Grander Marlin Sportfishing

At Grander Marlin Sportfishing Charters our focus in on Marlin…the bigger the better, and helping you finally hook up with the fish of your dreams. Kona is the only place in the world where blue marlins over 1000 lbs. have been caught in every month of the year. The calm flat seas are prime conditions almost all year round, and so is the spectacular sunny weather. We are a billfish specific operation chasing, blue marlin, black marlin, stripe marlin, and spearfish. If billfish are not your interest and just bending a rod is what you are after then we are not going to be the best operation for you but can happily recommend someone.

Captain Chris Donato has been passionate about fishing all his life, and more than a decade of that experience is in the south pacific islands. His boat, The Benchmark is docked close to one of the very best fishing spots in the area. Best of all, you don’t need to bring any equipment, Chris and his team provide everything you need for a fantastic day. Gear, techniques, and experience all add up to become the best game fishing encounter around.
Whether you are a novice first time angler or a seasoned expert, our goal is to make sure you, your family, and all your friends have a truly spectacular day. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up with your very own “big fish tale” to tell!

An avid fisherman, Buddy Merritt built what he perceived to be the perfect fishing boat. The first of his 37-footers were totally lacking the luxuries taken for granted today. They were built for one purpose: to raise and catch fish. In all, 13 of these famed 37-footers were built, and 12 survive to this day (one was lost to fire caused by stray fireworks while the boat was out of the water in a boat yard).

Our vessel is Hull #5, originally named Windsong, and built for Tore Hembe. In later years she was known as Barbara Jo, Caracal, Comparss Rose, Cheetah, Mistress, Thunder, Sportin’ Life, Sassy Lady and Old Lady. In November, 2005 she was sold and moved from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Stuart, Florida to undergo a complete restoration by Gamefisherman & named “Friendship” in Virginia Beach. She was then purchased by us and renamed “BENCHMARK” and located in Western Samoa where she fished for several years. She then traveled to Fiji and now is in Kona, Hawaii which is where she will stay – combing the flat calm Kona seas.