Spellbound Feature Skipper

Charter Boat Feature - Spellbound, Honokohau Harbor, Island of Hawaii (Kona)

Owner and Skipper: Mike Rand
Boat: Hatteras 41
Power: Twin Cummins C series 300 hp diesels (new in 2000)
Maximum Speed: 23 knots
Cruising Speed: 18 knots
Five Largest Marlin to Date: 891, 775, 771, 749, and 727 pounds.
Largest Tuna to Date: 236 and 234 pounds

Amenities: Completely re-modeled in late 1999 and early 2000, with re-power done in 2000. Top of the line VHF, GPS with plotter, high-power depth recorder, and other electronics all mounted on the bridge in a convenient pop-up well. Air-conditioning, refrigerator, spacious bridge, stereo, large cockpit, large comfortable salon with plenty of seating, and electric flushing toilet are all part of this classic showpiece. Every detail has been carefully considered, engineered, and executed, right down to the Micro-commander engine controls and the tinted windows which reflect 97% of the heat. The Hatteras 41 is known for its clean wake and strike-boat characteristics, and this specimen is an amalgamation of years of experience combined with relentless maintenance.

Fishing Gear: Complete set of gear ranging from 12 to 130 pound tackle, featuring Penn International and Accurate reels. Custom made 33 foot Rupp spreaderless outriggers and new Murray Brothers fighting chair. Multiple stick gaffs, flying gaffs, nets, and lures are carried. As this boat is set up for the serious angler yet is comfortable enough to please even the most discriminating, Captain Mike will inquire about individual fishing experience of a charter patron before working with light tackle.

Experience Married to the Pursuit of Perfection. Mike caught his first fish in Kona in 1970, and has been around the harbor to some extent ever since. After buying Spellbound in 1994, Mike began a five-year project to fulfill his dream of owning a classic sportfisher he could share his knowledge to the world with. The result is a boat that has been disassembled, re-engineered, re-designed, and re-built to his exacting specifications, and is available for you to enjoy.

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Clean and Understated. Spellbound is the representation of Mike’s complete package philosophy to charter fishing. While some charter boats are gaudy and excessive with their flair, Spellbound is spotless and impressively unassuming. For the inexperienced angler, the careful thought and consideration of each minute detail may go overlooked until pointed out, yet to the experienced angler, the truth is in the details.

A single hose in the cockpit provides both fresh and saltwater with the twist of a ball-cock valve, all plumbed with PVC pipe to eliminate corrosion. The cockpit is completely clean and devoid of items that could snag a leader or line, losing a dream fish. Rods are stored inside the salon, out of the way until needed. It has no bow rail or forward windows, making washdown procedures simpler. The bridge is clean and functional, with the helm containing all necessary switches and functions.

The salon is like an executive’s office or a mood room. Black leather couches compliment the Awlgrip painted surfaces revealing a superlative entertainment center complete with Bose stereo sound. Heat reflective tinted windows combine with the engine-driven air conditioning to keep the salon cool and quiet, and the restroom facilities are spacious and accommodating. In short, Spellbound is excessively tidy, yet completely functional.

The Right Philosophy. Mike decided long ago that the charter experience should be a complete package, not just an empty promise to catch a huge fish. From fresh-brewed Kona coffee to snacks neatly packaged in organized tubs in the galley, every detail of the charter day has been considered. Comfort, style and performance are important to customers, so they are important to Mike. He wants every person who steps aboard Spellbound to maintain the awe factor for the duration of the entire trip.

And while some charter boats may offer all this style in a package incapable of producing fish, don’t for a minute think Mike isn’t a fisherman. His record of catching large fish is without question, and while he has yet to produce the coveted grander, his year-in, year-out performance and ability to land large Marlin is second only to the size of an individuals dreams. The “C” series Cummins diesels provide enough torque to spin the boat onto a fish in the blink of an eye, and Mike’s experience in matching boat operation skills to the angler and tackle can make anyone’s dream of catching an IGFA world record a reality.

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A fair fish disposition policy. The issue of fish disposition is something every potential charter customer should be aware of before making a decision on a boat. It’s a simple fact that Hawaii’s charter fleet rates are on average the cheapest in the world for boats and skippers of this caliber. It’s also a simple truth that Hawaii is one of the most expensive places in the United States to live and do business, and accordingly, charter skippers in Hawaii have for many years sold their catch as a way to defray the cost of owning and operating a charter boat. Sportfish Hawaii recognizes that anglers spend a great deal of money on chartering a vessel to catch their dream fish, and it is our goal to educate our customers on this issue so informed decisions can be made

Mike wants to share the experience of catching fish with everyone, but in order to do so and remain in business, he must sell fish when he can. Accordingly, any fish single over 50 pounds will generally be sold, while some fish under 50 pounds will be cut and distributed to the guests for dinner or additional meals in a fair manner. Customers who wish to fill coolers with fish to ship home or utilize for other means may do so, but should expect to pay fair market price for the fish.

Stand on Conservation. Despite the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) official declaration for the past several years that Hawaii is a fishery that is NOT overfished (unlike many other parts of the world), Mike believes the resource cannot be sustained forever if people keep taking and taking. And despite all skippers’ ability to readily sell Pacific Billfish in Hawaii, Mike will release Marlin for customers who request it.

Sportfish Hawaii is proud to represent Spellbound in our fleet of high class charter boats. Please call or email us to book your trip.