⚓ Authentic Kona Sportfishing
About Playtime Sportfishing
Private, family-friendly deep sea fishing charters departing daily from Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Real Island Fishing, Zero Hype
Founded on decades of hard work to bring authentic Hawaiian offshore angling, Playtime Sportfishing was built to offer an honest, comfortable, and personalized alternative to crowded commercial operations and high-commission booking desks.
Whether you are an experienced big-game angler pursuing trophy Pacific Blue Marlin along the 1,000-fathom curve, or a family taking your children on their very first ocean adventure, our focus is simple: putting you on the fish, teaching every step of the hookup with patience and aloha, and making sure you enjoy every minute on Kona’s world-renowned waters.
Best of all, you keep your catch*. When we return to Honokohau Harbor, our crew cleans and fillets your Ono, Mahi Mahi, or Ahi dockside at no extra charge—ready for your grill, condo kitchen, or sunset dinner on the beach.*Captain reserves teh right to keep or filet any fish over 60 lbs.
Meet Your Captain & Crew
Capt’ Shawn
Growing up between Alaska and Hawaii, Shawn brings decades of hard-earned local ocean knowledge, big-game pelagic tracking along the Big Island’s Kona and Kohala coasts. Additionally trained by Kona’s Eric “Koya” Koyanagi in lure making (winner of 2026 Hawaii Marlin Tournament Luremaker Challenge), Shawn brings his custom made lures and he works tirelessly from the first drop to the final retrieve to put his anglers in front of big fish.
- ✓ Master dockside fish cleaner & table-fare butcher
- ✓ Calm, encouraging guidance through high-drag battles
- ✓ Precision tournament-grade lure rigging & leadering
Joe Taylor
Informative, energetic, and full of enthusiasm, First Mate Joe is the hands-on instructor who bridges the gap between big-game sportfishing and family comfort. Whether teaching an 8-year-old how to land bottom fish or talking about island ecology and history. Joe makes sure everyone onboard feels supported, engaged, and empowered on the rod.
- ✓ Patient coaching for kids, beginners & first-time anglers
- ✓ Island ecology, dolphin & whale spotting commentary
The Vessel: 26′ Shamrock Keel-Drive
Purpose-built for stability, comfort, and quiet trolling in Hawaiian blue water.
Unlike lightweight outboard boats that snap and roll in offshore cross-seas, our customized 26-foot Shamrock single-engine inboard keel-drive sits deep in the water column. The integrated full keel delivers exceptional directional stability and low-center-of-gravity balance—making it one of the most comfortable, seasick-resistant platforms for families and light-tackle anglers alike.
🚽 Private Marine Head
Enclosed, clean private flush toilet inside the forward cabin for complete privacy and family convenience.
⛱️ Full Shaded Canopy
Ample shaded cockpit seating keeps you protected from the midday Kona sun while watching the trolling spread.
🎣 Tournament Rigging
Equipped with outriggers, downriggers, a fighting chair, and Penn 130s down to stand-up light tackle.
📡 Precision Electronics
Garmin CHIRP sonar for precision ledge navigation along the 40-fathom drop-offs and thermocline bait tracking.
You Keep Your Catch*
Your catch is cleaned, filleted, and bagged dockside for free so you can enjoy fresh island table fare all . *Captain Reserves any fish over 60 lbs to keep or filet at their discretion.
Family & Kid First
We love having kids aboard! Our crew switches between trolling and hands-on bottom fishing to guarantee smiles, action, and zero frustration.
Direct Charter Pricing
Book directly with Captain Shawn to get a current bite report, customize your exact trip timing and target species.
Scenic Coastal Tours
Enjoy frequent sightings of spinner dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles alongside fascinating local history as we transit the Kona coast.
Ready to Fish Kona With Us?
Charters depart daily from Honokohau Harbor. Call Captain Shawn directly to get a current bite report and sea conditions, customize your trip to you and your familys needs!
