April 2026 — Hawaii: Mahi Building, Shortbill Spearfish, Ahi Strong. April is a spring month with water in the 74-78°F range — spearfish peak; ahi; mahi building. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — April 2026
Primary targets this month: Shortbill Spearfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi, Wahoo.
Shortbill Spearfish
Shortbill spearfish on Kona — the only place in the world this species is a target fishery; January-May peak. Kona is the world’s top destination for this species — peak January-May. Trolled small lures and rigged ballyhoo at 5-7 knots. Lighter tackle (30-50 lb) than blue marlin; release encouraged.
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna on Kona, Penguin Banks, the offshore current edges around all islands — ahi 100-300 lbs routine; trophy fish over 300 possible. Chunking (cut sardine, butterfish) at anchor, live bait drifting, or trolled feathers and cedar plugs. Heavy stand-up tackle (50-80 lb class) for the bigger grades.
Mahi
Mahi around year-round on all islands with summer peak — weed lines and floating debris. Trolled ballyhoo and skirted lures; pitch live bait to anything floating.
Wahoo
Wahoo on PEAK WINTER (December-April) — Kona, Penguin Banks, the offshore current edges; trolling at 8-12 knots. High-speed troll (12-15 knots) with heavy lures (Marauders, Yo-Zuri Bonita), or live bait at slower speeds. Wire leader essential — 80-130 lb single-strand or coated.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 74-78°F. Spearfish peak; ahi; mahi building. Hawaii tides are minimal (1-2 ft typical) — fishing is driven by current direction, moon phase, and water temperature rather than tides. Offshore, watch for current breaks and temperature edges visible on satellite (Hilton’s, RipCharts). Reef fishing is best on the moving water around tide changes.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
April Outlook
Peak spring migrations — cobia (Gulf/SE), striped bass (mid-Atlantic), spawning movements everywhere.
Regulations Reminder
Tuna: NOAA HMS permit required. Strict size and bag limits — verify current NOAA rules. Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: Charter Desk at Honokohau Harbor (Kona); Pacific Fishing Supply (Honolulu); J. Hara Store (Big Island); West Side Bait & Tackle (Oahu); Maui Sporting Goods.
Public Boat Ramps: Honokohau Harbor (Kona — main billfish port), Kewalo Basin (Honolulu), Maalaea Harbor (Maui), Manele Bay (Lanai), Nawiliwili (Kauai), Kaunakakai (Molokai).
Charter Fishing: $1,200–$2,500 Kona billfish; $1,800–$3,500 trophy hunts (Pacific Blue Marlin); $250–$400 per person walk-on; $600–$1,200 inshore/reef trips; $1,500+ multi-day open boat.
More Hawaii Resources
Hawaii Fishing Guide · Hawaii Seasonal Calendar · All Hawaii reports →
Reports updated every Thursday on fishing.digital.