Bite ME Sportfishing

What Bite ME Sportfishing does

Bite Me Sportfishing is a privately held, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii-based sportfishing charter operator running a fleet of seven vessels (Bite Me 1 through Bite Me 6, ranging from 38' to 53', plus two affiliated Ocean Encounters vessels) out of Honokohau Harbor on the Big Island. The fleet is staffed by seven captains with over 80 years of combined local fishing experience, and offers both shared charters (up to six passengers per boat) and private charters (including large-party options up to 37 people) targeting tourists, vacationers, serious anglers, corporate groups, and non-fishing ocean enthusiasts. Trip types include half-day, three-quarter-day, and full-day deep sea fishing for species such as Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Mahi Mahi (Ono), Wahoo, and Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi), alongside snorkeling, dolphin, and manta ray experiences delivered through the Ocean Encounters sister brand.

The business generates revenue on a per-trip unit-pricing model with no subscription or contract structure: charter prices range from $166.95 for a half-day shared charter on the Bite Me 4 up to $4,308.48 for an Ocean Encounters Night Manta Snorkel, with private fishing charters on the flagship 53' Merritt ranging from $1,292.54 to $1,723.39 depending on duration. Booking is executed through direct phone (808-936-3442), walk-in at the harbor, embedded FareHarbor online reservations on the company website, and cross-referrals from affiliated ocean activity partners. Customer acquisition channels include the company's own website, tournament sponsorships (Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, Lazy Marlin Hunt, Rock N' Reel), word-of-mouth, and Military/First Responder/Teacher discount promotions. Marketing materials emphasize "Best of West Hawaii" recognition for multiple consecutive years, professional-grade gear (Penn International reels, tuna towers, fighting chairs), and air-conditioned vessel amenities. The company has been operating since at least 2006, has no disclosed investors or parent company, and operates entirely within Hawaii's regulated charter permit framework under the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Name

Bite ME Sportfishing

Legal name

Bite Me Sportfishing

Website

https://bitemesportfishing.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Bite Me Sportfishing is a privately held Kailua-Kona, Hawaii charter operator running seven vessels out of Honokohau Harbor, offering shared and private deep sea fishing trips, plus snorkeling and manta ray tours via its Ocean Encounters sister brand, for tourists, anglers, and corporate groups.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sportfishing Charters

NAICS

Other Marine Fishing (114119)

SIC

Fishing, Hunting And Trapping (900)

akta.pro primary industry

Fishing Charters & Angling Experiences (Deep Sea, Sportfishing, Fly Fishing) (THAJAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Private Charters & Yacht Experiences (Crewed, Bareboat, Day Charters) (THAJAJAB)

Keywords

• Deep sea fishing
• Sportfishing charters
• Big game fishing
• Charter boat services
• Fishing tour packages

Headquarters

HQ city

Kailua-Kona

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Charter Fishing Services: One-time charter fees for deep sea fishing trips. Pricing varies by vessel size, trip duration (1/2 day, 3/4 day, full day), and whether the charter is private or shared. Additional revenue from ocean encounters/snorkel trips and merchandise sales (Bite Me Swag).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Bite Me Sportfishing operates a fleet of 7 charter boats out of Honokohau Harbor in Kona, Hawaii, offering deep sea sportfishing experiences for individuals, families, and groups. The company provides both shared and private charters (half-day, three-quarter-day, and full-day) targeting big game fish species such as Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi), Wahoo (Ono), and Mahi Mahi. Larger groups (up to 37 people) are served through affiliated Ocean Encounters vessels, which also provide snorkel and manta ray night tours.

Product overview

Bite ME Sportfishing operates a fleet of 7 charter fishing boats offering deep sea sportfishing experiences in Kona, Hawaii. The fleet consists of Bite Me 1-6 (ranging from 38-53 feet: Uniflite, Hatteras, Egg Harbor, and Merritt models) plus two Ocean Encounters vessels for larger groups. Charter options include shared trips (up to 6 passengers) and private charters (up to 6 on individual boats, up to 37 on Ocean Encounters). The company also offers snorkel trips through its Ocean Encounters partnership for dolphin and manta ray encounters. Pricing varies by boat size, trip duration (1/2 day, 3/4 day, full day), and shared vs. private format.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bite Me 5 – 53' Merritt Charter A 53' Merritt sportfishing boat with teak decks, 2 bathrooms, 3 state rooms, and an air-conditioned salon. Accommodates up to 6 passengers for private charter. Pricing: 1/2 Day $1,292.54; 3/4 Day $1,507.97; Full Day $1,723.39.
• Bite Me 6 – 41' Hatteras Charter A 41' Hatteras sportfishing boat with two 450hp Cummins diesel engines, air-conditioned lounge, and sound system. Accommodates up to 6 passengers. Pricing: 1/2 Day $969.41; 3/4 Day $1,184.83; Full Day $1,400.26.
• Bite Me 4 – 38' Hatteras Charter A 38' Hatteras with tuna tower, flybridge, walk around bow rail, and cozy cabin with leather couch. Departs from Honokohau Harbor. Available for shared or private charters. Pricing: 1/2 Day Private $861.70; 3/4 Day Private $1,077.12; Full Day Private $1,292.54; 1/2 Day Shared $166.95.
• Bite Me 3 – 40' Egg Harbor Charter A mid-sized 40' Egg Harbor with a large tuna tower, Penn International Rods, Rupp Tournament Outriggers, and Murray Brothers Fighting Chair. Features shaded or sunny open air cockpit. Pricing available upon inquiry.
• Bite Me 2 – 46' Hatteras Charter The largest fishing boat in the fleet at 46' with two 550hp Detroit Diesel engines, large tuna tower, comfortable covered air-conditioning cabin, sleeping quarters for overnight trips, and leather couches with TV/VCR/DVD. Pricing available upon inquiry.
• Bite Me 1 – 40' Uniflite Charter The original boat and one of Kona's fastest 40-footers, with two 3126B Electronic 450hp Caterpillar engines (top speed 30 knots) and comfortable covered cabin. Pricing available upon inquiry.
• Private Charter – Ocean Encounters (up to 37 people) A large party boat accommodating up to 37 people for private trips, with covered cabin, top deck for viewing, clean restroom, swim step, and sturdy ladder. Also offers manta night snorkel tours. Pricing: 4 Hours $2,261.95; 6 Hours $2,585.09; 8 Hours $2,908.22; Night Manta Snorkel $4,308.48. 10 person minimum required.
• Private Charter – Ocean Encounters 2 (up to 20 people) A boat accommodating up to 20 people for private trips with shaded area and bow railing. Offers manta night snorkel and fishing trips. Pricing: 4 Hours Fishing $1,938.82; 6 Hours $2,154.24; 8 Hours $2,369.66; Night Manta Snorkel $2,261.95.
• Shared Fishing Charters Shared charter experience on select boats (e.g., Bite Me 4), accommodating up to 6 passengers per boat and allowing guests to join others on fishing trips at a lower price point ($166.95 for half-day shared charter on Bite Me 4).
• Snorkel Trips (Manta Ray Night Snorkel, Dolphin Swim) Snorkeling excursions booked through the affiliated Ocean Encounters brand, including dolphin and manta ray encounters. Non-fishing ocean activities for families and non-anglers.

Quantifiable outcome

• World-renowned fishing grounds - Kona waters known for big game fish including Blue Marlin (100-1000+ lbs), Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Ahi Tuna year-round

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Ocean EncounterscoreOthersRelated company operated by the same management that handles larger group charters (up to 37 people) and ocean activities including dolphin swims, manta ray night snorkels, and snorkeling trips. Cross-promotes with Bite Me Sportfishing and shares booking systems. Both brands are managed under 'Bite Me Sportfishing & Ocean Encounters Management.'

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Reelax Sportfishing: Kona sportfishing charter offering half-day, three-quarter-day, and full-day private trips targeting the same Big Island big-game species. Direct competitor in the Kona charter market with similar pricing and customer segments.
• Action Sportfishing: Kailua-Kona-based sportfishing charter operating private and shared deep sea trips targeting Ahi, Marlin, and Ono. Operates from the same Honokohau Harbor as Bite Me Sportfishing with overlapping fleet sizes and pricing tiers.
• Fair Wind Sportfishing: Big Island Kona sportfishing charter offering shared and private deep sea fishing trips on multiple vessels. Direct competitor in the same Kona fishery with similar shared/private pricing tiers and tourist customer focus.
• Ocean Encounters Hawaii: Kona-based sister brand operated by the same management as Bite Me Sportfishing, running the Ocean Encounters vessels for larger private groups (up to 37) and snorkel/dolphin tours. Directly comparable charter operations under common ownership.
• Finatic Sportfishing: Kona-based sportfishing charter business offering private and shared charters for Marlin, Tuna, and Mahi Mahli. Competes for the same Honolulu-arrival tourist segment with comparable vessel-based experience and pricing structure.
• No Bones Charters: Other Kona-based sportfishing charter operator offering shared and private deep sea fishing trips out of Honokohau Harbor. Directly competes with Bite Me Sportfishing for the same tourist and serious angler customer base in the same fishery.
• Pelagic Sportfishing: Hawaii-based big-game sportfishing charter company targeting marlin, tuna, and other pelagic species with shared and private charter formats. Comparable business model and product offering to Bite Me Sportfishing, focused on the same premium angler segment.

Regional players

• Maui Sportfishing: Maui-based sportfishing charter company with private and shared deep sea trips targeting Pacific billfish and tuna. Operates similar charter fishing experiences but in a different Hawaiian island market from Bite Me Sportfishing's Kona base.
• Garden Isle Sportsfishing: Kauai-based sportfishing charter offering deep sea trips targeting marlin, tuna, and mahi. Comparable charter fishing business model but serves a different Hawaiian island, making it a regional rather than direct competitor to Bite Me Sportfishing's Kona operations.

Emerging players

• Swim With Dolphins And Mantas: Sister operation to Ocean Encounters (which is jointly managed with Bite Me Sportfishing) offering manta ray night snorkel, dolphin swim, and snorkeling tours. Comparable ocean-experience customer base and Kona harbor infrastructure, with overlapping non-angler offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bite-me-sportfishing

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bite ME Sportfishing