Hawaii · Kauai
BLUE MARLIN FISHING
IN POIPU
Poipu is an outstanding destination for blue marlin fishing, with peak season in May, June, July and good catches in March, April, September. Book a charter and target blue marlin with local experts.
About Blue Marlin Fishing in Poipu
The ultimate big game fish. Spectacular fighters that can exceed 1,000 pounds.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate big game fish — the apex predator of the open ocean. These magnificent billfish can exceed 1,000 lbs and are found in warm, blue water worldwide. Their cobalt-blue back, silver-white belly, and prominent bill (upper jaw extension used for slashing through bait schools) make them unmistakable. When hooked, blue marlin are spectacularly acrobatic — greyhounding across the surface and launching themselves fully airborne, sometimes multiple times. Catching a blue marlin on rod and reel is considered one of fishing's ultimate achievements.
Scientific name: Makaira nigricans
Blue Marlin Seasonal Calendar — Poipu
Month-by-month availability for blue marlin in Poipu, HI.
How to Catch Blue Marlin in Poipu
Techniques & Bait
Trolling large skirted lures (Moldcraft, Black Bart, Marlin Magic) in a spread behind the boat at 8-10 knots is the standard technique. Live bait trolling with large skipjack tuna, bonito, or blue runners under a bridge-mounted bait and switch setup targets the largest fish. Dredges (underwater teasers with hookless bait) are used to attract marlin to the spread. Pitch baiting — pulling a teaser close to the boat to draw in a marlin, then pitching a live bait — is the most exciting technique for experienced crews.
Recommended Tackle
80-130 lb class conventional trolling gear, roller guides, 80-130 lb monofilament, heavy cable leaders, size 10/0-12/0 hooks. Stand-up gear for experienced anglers. Fighting chair for fish over 500 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Poipu
Top spots where local captains target blue marlin and other deep sea fishing species.
South Shore Deep
The deep water south of Kauai's South Shore holds blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and ono in the open Pacific. Charter boats from Port Allen access the south shore's productive offshore waters for big-game fishing with relatively short runs to deep water.
Mana Crack (South Access)
Mana Crack is accessible from Poipu via Port Allen, and the deep underwater fissure on Kauai's west side concentrates blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and ono along the dramatic depth change. The crack is Kauai's most productive offshore fishing destination.
Niihau Channel
The channel between Kauai's south shore and Niihau holds blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and giant trevally in deep, current-rich offshore waters. The channel's productivity is driven by nutrient upwelling along the underwater ridge between the islands.
South Shore Seamounts
The underwater seamounts south of Kauai concentrate yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, and blue marlin over deep volcanic structure rising from the ocean floor. These remote offshore features provide trophy-class pelagic fishing for boats making the longer run from Port Allen.
Other Species in Poipu
More fish you can target while visiting Poipu.
Blue Marlin Fishing in Poipu — FAQ
The peak months for Blue Marlin fishing in Poipu are May, June, July, August. During these months, Blue Marlin are most active and abundant in the Poipu area.
Blue Marlin fishing charters in Poipu are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Trolling large skirted lures (Moldcraft, Black Bart, Marlin Magic) in a spread behind the boat at 8-10 knots is the standard technique. Live bait trolling with large skipjack tuna, bonito, or blue runners under a bridge-mounted bait and switch setup targets the largest fish. Dredges (underwater teasers with hookless bait) are used to attract marlin to the spread. Pitch baiting — pulling a teaser close to the boat to draw in a marlin, then pitching a live bait — is the most exciting technique for experienced crews.
No — when you book a charter in Poipu, your captain provides all required Hawaii fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Blue Marlin regulations in Hawaii include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Blue Marlin in Poipu, you may also catch Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Striped Marlin. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Blue Marlin in Poipu?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your blue marlin fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes