UTERStriped marlin fishing in Hawaii
In Hawaii, striped marlin peak January–March and are around November–June, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Striped marlin peak January–March off Kona.
Not in Hawaii this month.
Striped marlin in Hawaii, month by month
- JanuaryPeakStriped marlin peak January–March off Kona.
- FebruaryPeakStripers peak; spearfish; winter ōʻio. Kona stripers and shortbill spearfish; ōʻio on crab and shrimp in the sand channels.
- MarchPeakLast of the peak; spearfish best February–April.
- AprilLeaving
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberNot here
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberAround
- DecemberArrivingArriving.
Where to fish striped marlin near Kona, Hilo, Honolulu
Volcanic islands with deep water close to shore — the Kona coast drops to thousands of feet within a few miles — fringing reefs, sand channels and flats on the older islands, and a network of FADs (fish aggregation buoys) offshore.
What to use for striped marlin
- Sardines (Pacific)Collar- or nose-hooked on a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fly-lined for yellowtail, white seabass and calico bass; a sinker a few feet up to get it under the bait ball.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–8/0
- Braid50–100 lb
Feeds in 64–78°F water, best at 68–74°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch striped marlin in Hawaii?
Peak season is January–March. Striped marlin are in Hawaii November–June. January: Striped marlin peak January–March off Kona.
Where do striped marlin hold in Hawaii?
Look on ledge / hard bottom, other — around Kona, Hilo, Honolulu, Waianae, Lahaina, Kahului.
What is the best bait for striped marlin in Hawaii?
Live bait: sardines (pacific). Sardines (Pacific): Collar- or nose-hooked on a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fly-lined for yellowtail, white seabass and calico bass; a sinker a few feet up to get it under the bait ball. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–8/0, braid 50–100 lb.
What are the rules for striped marlin in Hawaii?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Hawaii DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and change — read the current rule at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/fishing-regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/licenses-and-permits/.
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