“Sport fishing” or “sportfishing”?

No matter how you spell it, it’s exciting!

Here you'll find plenty of information to help you plan your Maui fishing adventure. I hope you find it both informative and fun! Below is a brief rundown of what We've got in store for you.

Do I have to make a reservation to go fishing, or can I just show up at the harbor? How far in advance should I make a reservation? How do I make a reservation? Is my reservation 'guaranteed'?

It is highly unlikely that you will be able to just show up at the harbor without a reservation and find a boat to take you out.

Certain times of the year are *extremely* busy on Maui!

Some of these are "no brainers" like: Christmas (December 20th through January 10th); Spring Break (early to late March); Memorial Day weekend; 4th of July weekend etc..

There are also a number of fishing tournaments, such as the World Cup (4th of July), the Pro-Am Hawaiian Billfish Tournament, the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (August), the Lanai Rendezvous (September), the Lahaina Jackpot Tournament (late October). These tournaments run anywhere from 1-5 days. Many of the boats shut down to prepare for them a few days in advance, and often a day or two after. Therefore, not only are many of the better boats unavailable during these times, but their 'dance cards' are extremely full for the 2 weeks on either side of the tournaments.

Maui hosts many large convention/incentive groups. IBM, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Glaxo, Chevy, Digital, etc. etc. often bring in hundreds of people, and book all of the boats for days. Obvously, the hotels/airlines offer them good rates to come here in the slower weeks.

Other factors, such as the severity of the winter, storms, natural disasters, and political or economic unrest in other areas, can affect how busy Maui is.

So, how far in advance depends on your vacation schedule, choice of vessel, and that vessels availability. If you are limited to say one particular day, and prefer a particular vessel, then book far in advance; don't wait till you get here!

If you want to make an advance reservation, they will ask you for your credit card info, in lieu of a deposit. The card is typically not charged until the day of the charter. You can change (provided they have availability) or cancel your reservation no later than 24-72 hours before the charter without penalty. You also have the option to pay with cash, travel checks, or different credit card the morning of the fishing charter.
Remember, this is a general FAQ! Some boats require 72 hr. notice. Be sure to ask what their cancellation policy is before you make a reservation.
No reservation, share or private, is ever truly 'guaranteed'. It is wise to reconfirm your reservation a few days in advance and the evening before, as well.
A vessel may be forced to cancel a fishing charter due to weather (I actually had a client very upset because I wouldn't take him out during Hurricane Iniki!), mechanical failure, or other reasons beyond the control of the boat company. That company may be able to find you another boat, but that's not always possible.

Call me a 1-808-879-3789, or email me at hookmeup@fishmaui.com.

Aloha,
Capt. Mike Crawford