Haleiwa Fishing Charters
Haleiwa fishing charters work the North Shore’s deep drop-offs, FADs, and offshore ledges for marlin, ahi, mahi mahi, ono, and snapper just minutes from the harbor.
Top Rated Charters in Haleiwa
TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Haleiwa, Hawaii —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.
Haleiwa, HI Fishing Guide
Haleiwa Harbor on Oahu’s famed North Shore is the launch point for charters that fish some of the island’s most productive bluewater grounds. The geography here is classic Hawaiian—the bottom falls away fast, so boats are trolling in thousands of feet of water within a mile of leaving the dock. Half-day trips stay tight to the ledges and nearby buoys, often producing ono, mahi, and smaller tuna. Full-day charters push out farther, hitting offshore FADs and seamounts where blue marlin and big ahi hunt. The North Shore’s location means captains can work both the open ocean and nearshore reefs, offering anglers a flexible fishery with options in almost any season.
The run structure is efficient. Haleiwa boats usually head west toward Kaena Point or offshore toward deep canyons, with run times rarely exceeding 30 minutes before lines are in. In addition to trolling spreads with skirted lures, captains also use live bait when skipjack tuna are available, particularly for yellowfin. Reef and bottom fishing are options too, with snapper, amberjack, and trevally common along deeper structure. The winter surf season can bring big swells to the North Shore, but fishing is still consistent, with crews adjusting tactics and trip lengths depending on sea conditions.
Seasonal shifts mirror Oahu as a whole. Summer brings peak blue marlin and ahi action, with big fish patrolling offshore ledges. Spring is the season for ono, while mahi show best from late winter into early summer. Winter is prime for striped marlin and shortbill spearfish, and when the pelagic bite slows, reef and bottom fishing fill the gap. With a mix of big-game opportunity, short run times, and the backdrop of the North Shore, Haleiwa offers one of the most unique fishing experiences in Hawaii.
Fishing Seasons in Haleiwa
Spring (March–May)
Spring brings ono close to the reef edges and ledges west of Haleiwa, making high-speed trolling especially productive. Mahi mahi remain active around buoys and debris, and striped marlin linger into early spring. Half-day trips are popular, as most action is within sight of land. Calm conditions between winter swells make spring a steady and versatile season.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is when Haleiwa fishing shines. Giant blue marlin are at their peak, with tournament-sized fish caught offshore. Yellowfin tuna also pile up around FADs and ledges, and full-day charters dominate the season. Captains run heavy trolling spreads with large skirted lures, teasers, and bridled live bait when possible. Seas are calm and days are long, giving anglers the best window for trophy catches.
Fall (September–November)
Fall offers a mixed fishery, with smaller marlin, ahi, mahi, and ono all in play. September and October are particularly productive, with lighter winds and calm seas. This is a prime time for vertical jigging and deep-dropping for snapper, amberjack, and uku. Fall often sees fewer crowds compared to summer, making it a good season for more relaxed trips without sacrificing fishing quality.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing on the North Shore brings striped marlin, shortbill spearfish, and mahi mahi into the picture. Trolling medium skirted lures works well, and bottom fishing is a steady fallback when offshore swells are heavy. Blue marlin are less common but still show, especially on calmer days. Shorter half-day trips are popular in winter, as productive ledges and buoys lie close to the harbor.
Gamefish in Haleiwa
- Blue Marlin – 150–800+ lbs. Best in summer offshore, taken trolling large skirted lures or live bait.
- Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) – 30–200 lbs. Peak in summer, found around FADs and current lines, caught trolling or live baiting.
- Mahi Mahi – 10–40 lbs. Best late winter through spring, taken around floating debris and buoys.Chinook (King Salmon) – Available year-round as feeder kings, especially in spring and winter. Average size is 12–25 lbs.
- Ono (Wahoo) – 15–50 lbs. Strongest spring bite along ledges, caught high-speed trolling.
- Striped Marlin – 40–120 lbs. Peak in winter, found offshore, taken trolling mid-size lures.
- Shortbill Spearfish – 20–60 lbs. Winter specialty catch offshore, taken trolling small skirted lures.
- Amberjack – 20–80 lbs. Deep reefs and wrecks, best in fall and winter, caught jigging or with live bait.
- Gray Snapper (Uku) – 5–15 lbs. Year-round on deep reefs, caught bottom fishing with cut bait or jigs.
Haleiwa Fishing FAQs
Where do Haleiwa fishing charters depart from?
All trips leave from Haleiwa Harbor on Oahu’s North Shore, with quick access to offshore waters.
How fast do you reach fishing grounds from Haleiwa?
Deep water lies less than a mile offshore, so boats often set lines within minutes of leaving the harbor.
What species are most common here?
Blue marlin, ahi, ono, mahi, striped marlin, and spearfish dominate, with bottom species like amberjack and snapper available too.
Are half-day trips productive from Haleiwa?
Yes, because the ledges and buoys are close, half-day trips can still produce pelagics and reef fish.
What’s the peak season for marlin?
Blue marlin peak in summer, though striped marlin and spearfish make winter a strong billfish season too.
Do charters provide gear and bait?
Yes, all necessary rods, reels, lures, and bait are included, with boats rigged for heavy offshore fishing.
Can families and beginners fish out of Haleiwa?
Absolutely, many charters offer family-friendly trips, with shorter outings and calmer nearshore options.
Is a fishing license required in Hawaii?
No, guests fishing on charter boats do not need a license for saltwater fishing.
What techniques are most common in Haleiwa?
Trolling with skirted lures leads the way, with live baiting, jigging, and bottom fishing also used depending on conditions.