December 19, 2022

Dangers of Deep-Sea Fishing Near Maui

Nothing beats the thrill of catching a trophy marlin or tuna while trolling the crystal blue waters of Maui. Anglers from around the world come for world-class fishing, particularly off the island’s west coast. Chartered deep-sea fishing excursions are among the most popular tourist activities. But if you want to reel in a monster catch in the deep blue Pacific waters, there are safety considerations.

Is deep-sea fishing near Maui a dangerous endeavor? The short answer is no, but any fishing in pacific waters near the coastlines and off shore can become dangerous depending on changes in the weather and your experience level on the water. We recommend leaving that in the hands of a reputable boat captain, so that your biggest concern should be UV protection–for skin and eyes. We also recommend that all anglers follow these precautions.

Do Your Homework Before Booking

Many reputable offshore fishing charters operate out of Maui, but the best way to optimize your chances of having an unforgettable and safe excursion is–do your research first. Look for online reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, or Trust Pilot. You want to ensure the boat you book online is the boat that takes you out into open water.

Be Prepared for Rough Water

If the weather forecast calls for big swells, the charter company may postpone or cancel your fishing trip. If not, you should come prepared to treat seasickness before it sets in. Some people are more prone than others but consider taking Bonine pills or trying a Scopolamine Patch if it’s your first time offshore. If your stomach can’t handle choppy water, stay above deck, and keep your eyes on a fixed point on the horizon.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

A couple of cold beers on the open water might be fun but know your limit. Unfortunately, many incidents are attributed to excessive alcohol intake and the sun’s dehydrating effects.

Pack Sunscreen and Supplies

Your fishing charter package will likely include snacks and drinks, but it’s always smart to pack your own supplies. On the off chance there is engine trouble, and the boat is stranded for hours, you want your own food and water, as well as the following sundries:

Change of clothes
Long-sleeve quick-dry shirt
Baseball cap or sun hat
Broad-spectrum sunscreen
Polarized fishing sunglasses
First aid kit (the captain will also have one onboard)
Personal medications

Mishaps Can Happen

Any trustworthy charter company in Maui ensures passenger safety. Boats are well-maintained, equipped with appropriate safety gear like lifejackets and preservers and the latest navigational technology. If the fishing boat runs into trouble, the crew will advise passengers on how to stay safe. When fishing in the open ocean, there is always some unpredictability. Remember that as a paying customer on a private charter, you call the shots for turning back to shore if weather conditions deteriorate.

Be Prepared and Have Fun

If you go well informed and prepared, deep-sea fishing in Maui will be amazing. The most prevalent risks are sunburn, eye strain, and seasickness. Don’t underestimate the importance of sun protection–there is nothing to block the intense glare on the water. A mineral sunscreen and quality sunglasses will guarantee an epic trip. Maui Jim polarized sunglasses offer broad-spectrum protection against UV rays while boosting clarity, color and contrast.

Additional Resources:

Fish Maui, AVOIDING SEASICKNESS ON YOUR MAUI FISHING CHARTER https://fishmaui.com/avoiding-seasickness