FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens to the fish?
One of the biggest differences between our boats and others is our fish disposition policy. We will cut any fish you catch for you to enjoy for dinner while you are here on Maui. A lot of boats in Lahaina Harbor will charge you to fillet your catch or even worse make you buy the fish from them. Make sure you understand what the fish policy is before booking a charter in Hawaii.
What is included with my fishing charter?
Full or half-day fishing charters include all bait, tackle and ice. The captain and crew will provide everything needed to catch any game fish. However, if you have a favorite lure or rod you would like to bring, most skippers will certainly oblige.
What do I need to bring for the charter?
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Light Jacket
- Food
- Drinks (Alcohol is OK, but no bottles. Cans or plastic only. You must purchase the night before.)
What do I need to leave?
- Bananas (They are bad luck!)
- Coolers (We have coolers full of ice)
Do I need a fishing license?
There are no fishing licenses required for recreational sportfishing in Hawaiian waters.
How many people can go on the fishing charter?
Our charter boats are all licensed to take up to a maximum of six chartered passengers plus the captain and crew. This is standard throughout the world for big game fishing. Trolling more than 6 lines at a time can sometimes cause the loss of that one big Marlin “bite of the day.”
What time does the boat leave?
Typically on a full-day fishing charter, we leave at 5:00 a.m. and we meet at Slip #7 in Lahaina Harbor at 4:45 to check-in. However, we can make special arrangements in advance to accommodate your schedule. Please check with the Captain 48 hours prior to the day of your charter.
How should I choose a boat?
Choosing a boat that is right for you depends on the type of boat you like, the gear you want to use, and what you want to do with the fish that is caught. Another big consideration is the fish catching record of the boat. There is always equipment that is in need of repair so we inspect our gear regularly. Our reels are rebuilt often and the line is replaced after a long battle with a big fish. We have provided photos and information about each of our boats so that you can choose the one that appeals to you most. Some anglers like rugged macho fishing with no luxuries, while others enjoy a bit of comfort and amenities as well. If you have a question about a particular boat, please feel free to e-mail Capt. Dave and he’ll get the answer for you.
What are share boat trips?
Shared boat trips are for anglers who don’t have the inclination to book a private charter and would like to go fishing without paying private charter rates. The advantage, of course, is lower cost, but there are several disadvantages. First, shared trips generally do not go unless the boat is able to get four or more passengers to go along. So, if you are on a tight schedule, there is a possibility the trip might not happen on the day you wanted to go fishing. It’s also difficult to go on the specific boat you wanted because private charters tend to take priority.
Second, when fishing is slow, there are times when only one or two fish are hooked up. With rotational watches on the rods, it may mean you won’t get to fight the giant Marlin or big Ahi that strikes the lures, and you may feel a little bit left out if this happens. Still, a day on the water and witnessing the catching of a big fish firsthand is pretty exciting, too. Third, personalities at sea tend to differ greatly. Some people may become ill and want to go home just as the bite picks up or maybe have a little too much to drink, creating tension on board between those who want to stay out and those who want to go home.
Do I need to bring a tackle?
All of Finest Kind Charters boats provide tackle, bait, ice and coolers to keep your beverages. However, if you have a favorite lure or rod you would like to bring, most skippers will certainly oblige.
What should I wear?
Dress as though you were going to work in the garden on a hot summer day. T-shirts and shorts, a light baseball-type hat, polarized sunglasses, and preferably deck-type shoes are perfect for your day on the water.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Yes. We have a comfortable and clean head (bathroom) on the boat.
What if I want to have my fish mounted?
Finest Kind Sport Fishing Charters will happy to start the process of having your trophy mounted. Most saltwater species of fish, including blue marlin, are not mounted using the skin of the fish. The mounts are made of a fiberglass replica mold using some parts of the fish. The size is determined by measurements taken from the fish.
Your fish may be mounted by both taking measurements of the fish at the time of the catch and then releasing your fish, or by taking the measurements on the dock. Be sure and let the captain know of your intentions in advance of catching your fish so he can take the appropriate actions.
What if we don’t catch any fish?
It is a simple fact of life that all fishing places, no matter how good or how many stories have been written about them, sometimes don’t produce fish on a given day. Some people feel there should be a guarantee in chartering a boat, however, what customers are paying for is the opportunity to be on a boat with an opportunity to catch a large fish and the story of a lifetime.
We believe our angling customers should enjoy the beautiful scenery, the color of the water and the sky, the camaraderie with the crew, and the good fortune they have for being on the water in Hawaii with the opportunity to catch a record fish at any moment. However, it is very seldom that anyone gets upset over failing to catch any fish if the crew did everything they possibly could to catch fish. If the crew shows us a good time and gives us a chance to catch fish, that’s all we ask for.
What about food and drink?
Bring all of your food and drink aboard with you. You will need to purchase these items the day before because the stores aren’t usually open that early in the morning (Except Safeway in Lahaina). Cans are best (glass is not allowed on boats). For a charter boat to serve food would require a special State License which would add to the cost of the fishing trip. All our boats will have coolers to keep your food and drinks.
What about Seasickness?
We advise our customers who are unsure about seasickness to take a seasick pill the night before the charter and another one hour before the charter. Be sure to read the labels. Certain pills have warnings and not all people should take them. Most people think Bonine® is the best pill form, over-the-counter remedy. Highly recommended! Don’t let a doctor or pharmacist talk you into any other kind of pill form. There are no others that are “just like Bonine®”. There’s little to no side effect. The biggest mistake people make with pill form remedies is that they take their first dose either right before or right after stepping on the boat. That’s too late! It is highly recommended to take one dose of Bonine® the night before your trip and another dose in the morning when you wake up. Always check with your Doctor first.
What kind of sunscreen should I bring?
You will also want to bring your own sunscreen. We recommend a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher as the Hawaiian sun is very strong, especially on the water. Tanning oil on a boat is very dangerous and should be saved for the beach. Nobody wants to try to hold on to something and find themselves in the drink because there was oil left on that part of the boat from another passenger.
What about tipping?
We are in the service business and our goal is to exceed our customer’s expectations. If you feel your Captain and crew have done a good job for you on your fishing charter, tipping is always appreciated.
Similar to restaurants, tipping should be considered only when the service is good or exceptional. If the boat is clean, and in good condition, and the crew are courteous, friendly and place you in a position that gives the appearance you are about catch fish at any given moment should be your guide as opposed to the final result. We recommend tipping in the range of 15 to 20 percent of the charter rate if you feel the service received was appropriate.
What is the cancellation policy?
There is a 72-hour cancellation policy. Should you fail to cancel outside 72 HOURS of your scheduled charter, your card will be charged the full amount of the charter.
Cancellation Service Fee: No (0%) Cancellation Service Fee is applied for cancellations made outside of the above cancellation policy set by the charter provider.
- If the captain cancels due to stormy weather and dangerous conditions, there is no charge for the day(s) and a full refund for the day(s) in question will be given. If availability allows it, the angler may choose to reschedule the charter.
- If the captain suggests canceling the charter due to inclement weather and the angler insists ongoing, no refund shall be given even if the boat only spends a short time at sea.
- Note: there are no cancellations due to rain since the rain in Hawaii usually consists of localized squalls that come and go.