September, October, November
FISHING:
The larger blue marlin that show up in Maui waters during the summer months are tapering off, though a few big ones can still be caught in September. Big Eye” is the prize when it comes to Tuna. Not many of the larger yellowfin around this time of year. Quite a few smaller aku, “shebi”.
Mahi mahi (dorado) can still be caught in the fall too. Marlin hookups, while they do occur, are rarer as winter approaches. Strikes that do occur do so farther offshore.
By mid-October, the inshore fishing is picking up. Bottom fishing, inshore lighter tackle sport fishing, shore fishing – they’re all good options in the fall. Remember Maui’s game fish are caught every month of the year here. The longer you fish for the better your odds.
MAUI WEATHER:
September is still considered summer here. The days can be hot and muggy, and the trade winds that blow with regularity in the summer afternoons are starting to drop off a bit. Cooler out on the water, of course. While hurricanes and tropical storms are not all that common, it is during the month of September that they occur with the most frequency. Continuing on into October and November, we see a slight cooling off (low 80’s instead of high 80s, low 90’s), and increasing though still intermittent rainfall is more likely, with the occasional “winter storm” being pretty commonplace towards the end of November.
CHARTER AVAILABILITY:
September is kind of a ‘catch your breath month’ for the fishing boats on Maui. Things tend to slow down for a few weeks after Labor Day. Take care booking share boats if it’s just 1 or 2 of you. If the trip is not confirmed and business is slow, you can easily get bumped. Some boats are better about not bumping shares than others. If you’re hoping to share a charter, then contact me. I’ll help you get set up.
October brings the Lahaina Jackpot Fishing Tournament and the Halloween Shootout Tournament. From around Oct. 24th through the 3rd of November, many boats are unavailable for charter. That means the few that are will be in high demand.
November visitor crowds peak the weekend before Thanksgiving. It is very busy here during Thanksgiving week. After Thanksgiving week, things get quiet again until after the second week of December, when we ready ourselves for the busiest time of the year on Maui.
