Deep-Sea Fishing in Maui

If fishing is your sport, Maui is your island. In these waters you'll find ahi, aku (skipjack tuna), barracuda, bonefish, kawakawa (bonito), mahimahi, Pacific blue marlin, ono, and ulua (jack crevalle). You can fish year-round and you don't need a license. Because boats fill up fast during busy seasons (Christmas, spring break, tournament weeks), consider making reservations before coming to Maui.

Plenty of fishing boats run out of Lahaina and Maalaea harbors. If you charter a private boat, expect to spend in the neighborhood of $700 to $1,000 for a thrilling half-day in the swivel seat. You can share a boat for much less if you don't mind close quarters with a stranger who may get seasick, drunk, or worse.. lucky! Before you sign up, you should know that some boats keep the catch. Most will, however, fillet a nice piece for you to take home. And if you catch a real beauty, you might even be able to have it professionally mounted.

You're expected to bring your own lunch and nonglass beverages. (Shop the night before; it's hard to find snacks at 6 AM.) Boats supply coolers, ice, and bait. A 10% to 20% tip is suggested.

Boats and Charters

Finest Kind Inc. A record 1,118-pound blue marlin was reeled in by the crew aboard Finest Kind, a lovely 37-foot Merritt kept so clean you'd never guess the action it's seen. Ask Captain Dave about his pet frigate bird—he's been around these waters long enough to befriend other expert fishers. This family-run company operates four boats and specializes in live bait. Shared charters start at $139 for four hours and up to $199 for a full day. All-day private trips go from $599 to $1,000. Add 7% for tax and harbor fees. Check for any specials before booking. Lahaina Harbor, Slip 7, 96761. 808/661-0338. www.finestkindsportfishing.com.

Hinatea Sportfishing. This company is well established and has an excellent reputation. The active crew aboard the first-class, 41-foot Hatteras has the motto, "No boat rides here—we go to catch fish!" Charters go from $150 to $210 for a shared boat and from $850 to $1,100 for a private boat. A 7% tax will be included. Lahaina Harbor, Slip 27, 96761. 808/667-7548.

Kai Palena Sportfishing. Captain Fuzzy Alboro runs a serious and highly recommended operation on the 32-foot Die Hard. Check-in is at 2:45 AM, and he takes a maximum of six people per trip. The cost is from $200 for a shared boat to $1,100 for a private charter; add 7% tax. 511 Pikanele St., Lahaina Harbor, Slip 10, 96761. 808/878-2362.

Start Me Up Sportfishing. These 42-foot Bertram Sportfishers will give you one of the most comfortable fishing trips around. With more than 20 years in business, Start Me Up has a fleet of five boats, all relatively new and impeccably maintained, complete with all the amenities: TV, VCR, refrigerator, microwave, and ice chest. They provide the tackle and equipment. Six-person max. Lahaina Harbor, Slip 12, 96761. 808/667-2774. www.startmeupsportfishing.com.

Strike Zone. This is one of the few charters to offer morning bottom-fishing trips (for smaller fish such as snapper), as well as deep-sea trips (for the big ones—ono, ahi, mahimahi, and marlin). Strike Zone is a 43-foot Delta that offers plenty of room (16-person max). Lunch and soft drinks are included. The catch is shared with the entire boat. The cost is $168 per adult and $148 per child for a pole; spectators can ride for $78, plus 7% tax. The four- and six-hour bottom-fishing trips run Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; the six-hour deep-sea trips run Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, all weather-permitting. All trips leave at 6:30 AM. Maalaea Harbor, Slip 64, 96793. 808/879-4485. www.strikezonemaui.com..