Flyer Sportfishing — Local services in Hawaii

We stayed in Waikiki and were looking for a private charter to do some deep sea fishing. Came across Flyer Sportfishing and reviews looked good so thought to give it a shot. Gave them a call and Jared answered the phone. I asked for availability along with a bunch of other questions and he patiently answered them and was very friendly. We booked for the very next morning and were set to head out at 5:30am. It took us almost an hour to get there from Waikiki. It was early so there wasn’t any traffic. We met up with Captain Alex and Miguel the deck hand and right off the bat, they were friendly, informative, and had good energy. They even had a big cooler with ice to put our drinks and food in. This was the main reason why I booked with this company. Many people raved about Captain Alex and Miguel. It was important to me to have a good crew as it was just myself (mom) with 4 boys with no prior experience in deep sea fishing (ages, 8, 15, 17, and 23). We felt so comfortable and so at ease. We did expect some wind and rough waters so we brought some Dramamine along. Word of caution: You do feel a lot of motion on the boat so prepare yourself. 2 of my boys got sea sick but they toughened it out and had a great time in the end. I opted to fast all day and didn’t eat anything so I didn’t get sick. 2 of my other boys were just fine. We caught some live bait first. Captain Alex showed us how it’s done and I even got to catch some mackerel. We then set out to trolling. Water was rough but we felt safe and Captain Alex and Miguel kept checking on us to make sure we were OK and kept switching out the lures to make sure we get some action. My 15 yr old reeled in our first fish at almost 10AM - a skipjack tuna (Aku). We had a second bite shortly after of same fish and my 18 yr old reeled it to the boat but it shook loose right when Miguel tried to get it on the boat. Alex followed the birds and we landed a 3rd bite of same fish and my 23 yr old reeled it on board. At around 1pm, my 8 year old reeled in a big wahoo (Ono). Both Alex and Miguel were so helpful and encouraging the whole time. About 20 mins later is when the real action happened. We had a double strike and the reels dragged loudly. My 15 and 18 yr old got on the rods and both Alex and Miguel carefully instructed them on what to do. They were battling 2 really large yellow fin tunas (ahi). My oldest took turns with my 15 yr old on the rod. Captain Alex was very quick, decisive, and strategic with his plan on how to get the fish on board. Miguel was so helpful, carried out instructions accurately, and was quick to assist the boys without needed to be asked. There were a lot of repositioning of rods and it was a little stressful battling 2 powerful fish but they maintained composure, friendliness, and encouragement to the boys. It was beautiful chaos. We successfully brought in the 2 tunas after about an hour of fighting and they were about 120 and 150 lbs. What an incredible experience for my family! Captain Alex and Miguel make a great team. When we got back to the harbor it was about 4:30pm. We took lots of pics with the fish we caught and Alex filleted and packed some Aku tuna for us. The drive back to Waikiki took about an hour and 20 mins due to traffic but it was worth it. What a memorial experience! I highly recommend Flyer Sportfishing, and if we’re ever in Oahu again we would book another trip with them and hopefully catch a marlin...

Jared is a solo operation and we booked a half day trip. Boat is fine and was very clean. I am a senior military officer and I have fished lots (to include the same marina) and have owned an ocean going boat but I wanted my two (older) sons to get to catch some fish. He asked us to be at the marina at 0520 and we were there and he was ready. We went out and trolled for several hours with 5 top water lures targeting Yellow tail. Just about the time we were to head in, we hooked up and both my boys were able to fight the fish. We landed it and headed back into shore. He said he couldn't cut into that Tuna until it was cooled down more. He is knowledgable but very short in temper. He yelled at us several times...we just were not fast enough for his liking, especially when he ran his fuel tank dry and the engine died. Took him quite a while to get it running again but he did have fuel...just not a way to properly manage it other to look in the tank. When we docked, he told us we couldn't take fish home unless we flash freeze it. We expected the 25 pounds he advertises on his website. We had to press hard to get a small chunk of a previously caught yellow tail. We had no issues taking that small piece through security the next day and on to our house in tact in a great shape. For someone claiming to be a 25 year captain, he would clearly know the rules for transport of fish. He simply wanted to sell the fish and increase his bottom line. I get that to help defray costs, they sell much of their catch but he should have given us what he advertises and without having to plead. Very uncomfortable and embarrassing in front of my two boys and wife. I had asked other folks in the marina about him and noted their red flags but we were past the time to cancel the charter. I have charted boats all over the world and he was just not a friendly person and condescending to all of us. It was not a good experience for 700 bills plus tip. Look for another Captain and charter and you will enjoy...

May of 2023 we booked with Flyer Sportfishing out of Haleiwa, Oahu, with Captain Jared and first mate Chris. Let me start by saying that this was an absolutely unforgettable adventure that exceeded all my expectations!! Captain Jared's passion for fishing is infectious and his local knowledge of the water for both bait and fishing grounds was amazing. First mate Chris made sure we had the assistance needed and was super friendly creating a welcoming atmosphere on the boat. The real highlight of the trip—the catch! We were fortunate enough to reel in some impressive fish, including large mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna. Successfully landing the over 100-pound yellowfin tuna will forever be etched in my memory. Truly once in a life time! The equipment provided is top-notch, ensuring that we had the best chance of hooking these big fish. The boat and gear are well-maintained including the onboard toilet. I chose to book a fishing charter out of Haleiwa to explore a destination that is more off the beaten path compared to charters I’ve done departing from the Honolulu area. Haleiwa offers a more laid-back experience away from the city. Haleiwa itself is a gem with local shops and good restaurants. It was the perfect ending point for our fishing adventure with Mexican from Surf & Salsa. Our son who is at UH Minoa say this is the best Mexican on the island. Beyond the fishing experience, Captain Jared and First Mate Chris were fantastic! Their friendly demeanor and passion for what they do made the trip enjoyable for me and my son who fish frequently as well as his friend who did not have...