Molokai Fishing Charters
Molokai fishing charters give anglers immediate access to deep bluewater, rugged nearshore reefs, and remote flats where you can target everything from giant trevally to blue marlin just minutes from the ramp.
Top Rated Charters in Molokai
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Molokai, HI Fishing Guide
Fishing around Molokai is raw, quiet, and fiercely productive—just how locals like it. With very little boat traffic, no major resorts, and immediate drop-offs offshore, Molokai fishing charters operate in one of the most untouched fisheries in Hawaii. Launches typically happen out of Kaunakakai Harbor, with some captains trailering west to Hale o Lono or east toward Halawa when wind and swell allow.
Deep sea fishing is the main draw for many visitors. Just a mile or two offshore, the seafloor plunges thousands of feet, putting you in prime territory for pelagic species like blue marlin, ahi, mahi mahi, and ono. Blue marlin, in particular, are no joke here—summertime sees a strong run of big fish, and granders have been hooked within sight of the beach. Most captains troll large skirted lures at high speed, often running patterns over current seams or along drop-offs near FADs and temperature changes.
Inshore, the south shore offers calm reef systems, where anglers can work jigs and plugs for ulua (giant trevally), omilu, and various snapper. The flats around Kaunakakai can also produce bonefish (known locally as o‘io) on fly or spinning gear when the tide and water clarity line up.
Half-day trips usually focus on reef fishing or close-range trolling, while full-day charters offer time to explore deeper water and rotate tactics. Bait is tough to source on Molokai, so most guides rely on artificials—whether it’s metal jigs inshore or flashy skirts offshore.
It’s a straightforward fishery: weather dictates direction, skill dictates results, and the island’s solitude gives you water all to yourself.
Fishing Seasons in Molokai
Spring
Spring kicks off the bluewater build-up. Ono start showing near the ledges, and mahi mahi move into nearshore FAD zones. Ahi activity begins to improve, especially on longer runs west of Kaunakakai. Blue marlin aren’t thick yet, but they’re possible even this early—especially near the edge of the Penguin Bank. Inshore, trevally and snapper respond well to jigs, and calm days open up the flats for bonefish. Trade winds still limit some routes, but protected southern zones remain fishable most days.
Summer
This is prime time for blue marlin around Molokai. Captains troll deeper ledges and FAD lines off the island’s south and west flanks for big blues, many over 200 pounds, with granders a possibility. Ahi are consistent, especially early mornings on longer runs. Ono and mahi mahi round out the pelagic spread. Inshore, giant trevally prowl the reef edge and hit topwater plugs with explosive power. Water is clear, seas are calm, and long-range trolling runs pay off big this time of year.
Fall
Fall sees a gradual tapering of the blue marlin bite, though the occasional big fish is still caught offshore. Mahi mahi are active into October, and ono can still be found around current breaks. Ahi tend to push deeper, but reef fishing stays solid. Bonefish become more viable with improving clarity and reduced trade winds, and light tackle anglers often do well working jigs and soft plastics on inshore structure. Less boat pressure and stable conditions make this a solid window for multi-species action.
Winter
Winter brings a change in offshore targets. Striped marlin and shortbill spearfish replace the bigger blues, though a random blue marlin still shows up. Wind conditions are more variable, and some trips shift focus to protected reef zones or light tackle inshore action. Snapper, goatfish, and trevally stay active year-round, and calm morning tides can produce some of the best bonefishing of the year. When the weather allows, deep drops near the ledge can still produce surprising action.
Gamefish in Molokai
- Blue Marlin – 100–600+ lbs Trolled offshore using large skirted lures, especially from June through September. Often hooked just a few miles from shore over deep ledges or near FADs.
- Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna) – 30–150+ lbs Targeted in summer and fall by trolling or chunking along ledges, thermoclines, and bait balls offshore.
- Mahi Mahi – 10–30 lbs Found near FADs, debris lines, or current breaks. Active spring through fall, caught on trolled lures or cast jigs.
- Ono (Wahoo) – 15–50+ lbs Best from late spring through summer. Caught high-speed trolling near drop-offs and structure edges close to shore.
- Striped Marlin – 40–120 lbs Winter and early spring species. Trolled offshore, often over deeper ledges or temperature breaks.
- Ulua (Giant Trevally) – 10–80 lbs Aggressive ambush predator found on reefs and rocky points. Targeted with live bait, poppers, or jigs year-round.
- Omilu (Bluefin Trevally) – 5–15 lbs Caught along reefs and structure with metal jigs or topwater. Common year-round.
- O‘io (Bonefish) – 3–8 lbs Sight-fished on shallow flats near the south shore. Best in fall and winter on calm, clear mornings.
- Snapper (Uku, Ta‘ape, etc.) – 2–10 lbs Reef-dwelling species hit dead bait, dropper rigs, or jigs. Found in 50–150 feet near rocky bottom.
Molokai Fishing FAQs
What species can I catch on a Molokai fishing charter?
Molokai offers shots at blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, and wahoo offshore, plus reef fish like giant trevally, snapper, and bonefish inshore.
When is the best time to fish Molokai for blue marlin?
June through September is prime time for blue marlin. Many fish are caught trolling deep water drop-offs just a few miles offshore.
Where do charters launch from on Molokai?
Most charters launch from Kaunakakai Harbor. Depending on conditions, some captains also trailer to Hale o Lono or other protected ramps around the island.
Do I need a fishing license for Molokai charters?
No license is required for saltwater fishing in Hawaii when you’re on a licensed charter boat.
What are common techniques used on Molokai fishing trips?
Offshore trips focus on trolling with artificial lures. Inshore trips use jigs, plugs, and sometimes bait along reefs and drop-offs.
Can I fish both inshore and offshore on the same trip?
Yes, many full-day charters allow time to split between deep sea trolling and reef or light tackle fishing depending on conditions.
Is the water rough around Molokai?
The south and west shores are usually calmest. Trade winds can make east and north exposures rough, so captains plan routes carefully.
Are Molokai charters suitable for beginners?
Yes. There are experienced captains who tailor trips for families, kids, or first-timers—especially for reef and light tackle action.
What should I bring on a Molokai charter?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, and a hat. Your captain provides tackle, safety gear, and usually water and ice.
