Die Hard Sportfishing
Last updated 22. Feb, 2010 by Mark in Activities | West Maui, Sport Fishing | West
Screen capture of 315# Pacific Blue Marlin (see video below)
Rating: 
In a nutshell: Hard-core sportfishing.
Minuses: 3:00
Sound-bite: “Hey mister, is that a Florida Marlins logo on that-there baseball bat?”
DETAILS:
Alright, first of all this isn’t a trip for the kids. These are die-hard fishermen willing to take along the serious angler who isn’t interested in going halfway.
Captain Fuzzy Alboro is a well known, born and raised Maui fisherman and many come here seeking him out by name. Fuzzy knows where to go and when to go. (Speaking of when, you’ll be leaving before anyone else – at 3:00 AM.)
Fuzzy’s pride and joy is a 32′ Boston Whaler Express Fisherman with twin 370 Yanmar engines. Fully equipped with a fish finder, GPS chart plotter, marine head, protection from the elements, a microwave and fridge. The Die Hard is also fully outfitted with quality gear, including 80 Shimanos with bent butt rods, 50 Shimanos with stand up rods and 30 Shimanos and Penns stand up rods and an arsenal of lures. Capt. Fuzzy prefers to fish with live baits, and the Die Hard is typically stocked with plenty of ‘em.
You may end up on the back side of Lanai – or even all the way over in Hana. These are local guys who know a thing or two about where they’re going. If you’re gonna cry about spending an hour or more getting to the right spot that day, well, you may be frustrated with Fuzzy, because he isn’t interested in “the customer is always right” if it means doing it wrong. On the other hand, if you’re a die hard sport fisherman, you paid to go with these guys because they knows exactly what they’re doing.
Like I said, you’ve gotta be serious to go on this trip. (Is “Die Hard” starting to make sense to you?)
Oh, and for the squeamish: the video has some batting practice on the head of the Marlin (to immobilize it prior to taking it onboard.)
Key Info:
Location: Lahaina Harbor
Phone: 808-878-2362
Rating source: Maui Guidebook
Web: http://fishdiehardmaui.com
Prices: Share: $185 – $200 ; Private: $1,000 – $1,100
View Lahaina Town in a larger map
SOCAL
16. Apr, 2010
Well, Being a life long fisherman and equipment manufacture myself. I have fished in many oceans. These guys(Die Hard) are a tourist fishing operation. They put too many people on the small boat. 6 passengers + 2 crew members. Include a fighting chair and a fish bag (in side) and it’s uncomfortable and dangerous. We were never informed of the life vest location. The gear was too big and the fishing process was completely wrong for what we were fishing for (Dorado). But…… The most disturbing thing was sliding in on another boats boil to drag their fish off the bite. Get it right Fuzzy. Just don’t blow smoke!
Mark
16. Apr, 2010
Thanks for your comment –
In writing about Cpt. Fuzzy and Die Hard I did quite a bit of research, and spoke to many people. They were neck-in-neck with another long-time, well respected operation (of 30+ years) and when I interviewed them, and told them that Fuzzy was right up there with them, they told me flat-out and without hesitation that they had nothing but respect and strong admiration – and insisted that he deserved it as much as they did. That operation also went on to explain that what Fuzzy offers is unique, and they don’t even consider him to be competition because they offer a whole different approach (more in line with what I believe you were looking for.)
I actually have it on my to-do list to find a way to recognize them as also being the best at what they offer, and distinguish them from what Die Hard offers – because it is definitely not for everyone. What they do offer is the kind of fishing experience you can only get on Maui, and only from them. And that is what I’m trying to promote – unique and genuine experiences you simply won’t get anywhere else in the world.
Bottom line is that this is definitely not a touristy operation. This is hard-core, to the bone local-style fishing – akin to rugged hunting buddies heading out into the wilderness. Dispense with the formalities and “pleasure boating” – it is 100% about extreme game-fishing, the way the locals do it. If that is what you’re looking for, you’ve found gold.
SOCAL
16. Apr, 2010
No offense. I didn’t go looking for a particular type of fishing and I didn’t comment to bad mouth his operation. You can get this in San Diego, Cabo, Mexico, ect. You will find it hard to define it as “Only in Maui”. to people that know better. I am sure Die Hard’s main target is the tourist industry and to provide a memorable time for their customers. It’s not unique,hard core or extreme, but if you want to advertise it as so. O.K. by me. I want to provide feed back if its good or bad. Just consider it as area’s for improvement. They can do something with it or just blow it off. Then remove it from the net completely. Your call.
Mark
19. Apr, 2010
One important point I’d like to make is that this is not advertising. I rely on personal experience and significant time in research and interviews. As long as comments are respectful and truthful they won’t be removed – and as far as Die Hard taking it as feedback, best to give them a call – from what I understand, Fuzzy doesn’t even use the Internet!
SOCAL
20. Apr, 2010
O.K. Mark. Personal experience is what you are looking for, then this is it! This guy goes out at 3:00 am at 8 knots (to save fuel) to about 30 miles(6:15 am) to a float. Fishes from grey light to 8:30 am. 2 1/4 hours. Hauls back to put the fish on the tourist walkway for everyone to see at 11:00 am. Then he starts signing up new customers (tourist). I know you have never fished this guy’s boat, because you would know this. 6 people at 2 1/4 hours is about 22 minutes each. So, That’s about $10 a minute. I would never refer this guy to anyone.
I think the whole thing is Fuzzy. The price is extreme.
I hope this reality is not disrespectful.
Out!
Mike
Barry
18. Jul, 2010
I’d like to know if Fuzzy and the Gang filet your catch or how do they decide who gets the fish that’s caught? Last year when I was there in August they had caught 2 large Mahi-Mahi’s in the morning and the mate took them walked across the Banyon Tree park area to deliver them (whole)to the restaurant across the street. (Upstairs) I’d only be interested in going fishing with Fuzzy if I could keep all, or a portion, of my catch………….Could anyone give me a heads-up on protocol for the Die Hard crew with respect to keeping the fish? Thanks
Mark
18. Jul, 2010
In Maui all fishing catches belong to the boat – this is not just Die Hard, this is true of virtually every charter. If it is important to you to keep a portion of the catch, just ask them before you book if they will do that – many will happily carve out a fillet for you to grill back at the condo!
Barry
19. Jul, 2010
Thanks for your input……I don’t get it!!!!!Everyone on board pays the max and they cant’ keep and filet the fish they catch? Why in the world would you want to go out at 3 AM to possibly catch a game fish if you couldn’t filet it and eat any of it? I’ve experienced numerous situations down by Hana where the locals have caught Ahi for the day and they filet it and sell it along side the road to the Up Country…..It’s like $20 for a huge bag of fresh filleted Ahi………..I won’t be hiring “The FUZZMASTER” if I’m not allowed to keep a huge portion of the fish I’ve caught. WHAT A GIANT DOUBLE DIP BY THE BOAT OWNERS AND CREW FISHING COMMERCIALLY OFF MAUI AND KONA!!!!!!That really SUCKS!!!!!
Mark
20. Jul, 2010
Remember, this is an isolated resort island where the vast majority of fishing clients are on vacation staying in a hotel and have no way store or cook fish. So, as an activity, over the years it has all been is all figured into the bottom line that way – and if these operators could not sell the catch you could be sure that the fee to fish would have to be higher. I can understand how you might come to the conclusion, but the idea that they are somehow double-dipping is a misunderstanding of how expensive it is for them to operate here versus other places where the fish are not considered a significant portion of the boat’s income.
Best bet for anyone who wants some of the fish is to open up a line of discussion with the captain before going out – it will set clear expectations for all, and most captains will be happy to accommodate your needs.
Capt. Charlie
26. Jul, 2011
It is NOT true that old story and only true with a few boats, that tale about the fish belonging to the boat in Hawaii. Most charter boats in Maui will cut any fish you catch for you to cook and enjoy. On some islands like Oahu, the fish do belong to the boat. Bottom line is you need to ask before you book.
Tom Stroeder
27. Jan, 2011
Let me tell you about the “Die Hard” fishing boat in Lahaina. We got on the boat at 2:15 am and departed one minute later. My son and I didn’t really feel we were even wanted on the boat because no one really said too much. We got somewhat of a low down on safety etc. but to not puke in the boat. Little did Andy know, but this would bite him in the but later. OK, enough of the baby talk. Once we got to where we were going, Capt. Fuzzy and the crew( Andy and Jemsley) were top notch. Everybody else can bad talk the Die Hard as much as they want, but we were 100% satisfied with the entire trip. If you want someone to kiss your ass all day then go to your mothers house. This Andy and Jemsley were top notch and Fuzzy was a good shit to. Highly recommend fishing with this boat and crew. I think he is the only native Hawaiian doing this kind of thing. If you want to go fishing with someone from California, go to California. Just wanted to say this was a good day!!!