FAQs - Page 2 of 2 - Whipsaw Sportfishing

How long are trips?

developer2021-02-23T14:27:11-10:00January 11, 2021|

We run 1/2 Day (4 hours), 3/4 Day (6 hours) and Full-Day (8 hours) trips.

How many can go?

developer2021-01-11T15:43:40-10:00January 11, 2021|

US Coast Guard Regulations allow us to carry a Maximum of 6 passengers. Shared Charters require a minimum of 4 [...]

What kind of fish will we catch?

developer2021-01-11T15:41:21-10:00January 11, 2021|

Most common catches include Pacific Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Spear Fish, Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi), Wahoo (Ono) and Mahi-Mahi.

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Do I Need a Fishing License?developer2026-03-17T09:55:59-10:00

Do I Need a Fishing License?

Short answer: It depends on whether you’re a Hawaii resident or non-resident (visitor), your age, and the type of fishing.

Hawaii residents (of any age) do not need a license for recreational marine (ocean/saltwater) fishing, including sportfishing on charter boats.
Non-residents (visitors/tourists) aged 15 and older do need a Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License (NRMFL) to fish recreationally in Hawaii’s ocean waters. This includes participating in sportfishing charters, even if you’re just along for the trip—it’s recommended that all non-resident passengers 15+ have one, even if they don’t plan to actively fish.
Children 14 and under (non-residents) are exempt and do not need a license.
Active-duty U.S. military members stationed in Hawaii (and their spouses/minor children) are also exempt.

This requirement has been in place since May 2024 to support sustainable marine resource management.

For freshwater fishing (e.g., streams or reservoirs), separate rules apply—residents and non-residents may need a Freshwater Game Fishing License depending on age and duration.

How to purchase your Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License (if required): It’s quick and easy—buy it online in advance through the official State of Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) portal: https://fishing.hawaii.gov/

Options include:

1-day: $20
7-day: $40
Annual: $70

(Note: Small online processing fees may apply. Print or save your license digitally—it’s valid immediately.)

For full details, exemptions, and the most up-to-date info, visit the official DLNR DAR site: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/licenses-and-permits

We recommend getting your license before your charter to avoid any surprises and focus on the fun of big-game fishing in Hawaiian waters. Mahalo for fishing responsibly—Aloha! 🌊🎣

Gratuity for your Crewdeveloper2022-07-15T09:54:02-10:00

Gratuity for your Crew

Gratuity is not included in the price of your charter. 20% gratuity for your crew is customary. Gratuity for your crew may be placed on your Credit Card for your convenience.

Tournament Cancellationsdeveloper2021-01-11T15:50:35-10:00

Tournament Cancellations

Tournament cancellations received more than seven days prior to the start time of the tournament will receive a full refund minus any expenses paid by Whipsaw. Expenses could include but may not be limited to, tournament entry fees, mooring fees, etc. Cancellations received within seven days of the tournament start time will not receive a refund. If Whipsaw cancels your charter for mechanical reasons or weather conditions, we will re-schedule your charter or give you a full refund. If the Captain returns early for passenger safety concerns (e.g. too much to drink or seasickness) there will be no refund.

Cancellations & Refundsdeveloper2021-01-11T15:49:57-10:00

Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellations more than 72 hours before the scheduled Check-in time will receive a full refund. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled Check-in time will not receive a refund. If Whipsaw cancels your charter for mechanical reasons or weather conditions, we will re-schedule your charter or give you a full refund. If the Captain returns early for passenger safety concerns (e.g. too much to drink or seasickness) there will be no refund.

How big is your boat?developer2022-07-15T09:36:20-10:00

How big is your boat?

Whipsaw is an air-conditioned luxury 35′ CABO sport fishing vessel powered by twin 435hp Caterpillar diesel engines. Play N Hooky is an air-conditioned 41′ Hatteras sportfishing vessel powered by twin 380 HP Cummins diesel engines.

What Should I Bring?developer2021-01-11T15:48:47-10:00

What Should I Bring?

Besides food and drink, sunglasses, hat (wide brimmed), SPF 30 sunscreen or greater, light windbreaker or wearable rain gear, long sleeve shirt (layering is best!), deck shoes with good grip soles (flip flops don’t hold up well on wet decks and high seas, Crocs, surf shoes or Aqua Socks are fine), camera or video equipment, and motion sickness medication.

Motion Sicknessdeveloper2021-01-11T15:47:57-10:00

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness medications should be taken the night before and once again the morning of your trip. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations. If your party wishes to return to the dock early, there will be no refunds.

Are food and drink provided?developer2021-01-11T15:47:14-10:00

Are food and drink provided?

You’re welcome to bring food, snacks and beverages for the day, coolers are not necessary, we have plenty of cooler space & ice for your food & beverages. (Please NO BANANAS: they’re considered BAD LUCK!) Alcoholic beverages are also permitted but please also bring an adequate supply of bottled water or sodas (for safety, no glass bottles please). Catering is available! See above…

Do I get to keep fish?developer2025-12-22T17:51:43-10:00

Do I get to keep fish?

Yes! For Private Charters, you get to take home half the fish caught, up to 50 lbs of fish. For individuals on Shared Charters, you will take home up to 2 lbs of the fish caught that day. Private & Shared Charters: Any fish caught over 100 lbs will not be cut and will remain with the boat!

What time do we start?developer2021-01-11T15:45:17-10:00

What time do we start?

Check-in time for morning departures is 5:30 am and we leave at approximately 6:00 am. Afternoon charters please check with us for your check-in & departure times.

How long are trips?developer2021-02-23T14:27:11-10:00

How long are trips?

We run 1/2 Day (4 hours), 3/4 Day (6 hours) and Full-Day (8 hours) trips.

How many can go?developer2021-01-11T15:43:40-10:00

How many can go?

US Coast Guard Regulations allow us to carry a Maximum of 6 passengers. Shared Charters require a minimum of 4 passengers.

What kind of fish will we catch?developer2021-01-11T15:41:21-10:00

What kind of fish will we catch?

Most common catches include Pacific Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Spear Fish, Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi), Wahoo (Ono) and Mahi-Mahi.

Spencer Mitchell

Been on plenty of sport fishing charters across the world and this definitely topped them all! Capt Will and 1st mate Ed and deckhand Kahi were amazing. Went out for a full day and caught the Hawaii sport fishing trifecta:… Read more “Spencer Mitchell”

Spencer Mitchell

A T

Just got back from a 6 hr charter my family of 6 had a great time! 1st experience sport fishing got a 25lb skipjack tuna! Captain Teoni and Thomas were great! Even found out the heart of the tuna is… Read more “A T”

A T

Kimberly Triolet

We booked a charter for a full day and the ride out was so dreamy! On the way out Tom was demonstrating how to work the reels and how each rod rotates between the 6 of us, upon doing so,… Read more “Kimberly Triolet”

Kimberly Triolet