Review · BIG ISLAND FISHING TRIPS
Kona Hawaii Deep Sea Fishing Escapade on the Bite Me 6
Kona fishing gets serious fast. This private Bite Me 6 charter pairs a comfortable 41-foot Hatteras with Captain Brian and an attentive crew, giving you a real shot at marlin, tuna, mahimahi, ono, and other Pacific fish. I like the hands-on start, where you may help catch live bait, and I like that the crew can shape the outing around your group. The main catch is uncertainty: fish are wild, the fishing license costs extra, and four hours can pass quickly if the bite is slow.
You meet at 74-425 Kealakehe Parkway in Kailua-Kona and return to the same point. The boat carries up to six people, so this works especially well for a family or a small group that wants privacy instead of sharing a crowded deck. At $969.41 per group, the price comes to about $161.57 each when six people go, but it is a much steeper deal for one or two anglers.
The crew names connected with Bite Me 6 include Captain Brian, Cameron, Neal, Tevin, and Clayton. Their approach is practical and friendly, with help setting lines, handling fish, and adjusting the plan when someone feels seasick or wants a less intense style of fishing.
Key points to know before you book

- Live bait can be part of the adventure: An early stop may involve catching bait before the boat begins trolling for larger fish.
- The private boat fits up to six people: Your group has the boat to itself, which makes it easier to set the pace and choose the fishing style.
- Captain Brian receives especially strong praise: His calm handling of the vessel and excitement when fish strike are central to the experience.
- Expect serious sportfishing possibilities: Blue marlin, striped marlin, spearfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahimahi, and ono have all been caught on outings described by past customers.
- The listed trip lasts about four hours: That is enough time for a focused outing, but it gives you less time than a full-day charter.
- Bring or arrange the required fishing license: Tackle, coolers, and ice are included, but the license is not.
Starting at Kealakehe Parkway
Your outing begins at 74-425 Kealakehe Parkway in Kailua-Kona, on the west side of Hawaii Island. You return to this same meeting point when the charter ends, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location.
This is a private activity, not a mixed boat tour. That matters more than it may sound. Six people can share the day with grandparents, children, or first-time anglers without having to match the wishes of strangers. You can also tell the crew what kind of fishing your group wants. One family specifically requested more bottom fishing for a 16-year-old’s first trip, and the crew adjusted the plan.
The activity is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but fishing still involves moving around a boat, handling equipment, and coping with ocean motion. If you know you are prone to seasickness, tell the crew early. One account describes a crewmember helping a seasick passenger move to the upper deck, where the position made the ride easier.
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The Bite Me 6 and what four hours feels like

Bite Me 6 is a 41-foot Hatteras, large enough to offer comfortable areas while still feeling like a working sportfishing boat. The boat has been described as clean, well maintained, and easy to spend time on. You will not be stepping onto a floating resort, however. This is a fishing platform first, with the gear and activity focused on getting lines in the water.
The listed duration is approximately four hours. That is an important detail when you compare this charter with longer Kona fishing trips. Four hours can suit you if you want to leave room for a beach, sightseeing, or a family meal later in the day. It also works for first-time anglers who want a taste of offshore fishing without committing to a full day.
The tradeoff is simple: less time means fewer chances if the fish are slow. You may spend part of the charter traveling to productive water, catching bait, trolling, and returning to shore. If you want several fishing methods or hope for a trophy marlin, a longer trip may give you better odds, though no length of charter guarantees a catch.
Catching bait before the bigger fish

For some departures, the action begins with live bait. Rather than simply watching the crew prepare everything, you may help catch bait yourself. That small step gives the trip a useful rhythm. You are involved from the start, and children or first-time anglers get an easy introduction before the heavier rods come out.
Once enough bait is ready, the crew can move on to the main plan. Trolling with lures is one part of the outing, while live bait may be used later when the crew is trying to tempt a stronger fish. This change of tactics keeps the trip from feeling like four hours of simply staring at lines.
The crew may let you help prepare live bait and assist with deploying or recovering trolling equipment once they are satisfied that you can do so safely. I would treat that as a welcome possibility, not a guaranteed part of every trip. The captain and deckhand remain responsible for the gear and will decide how much hands-on work makes sense.
Trolling for marlin, tuna, and wahoo

Kona is known for serious sportfishing, and Bite Me 6 targets the kind of fish that can turn a quiet ocean into a very busy boat. The advertised possibilities include marlin, tuna, mahimahi, and ono. Specific catches connected with this boat also include blue marlin, striped marlin, spearfish, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo.
The variety is one of the charter’s strongest points. You are not booking only for one species. A marlin may make a dramatic jump and run hard, while tuna can deliver a powerful, stubborn fight. Mahimahi and ono offer different kinds of action and may be more approachable for a mixed-ability group.
Several past outings had notable results. One produced a 145-pound blue marlin in about seven minutes of fighting. Another produced a blue marlin weighing more than 500 pounds. Other trips brought in a 40-pound spearfish, wahoo, mahimahi, and a striped marlin.
Those catches show what is possible, not what you should expect. Fishing is controlled by weather, water conditions, fish behavior, and luck. One outing brought a yellowfin tuna after live bait was deployed, then no further bites during the remaining trolling time. That is normal sportfishing reality, and a good crew can improve your chances without promising results.
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Captain Brian and the working crew

Captain Brian receives the strongest praise associated with Bite Me 6. He is described as calm, capable, and familiar with the waters off Kona. Just as important, he appears to enjoy the action alongside the people on board. When a fish strikes, you can expect an active captain rather than someone who simply points you toward a rod.
Cameron is mentioned as a helpful first mate who cleans fish at the end of the trip. Neal is also praised for handling several rods during a busy spell and for helping people who were not feeling well. Tevin and Clayton have also worked aboard the boat on different trips.
Because crew assignments can change, you should not assume that every named crewmember will be present on your date. The consistent theme is a small team that handles the technical work while giving you a chance to participate. The crew also offers local suggestions, including advice about places such as turtle beach, which can add value to your wider Kona visit.
A particularly nice detail is the crew’s willingness to talk with you beyond fishing. They can share local recommendations and answer questions about the island and the ocean. That makes the outing feel less like a machine-operated fishing session and more like time spent with people who know their home waters.
Family fishing and choosing your style

The charter suits a mixed group better than the word sportfishing might suggest. One family brought a teenager who did not want to chase large fish and asked for bottom fishing instead. The crew kept the group busy and shaped the day around that request.
You can also ask for a more ambitious outing. Some groups have gone after marlin and ended up with very large fish. Others have preferred a broad mix of trolling, live bait, and lighter participation. The private format gives you a better chance of having that conversation before the boat leaves.
For children, the live-bait stage may be the easiest entry point. It gives them something concrete to do before waiting for a strike. Still, the activity takes place on an ocean-going boat, and the crew must put safety first. Parents should be ready for a practical fishing environment rather than a gentle sightseeing cruise.
The boat may also work for a group with different comfort levels. One person can focus on fishing while another sits in a more comfortable position and watches the water. Seasickness remains a real possibility, so bring any personal remedies you normally use, even though the crew can help once you feel unwell.
What is included, and what you still need

Fishing tackle is included, so you do not need to build your own equipment kit for the charter. Coolers with ice are also provided. That is useful for keeping a catch cold and for making the boat more practical during the outing.
A fishing license is required and is not included. The supplied details do not state the license price or explain how to obtain it, so you should confirm the current process with Bite Me Sportfishing before departure. This is the main extra requirement specifically listed for the activity.
Food is not listed as included. One account describes crew members helping with drinks and food, but you should not treat that as a guaranteed meal service. Bring any personal snacks or drinks you need, subject to the operator’s rules, and ask what is permitted before boarding.
If you land a fish, the crew may clean it for you. Cameron is specifically praised for cleaning a tuna, and other outings ended with fresh fish taken home. Ask ahead about current rules, cleaning, storage, and what happens to your catch, since those arrangements can depend on the species and local requirements.
Is $969.41 good value?

The price is $969.41 for a private group of up to six. With six people sharing the cost, that works out to about $161.57 per person. For a private boat, professional crew, tackle, ice, and a genuine chance at large offshore fish, that can be fair value for a group that plans to fish seriously.
For two people, the same charter costs roughly $484.71 each. At that point, the value depends on how much you care about privacy and control. A shared charter may cost less per person, but it will not give you the same say over the pace or fishing style.
I would judge the price by the boat’s potential rather than by the certainty of a catch. You are paying for the vessel, crew, equipment, local skill, and time on the water. You are not paying for a guaranteed marlin. If your main goal is simply to see dolphins, whales, or other sea life, keep in mind that these sightings are possible rather than promised.
The four-hour length makes the cost easier to manage for a short visit, but it also limits the amount of time available to wait out slow fishing. This is a good fit for a group that values a private outing and wants a serious chance at memorable fish, not for someone seeking the cheapest way to spend an hour on the ocean.
Practical details before boarding
Wear clothing that can handle spray, fish handling, and a warm day at sea. The supplied details do not specify a dress code or exact facilities, so ask the operator about footwear, personal coolers, food, and sun protection before you go.
Keep your schedule flexible around the weather. The charter requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. That policy protects you from being sent out when the sea is not suitable, but it also means you should avoid planning an important connecting activity immediately afterward.
Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made inside that window, along with late changes, are not refunded. The booking confirmation should give you the operating details, but the meeting point remains 74-425 Kealakehe Parkway, with the boat returning there at the end.
Who should book Bite Me 6?
I would choose this charter if you have up to six people and want the boat to yourselves. It is especially appealing for families, small groups, and anglers who want the crew to adapt the plan rather than follow a fixed group program.
It also suits you if the idea of catching live bait, handling a rod, and learning from a working crew sounds better than simply taking a scenic cruise. The chance of a marlin or tuna is a major draw, but the real value comes from the full process, including preparation, trolling, waiting, and responding when the line finally goes tight.
I would be more cautious if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings, guaranteed fish, or a long full-day outing. You should also think twice if you dislike ocean motion or do not want to pay for a private boat. The required fishing license is another cost and task to arrange.
Should you book this Kona fishing charter?
Book Bite Me 6 if you want a private, hands-on Kona fishing trip with a capable crew and a real chance at large Pacific fish. Captain Brian, Cameron, Neal, Tevin, and Clayton have earned strong praise for boat handling, practical help, fish care, and a friendly local touch.
The best strategy is to book with realistic expectations. You might catch a blue marlin, tuna, mahimahi, ono, or spearfish, or you might spend part of the four hours waiting for the bite to turn on. If you can enjoy the bait catching, ocean views, and shared excitement as much as the final catch, the price makes sense for a group of six.
FAQ
Where does the Bite Me 6 fishing trip start?
The meeting point is 74-425 Kealakehe Parkway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740.
Where does the activity end?
The charter ends back at the same meeting point.
How long is the fishing trip?
The listed duration is approximately four hours.
How many people can join the private charter?
Up to six people can participate in the private activity.
What fish might I catch?
Possible catches include marlin, tuna, mahimahi, and ono. Fish caught on described outings also include blue marlin, striped marlin, spearfish, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo.
Is fishing tackle included?
Yes. Fishing tackle is included in the activity.
Are coolers and ice provided?
Yes. Coolers with ice are provided.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. A fishing license is required, and it is not included.
What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?
You can be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.
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