March, April and May
FISHING
While spring may not be the optimum time for the big blue marlin, many of the other Maui gamefish are reaching good numbers. May in particular can be a very productive month to fish off Maui, Hawaii. All in all, spring fishing off Maui can be an exciting time both inshore, and offshore.
Mahi mahi (dorado) is arguably Maui’s most frequently caught gamefish. They can be caught year round. but in April and May we see the greatest numbers.
Ono (wahoo) are a common catch near the end of April, with May and June being their most abundant months.
Striped marlin begin appearing in greater numbers in February. March and April they’re more common. 20-30 years ago we’d find them schooling in packs. They’d enthusiastically hit lures and bait. This was affectionately referred to as a “rat attack” and made for some exciting offshore sportfishing. We don’t see this much here anymore.
Shortbilled spearfish, while less common than stripers, are also caught more frequently in the spring and summer.
Blue marlin caught in April and May are usually in the 100 – 200lb range. The larger marlin over 300lbs are caught more often in the summer. But not always!
WEATHER:
Winter storms begin to loose their punch towards the end of March, and the weather is often about as perfect as it gets here by mid to late April. Plenty of sunshine, but not uncomfortably hot (we get enough of that in August & September). Tradewinds are and steady in the afternoons, often followed by brief “windward and mauka showers”, which keep everything lush and green. Best of all The fishing is starting to get REALLY good! An added plus: in March the whales are still here, and quite active, as the last of the male humpbacks try to attract a female before the long swim back to Alaskan waters.
As May approaches, the weather begins to get warmer, with the trades getting progressively stronger, particularly on the north and windward coasts. Out on the water the additional heat can be welcome, but with the stronger winds, you’ll want to get out on the water as early as possible.
CHARTER AVAILABILITY:
Planning a visit for Spring Break? You’re not alone. Schools have their holidays at different times, so the crowds are spread out a bit, but generally, from Mid March through the first week of April things are hopping here. As always, if a fishing trip is on your to do list then book early. The best boats will most likely be filled up.
