Kona Deep Sea Fishing Crew with Decades of Experience on the Water
Chuck Wigzell and his handpicked crew are experienced and our professionals in kona deep sea fishing. We pride ourselves on being able to work well with individuals, families and groups – and have a great time while doing so. It is our mission to create the best deep sea fishing experience in Hawaii. Our many years of experience, combined with a passion for what we do, ensure that you enjoy spending the day with us on the water, and that you’ll walk away with an adventure you’ll never forget. Once you depart the island of Kona on one of our boats, we’ll fish for blue marlin, stripe marlin, spearfish, mahi mahi, ono and tuna, among others. Join us year-round, and rest assured knowing that we offer full refunds if any cancellations occur due to weather or ocean conditions.
Captain Chuck Wigzell
Experienced Kona Fishing Charter Captain | Owner of Hooked Up Sportfishing
Looking for the best deep sea fishing experience in Kona, Hawaii? Meet Captain Chuck Wigzell, owner and operator of Hooked Up, one of the top-rated Kona fishing charters. With over 33 years of experience, Chuck has been fishing the world-famous waters off the Kona Coast since 1992—and his passion for fishing started long before that.
Originally from Oregon, Chuck moved to the Big Island of Hawaii in 1985 when he was 13 years old. His parents opened a now-legendary local restaurant, Pancho & Lefty’s Cantina, in downtown Kona. Growing up surrounded by the ocean and a love for fresh seafood, Chuck naturally found his calling on the water.
Although he returned to Oregon to attend Southern Oregon University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Chuck spent much of his free time fishing the Rogue River for salmon and steelhead. “I think I spent more time on the river than I did in class,” Chuck jokes. His skills were sharpened in both fresh and saltwater environments.
The foundation for Chuck’s professional fishing career was laid during the summer of 1992, when he and his brother began deep sea fishing in Kona for their family restaurant’s daily fresh catch using their father’s boat. That passion turned into a full-time career after graduation.
Today, Captain Chuck runs Hooked Up—a premier Kona sportfishing charter known for expert guidance, high catch rates, and a personalized, family-friendly experience. He and his wife, Beverley, live on the Big Island with their two children, Zac and Hana. And yes—Pancho & Lefty’s is still open and still serving fresh fish caught by Chuck himself.
Catch. Cook. Save.
Want to turn your catch into an unforgettable dinner? Book a trip with Captain Chuck, and you can bring your fish to Pancho & Lefty’s for a custom-cooked meal with a 20% discount—a true hook-to-plate experience in Kona.
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Captain Zachary Wigzell
Captain Zac Wigzell is the son of Captain Chuck Wigzell and has been fishing the waters off Kona, Hawaii his entire life. Growing up immersed in the fishing world, Zac quickly developed a passion for the ocean and big game fishing. At just 10 years old, he set a world record for the largest spearfish ever caught by a male in the 10-and-under division -an early sign of the waterman he was becoming.
Throughout his youth, Zac was a regular presence on the docks and on the boat, gaining hands-on experience and learning the craft from his father and many of the top captains who passed through kona during marlin season. He’s been a part of numerous successful marlin tournament teams, helping secure top placings and wins while working as a skilled and reliable crew member.
Zac graduated from Southern Oregon University in 2022 and returned to Kona to fish full-time. Since then, he’s been working aboartd Hooked Up and Ez Pickens, continuing the family tradition and refining his skills as both a fisherman and a leader on the water. He earned his 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license shortly after turning 19, further cementing his professional credentials at a young age.
During his first summer break from college, Zac captained a manta ray tour boat, guiding guests on night dives while his sister, Hana Wigzell, served as his first mate and snorkel guide. This experience gave Zac a additional responsibility and confidence on the water outside of the fishing world.
Today, Zac combines his lifelong passion, technical skills and years of experience to help deliver unforgettable fishing adventures for guests. Whether chasing blue marlin or handling hte deck with precision, Zac brings energy, focus, and a deep love for the ocean to every trip.
Captain Griffin Doyle
Captain Griffin came to Kona in 2012 to pursue his passion of free diving and spearfishing. Known for its world class dive spots, Kona was the perfect place to sharpen his skills. While exploring the reefs, Griffin began trolling lures on his way to and from dive spots-sparking his interest in big game fishing. Captain Chuck noticed Griffin was always out on the water in his skiff and asked, “You want to get paid to be on the water?” With his son away at college, Chuck needed a reliable crew member-and Griffin jumped at the opportunity. He’s been hooked ever since.
