Kona is entering one of the most reliable billfish periods of the year as striped marlin begin pushing along the island’s underwater ledge. December marks the start of the run, and the action typically builds all winter.
For travelers who want dependable fishing, calm water, and a real chance at hooking a billfish during a holiday trip, this is one of the most productive seasons to be on the Kona Coast. The fishery sits only minutes from shore, and the boats here are built specifically for big-game action. This creates a unique combination of accessibility and quality that few destinations can match.
Why Striped Marlin Are Worth Targeting.
Striped marlin are highly active winter predators with a reputation for speed, accuracy, and pure visual excitement. They strike at the surface, slash at lures, and light up in bright blues and purples when feeding. Many anglers consider them one of the most athletic billfish because the fights are fast and energetic rather than purely heavy. Light and medium tackle gear brings out the best in these fish, and Kona captains are experts at presenting the right spread for them.
Another reason striped marlin attract winter anglers is the opportunity for numbers. Unlike summer blue marlin fishing, which usually focuses on one or two big bites a day, winter striped marlin often move in small packs. Multiple shots in one outing are very possible, especially when the water temperature and currents line up across the ledge. This creates real value for visitors who want action on the rods without needing the long summer weather window that blue marlin often reward.
What Makes December a Strong Month in Kona
December sits at the beginning of the striped marlin season, and the fishery picks up quickly as winter sets in. Kona’s water temperatures tend to hold between 76 and 79 degrees through most of the month. This range is ideal for striped marlin because it pushes them up onto the ledge where trolled lures and small baits are easiest to present. Bait schools often gather along the current edges at this time of year, and the incoming winter currents help create stable lines that captains can follow throughout the day.
Weather is another major advantage. Kona is famous for calm seas year-round, but winter is especially comfortable. The tall volcanic mountains shield the coastline from heavy wind, which means most mornings start with flat water that continues well into the afternoon. Even visitors who are sensitive to motion sickness find Kona in December surprisingly smooth for an offshore destination. Temperatures stay warm and pleasant, and passing showers usually move quickly, leaving long periods of clear blue water.
Boat traffic is lighter than summer, which gives winter anglers a quieter ocean. With fewer boats working the same areas, captains can run their lines more effectively and stay on top of fish without competition. This leads to cleaner spreads, fewer missed bites, and better odds for visiting anglers.
Where Kona Boats Fish in December
Kona is unique because deep water sits almost immediately offshore. The bottom drops from shallow reefs to thousands of feet just a short distance from the harbor. As a result, fishing starts within minutes of leaving the dock. Most charters begin trolling ten to fifteen minutes after departure, and many captains keep lines in the water during the entire trip because the bite can happen anywhere along the ledge.
Key December striped marlin areas include
- The 100 fathom line outside Honokohau Harbor
- The long underwater ledge that runs north and south of the harbor
- Current lines that form surface rips and color changes
- FADs when bait is holding near them
- Pockets of temperature breaks where marlin often push bait
The dependable proximity of these zones is one of Kona’s biggest selling points. Visitors do not need long, rough rides to reach the action. Nearly all of Kona’s productive fishing sits close enough that every minute of the trip is spent actually fishing rather than running.
Where Kona Boats Fish in December
Striped marlin are responsive to a variety of spreads in December. Kona captains typically run smaller lures that mimic the size of the bait present in winter. These include light trolling heads that pop and smoke on the surface, creating clean tracks in calm water. When conditions are right, some captains switch to ballyhoo or light bait rigs, especially when the fish are feeding in a more selective pattern.
Trolling speeds are slightly slower than summer blue marlin fishing because striped marlin tend to strike more accurately at modest speeds. Many bites come at the surface, and it is common to see the fish slash or swipe before committing. Pitch baits are sometimes used when a marlin rises behind a lure or teaser. This technique adds a personal element to the fight because anglers and crew interact directly with the fish before the hookup.
Because striped marlin often travel in small groups, double hookups are entirely possible. Captains watch their spread carefully when one rod goes off and maintain course and speed to trigger a second strike when a pack is present.
Why Kona Is the Best Place to Catch a Striped Marlin in Winter
Kona’s mix of geography, water clarity, temperature stability, and winter protection makes it one of the most productive striped marlin destinations in the Pacific. The drop-off places anglers in prime water almost instantly. The calm seas make full-day trips comfortable for families and first-time anglers.
The consistency of the winter run creates strong chances for success even on shorter holiday trips. Visitors who want quality fishing without needing summer timing or rough water conditions often choose Kona in December for exactly these reasons.
This season is already building, and the striped marlin numbers continue improving as winter develops. If you are planning a fishing trip to the Big Island, now is the ideal time to secure a charter. Below is a list of Kona boats that target striped marlin throughout December and the rest of the winter season.
