Meet The Crew

Captain: Russell Tanaka

Russell Tanaka, whose talents many captains’ worldwide aspire to attain, is the heart and soul of Magic Sport Fishing. At the young age of 9, he caught his very first Blue Marlin and ten years later began running his own boat, called The Mary I (Mary “Eye”). In 1995 Russell moved on to the Charter industry, becoming Captain of the Magic, which would soon become the best kept secret in Hawaii fishing. Year after year Capt. Russell has maintained and upgraded her to his most prestigious standards, uncomparable to any other fishing vessel offered on Oahu.

Capt. Russell goes beyond the industry standards, performing meticulously and to his best ability every single trip. His methodical attention to every detail, is reflected by a quiet disposition, Magic’s beauty and performance, our diligent crew, right down to the gear we use. With eyes constantly scanning the seas for signs of fish, he holds a 90-95% catch rate. Every daily ritual before, during, and after a fishing trip serves a purpose.. to produce fish. You will not find a smarter, harder working Captain or crew anywhere in the Sport Fishing world. There’s no “cutting corners” here with Magic. Need proof? Read on.

The most Yellowfin Tuna weighing over 100 lbs every year, since 1981

The most Blue/Striped Marlin since 1996

The most fish weighing 100+ lbs every year, since 1991

The most fish weighing over 1,000 lbs (1,174/1,106/1,032 lbs.)

Twelve days with 10+ Yellowfin Tuna weighing over 100 lbs.

The most Yellowfin Tuna caught in a day, on three occasions (14, 16, and 17 Tuna)

The most Mahimahi (Dorado) in one day (147)

The most Blue Marlin in a day (7)

In two consecutive days, Magic brought in 6 Blue Marlin; [2] 538 & 425 lbs then [4] from 180 – 287 lbs!

He holds the distinction of being the only Captain in two different tournaments whose fish weighed in at over 1,000 lbs!
“The largest Blue Marlin in the 1997 Lahaina Jackpot Tournament, weighing 1,106 lbs.” This fish was also the largest Blue Marlin to be weighed in a tournament where two other fish were brought in that same day, at over 1,100 lbs!

No matter the day, no matter the season.. Capt. Russell will seek out whatever fish are in the area. All those achievements and numbers are by no means the only ones accredited to him. Being a humble man in this business, you would be hard-pressed to learn them from him. He is fully aware of his capabilites and doesn’t feel the need to elaborate. What he will do is give his best efforts on every trip, even if it means staying out a bit later. So we hope you won’t make any dinner plans or have a flight to catch, because he will not cut off any fish.

Here at Magic, we recommend our Full Day trips. In fact, Capt. Russell believes even 8 hours of fishing just isn’t long enough. Exclusive Charters take precedence over other trips, and anything shorter than a Full Day may be moved to another date or placed on one of few boats we work with in the same harbor. “Why?”, you ask. The answer simply is, he feels that if you’re going to pay for his time and experience, it had better be time enough to for your best chance at catching fish. It doesn’t make sense to spend 4-6 hours travelling and chasing trophy fish.

So much more could be written about Capt. Russell’s experience at sea. The best way to find out more is to get your reservation in and ask him personally.

The Crew: Chris Hall

Chris, one of the crew on Magic, began his sport fishing career on the 38′ Bertram charterboat fishing out of Kewalo Basin in Honolulu, Hawaii. His first trip on a charter boat was at the age of 8. His exposure at an early age to deep sea fishing chasing after blue marlin, striped marlin, yellowfin tuna (Ahi), dolphin (Mahi-mahi), wahoo (Ono), and skipjack tuna (aku), set the stage for a lifetime of fishing for a living.

Knowing that this was his chosen career, Chris set out to get his U.S. Coast Guard certified 100 ton Masters license which is not an easy task. After gaining his license in 2000 Chris began running a few of the charterboats out of the same harbor as Magic, and still works as a captain part time on one of those boats when Eric (the other crew on Magic) is working. You can tell where his interests lie due to the fact that he fishes on Magic and has a Captains license.

After proving himself as a competent fisherman and a solid person to have on a boat, Captain Russell asked Chris if he would like to work as crew on Magic. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to fish with and learn from Captain Russell, Chris accepted the job and hit the ground running.

His largest fish so far is a 768lb blue marlin caught with Captain Russell on October 22, 2004, and another 735lb blue marlin caught on July 20, 2004 again with Captain Russell. Some of his outstanding days include a pair of blue marlin weighing 538lbs and 425lbs in the same day, followed by 4 blue marlin that weighed between 180-287lbs the next day in March 2004. He has had multiple days with 20 Mahi-mahi in the boat. A 600lb blue marlin was also brought in with Chris as crew in 2004, and another weighing 502lbs in February 2004.

A very humble guy, Chris is a very competent crew. Many boat owners would gladly have Chris run their boats because he takes his job seriously. This means taking care of the customers, the boat, and producing as much fish as possible to ensure a good trip is had by all that board Magic to chase their dream of catching a trophy.

Captain Victor Street

Weekend, Holiday, and Relief Captain — “Magic” Sportfishing

Captain Victor Street is a seasoned master mariner with over 20 years of dedicated deep-sea fishing pedigree in the Pacific. As the weekend, holiday, and primary relief captain for the legendary charter vessel “Magic”, Captain Victor ensures that the boat’s elite, high-yield standards are seamlessly and uncompromisingly maintained whenever Lead Captain Russell Tanaka is ashore.

Recognized for his meticulous preparation, unmatched safety standards, and high-energy coaching style, Captain Victor is dedicated to delivering the offshore trip of a lifetime, keeping the exact same high-standard techniques and elite fishing experience that clients expect from Captain Russell.

In 2023, Captain Victor officially joined the Magic family. His transition was marked by intensive, direct mentorship under the legendary Captain Russell Tanaka. This was not merely an onboarding process, but a masterclass in replicating the precise formulas that have built the vessel’s multi-decade reputation.
- Identical Rigging & Preparation: Victor utilizes the exact same meticulous knot-tying, tackle setups, and custom gear configurations perfected by Captain Russell over decades.
- Mirrored Fish Finding Techniques: From bird-reading and water temperature analysis to executing trolling patterns, Captain Victor navigates the ocean with the same high-standard strategic lens.
- Uncompromising Standards: Guests can step aboard with total confidence, knowing that the “Magic” standard remains completely unbroken. Whether Captain Russell or Captain Victor is at the helm, the target selection, safety protocols, and elite customer service are identical.
Captain Victor’s journey to command is built on a foundation of hard work, discipline, and a deep respect for the ocean.
- 1995 – 2000: The Apprenticeship (Deck Hand)
  Victor began his professional maritime career spending five grueling but rewarding years as an elite deck hand. During this pivotal period, he mastered the fundamentals of blue-water seamanship, terminal tackle rigging, live-bait presentation, and passenger safety.
- 2000 – 2023: Refined Command (Weekend Captain)
  With his captain’s license secured, Victor spent over two decades commanding vessels for two of the region’s premier sportfishing charter operations. Operating as a weekend captain, he developed an intimate knowledge of local bathymetry, current breaks, bird behavior, and seasonal fish migration patterns.
- 2023 – Present: Maintaining the Elite Standard
  Stepping in as the primary backup and holiday captain for the Magic, fully carrying forward Captain Russell’s legendary fishing ethos.
Captain Victor is a highly versatile predator of the deep, specializing in big-game heavy tackle and fast-trolling surface tactics. His career is highlighted by numerous high-yield days targeting the Pacific’s most prized game fish:
- Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi): A master of locating and working bird piles and temperature breaks to land multiple massive Ahi on single charters.
- Pacific Blue Marlin: Expert in big-game spread patterns, teasers, and heavy-tackle boat handling to successfully fight and release legendary billfish.
- Mahi Mahi & Ono (Wahoo): Highly skilled in running high-speed trolling spreads along debris lines, drop-offs, and deep ledges.

🌊 Meet the Crew of the Magic

To maintain the highest catch rate in the Kewalo Basin fleet, a captain needs a deck crew that operates with absolute precision, intense work ethic, and unmatched local knowledge. Under the leadership of Captain Russell Tanaka, deckhand Austin and Jake form the backbone of the Magic’s daily operations.

The Double-Deckhand Advantage:
While most other charter companies cut corners and run with only one deckhand, at Magic Sportfishing we believe your safety, comfort, and success deserve the highest level of service. That is why we run our charters with a dedicated team of two professional deckhands. Having both Austin and Jake on the deck means you get twice the attention, seamless line management, and maximum safety when fighting Hawaii’s monster game fish.

What truly sets Austin and Jake apart is their world-class hospitality. They understand that a charter is more than just catching fish, it is a bucket-list experience. From the moment you step aboard, they treat you like family, ensuring your comfort, safety, and enjoyment are prioritized every second of the trip. Whether they are guiding seasoned tournament anglers or coaching families with young kids through their very first hookup, Austin and Jake are highly praised by guests for their warmth, friendliness, and incredible client care.

🎣 Austin

Lead Deckhand & Designated Leader Man

The Leader Man: When a giant Ahi or a heavy Marlin is finally brought near the boat, Austin takes over one of the most critical and dangerous jobs offshore: handling the wire. Utilizing a calm, precise hand-over-hand technique, he controls the leader to safely guide raging game fish right to the gunwale.
Elite Client Care: Austin is deeply committed to the guest experience. He greets every client with a warm aloha spirit, instantly putting beginners and children at ease. He is highly praised for his patient, clear, and encouraging coaching style, acting as your personal guide and biggest cheerleader from the moment a reel screams to the second the fish is on the deck.
Discipline & Precision: Austin operates the deck with the kind of meticulous discipline Captain Russell is famous for. He is highly regarded for keeping the vessel’s top-tier Shimano gear flawlessly prepped and the deck immaculately clean.
Deep-Sea Intuition: Having worked countless hours in Oahu’s deep waters, Austin has developed a keen eye for spotting surface activity, tracking birds, and anticipating exactly when and where the next big strike will happen.

⚓ Jake

Deckhand & Lead Gaff Specialist

The Gaff Man (The Closer): Jake is the closer of the operation. The moment Austin guides a trophy fish alongside the vessel, Jake steps in. With a sharp eye, steady hand, and perfect timing, he ensures a clean, decisive gaff shot every single time, eliminating the risk of a lost fish at the transom.
Hospitality & Safety First: Jake’s friendly demeanor, easygoing nature, and sharp wit make him a favorite among charter guests. He is incredibly attentive to guest comfort, making sure everyone is hydrated, safe, and having the time of their lives. He treats every single client like a lifelong friend, ensuring the vibe on the boat is always fun, positive, and high-energy.
Relentless Work Ethic: Jake is known for his relentless motor and positive, upbeat attitude. He treats every single charter like a high-stakes tournament, working tirelessly from dock-to-dock to ensure lines are clear, baits are fresh, and the action never stops.
Master of the Catch: From that crucial final gaff strike to executing clean, professional filleting on the dock, Jake’s attention to detail ensures that guests go home with both unforgettable memories and pristine, table-ready cuts of their target catches.

🏆 The Magic Sportfishing Standard

Our two-deckhand system guarantees an experience that standard single-deckhand boats simply cannot match:

Feature	*The Magic* Standard (2 Deckhands)**	Standard Charter Boats (1 Deckhand)
Fish Landing Safety	Maximum. One dedicated deckhand controls the wire (Austin) while the other secures the catch with the gaff (Jake).	High Risk. A single deckhand must dangerously attempt to wire and gaff a large fish simultaneously.
Client Coaching	1-on-1 Attention. One mate can coach the angler while the other manages the rest of the deck and guests.	Divided Attention. The lone deckhand is split between fighting the fish and watching the safety of the rest of the boat.
Line Management	Flawless. Two sets of hands ensure massive spreads of 5 to 7 lines are cleared instantly during a hookup.	Delayed. Hookups can lead to messy tangles as one person struggles to clear the deck alone.
Hospitality & Comfort	First-Class. You are fully hosted, catered to, and kept comfortable for the entire duration of the trip.	Basic. The deckhand is often too busy with boat duties to focus heavily on guest hospitality.