishing charters are as diverse as the island’s coastline, with captains running everything from half-day reef outings to full-day deep sea adventures targeting bluewater species. The island sits in the middle of the Pacific’s migratory superhighway, giving anglers a legitimate shot at big pelagics just minutes from the dock. Most boats launch from Lahaina Harbor on the west side or Maʻalaea Harbor on the central south coast. Kihei Boat Ramp is also popular for smaller center consoles running short nearshore trips.
Maui’s underwater shelf drops off fast, meaning you’re trolling in 1,000 feet of water within 15–20 minutes of leaving the harbor. That makes deep sea charters here highly efficient—no need to burn half a trip just getting to the fish. Typical targets include mahi-mahi, ono (wahoo), striped and blue marlin, and yellowfin tuna. Most crews pull artificial lures on outriggers at speed, but live bait (opelu) is used when targeting bigger tuna or working around fish aggregating devices (FADs).
Inshore fishing around Maui focuses on reef species like snapper, trevally, wrasse, and barracuda. Light tackle or handline bottom fishing works well in these areas, especially on half-day trips with kids or new anglers. Fish tend to gather around submerged ledges, coral heads, and natural dropoffs just a mile or two out.
Because Maui doesn’t have extensive flats or brackish estuaries, you won’t find backcountry or fly fishing opportunities like on some other islands. But what it lacks in skinny water, it more than makes up for with consistent offshore action and quick runs to fish-rich depths. Whether you’re here for a quick morning drop or a 10-hour troll for marlin, there’s a trip style and season that fits.
Fishing Seasons in Maui
Spring
Spring kicks off the first reliable push of mahi-mahi and brings a mix of bluewater species into reach. March through May often sees light winds, making conditions excellent for full-day offshore trips. Mahi gather around FADs and debris lines, often hitting skirted lures or ballyhoo trolled at speed. Ono become more active in April, especially along the ledges west of Lanai. Inshore fishing holds steady with snapper and wrasse around the reefs, though seas can get bumpy with lingering winter swells on the north shore.
Summer
Summer is peak season for big game fishing around Maui. Blue marlin arrive in force from June through August, with the best chance at granders coming in July. Charter captains focus on deep runs, often working 20–30 miles offshore if needed, though plenty of bites happen just 5 miles out. Ono and yellowfin tuna stay hot, especially early mornings or around the FADs. The weather is at its calmest, which makes long-range trips more comfortable. Nearshore bottom fishing still produces, but most captains lean into the pelagic bite during these months.h in the cooler.
Fall
Fall offers a reliable mix of species with fewer crowds on the water. Mahi-mahi make a second strong showing from September through November, especially when ocean debris is drifting in with the trades. Ono linger into October, and marlin are still possible though less common than midsummer. This is a great time for combination trips—troll for an hour or two early, then switch to bottom fishing if conditions get choppy. Reef action picks up as water temperatures drop slightly, bringing in more trevally and goatfish.
Winter
Winter on Maui brings slightly rougher seas, but offshore fishing remains productive when weather windows open up. Striped marlin are the main pelagic draw, often caught closer to shore than their blue cousins. Tuna bite deep near FADs and ledges, especially on live bait rigs. Inshore, reef fishing becomes the go-to, with consistent action on snapper, wrasse, and smaller trevally. Half-day trips dominate during winter due to shorter daylight and increased chance of wind or swell in the afternoons.
Gamefish in Maui
- Blue Marlin – 150–800+ lbs Caught offshore year-round, with peak action June through August. Trolled with large skirted lures or bridled live bait near deep ledges and dropoffs.
- Striped Marlin – 40–100 lbs Common in winter months. Found closer to shore than blues. Targeted by trolling smaller lures or natural baits around FADs and current lines.
- Mahi-Mahi – 10–40 lbs Best in spring and fall. Found around FADs, debris, or floating structure. Caught trolling, casting live bait, or jigging.
- Ono (Wahoo) – 15–60 lbs Hot in spring and summer. Caught along steep ledges and channels using high-speed trolling or planers with lures.
- Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) – 20–150 lbs Present year-round but best in summer. Found around FADs and temperature breaks. Live bait, chunking, or trolling produce.
- Trevally (Ulua & Papio) – 2–50 lbs Caught nearshore and around reefs. Common targets on jigging setups or cut bait rigs, especially early morning or dusk.
- Snapper (Opakapaka, Ehu, Uku) – 1–10 lbs Deep reef and midwater fish, often caught bottom fishing with baited rigs near structure.
- Barracuda – 5–25 lbs Caught around reefs and dropoffs, usually on jigs, plugs, or live bait.
- Wrasse and Reef Species – 1–5 lbs Common on half-day trips close to shore. Caught with shrimp, squid, or cut bait near coral or rocky bottom.
Maui Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing trips are available in Maui?
Maui fishing charters offer half-day reef trips, 3/4 day mixed-action outings, and full-day deep sea adventures for marlin, mahi, and tuna.
Where do most fishing charters in Maui leave from?
Most trips launch from Lahaina Harbor on the west side or Maʻalaea Harbor on the south. Kihei Boat Ramp also supports nearshore charters.
Do Maui charters fish close to shore or far out?
Because the island drops off quickly, even deep sea fishing happens within a few miles. Most pelagic trips start trolling within 20 minutes of departure.
What should I bring on a Maui fishing charter?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, snacks, and a cooler for your catch. Most boats provide gear, bait, and water.
Is inshore fishing good around Maui?
Yes—especially for reef species like snapper, trevally, and wrasse. Nearshore bottom fishing is popular on half-day trips, especially in calmer seasons.
When is the best time to catch marlin near Maui?
Blue marlin peak in summer, especially July. Striped marlin are more common in winter.
Can I keep the fish I catch in Maui?
Some boats share the catch with clients, while others keep pelagics for commercial sale. Always ask your captain about their policy beforehand.
Are Maui fishing charters good for beginners?
Absolutely. Many boats offer beginner-friendly trips targeting reef fish close to shore, with simple gear and easy techniques.
Is live bait used on Maui charters?
Yes—live opelu is often used for tuna or when targeting structure. Many trips also troll with artificial lures depending on the target species.
