Private & Small Group Fishing Charters – Bay of Islands
Big Fish Bay of Islands specialise in personalised fishing adventures, departing Paihia and Russell daily.
Book the boat and customise your perfect fishing adventure, or join one of our shared fishing charters for snapper and kingfish, departing Paihia and Russell daily.
We take small groups of up to four people fishing on our purpose-built Surtees 650 Gamefisher. So you enjoy more personalised service, more time with your line in the water, and more chance to catch the big one.
Family Fish and Play
Book the whole boat for your family or small group and customise your 5-hour trip.
Head out for a bottom fish, targeting snapper catch enough for dinner or lunch, then check out the inner islands of the bay. Stopover on one of our many pristine beaches and either go for a walk, swim or snorkel for the rest of the trip.
Experience the best the bay has to offer by getting out to those islands only accessible by boat.
We take small groups of a maximum of five persons, giving you a personalised adventure in the Bay of Islands for just you and your family.
Cost: $750 Private charter for up to four only.
Duration: 5 hours
Departure: 7.00 am from Russell, Paihia or Waitangi
Half Day Snapper Charter
An action-packed 4 hour fishing trip targeting New Zealand’s most popular table fish.
Perfect for families and groups of up to 4 people, the ‘Snapper Slayer’ trip – as we like to call it – is all about chasing those big bottom dwellers that the Bay of Islands is famous for.
Whether you’re a novice angler or a seasoned snapper slayer yourself, we’ll customise your snapper fishing charter to your requirements with a range of tackle options and expert tuition.
While we focus on catching snapper, there’s plenty of other species lurking in the same spots, including the fun-to-catch kahawai, delicious john dory and tasty trevally. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and other marine life along the way, as you experience the stunning scenery of the Bay of Islands.
With daily morning departures from Paihia or Russell, the Snapper Slayer fishing charter is guaranteed fun for all ages and abilities. Book now and you could come home with dinner or catch the snapper of a lifetime – or both!
Cost: $700 Private Charter for up to 4 people
Duration: 4 hours
Departure: Morning only from Paihia, Russell or Waitangi
Kingfish & Snapper Charter
A 6 hour fishing charter where hard-fighting kingfish and trophy snapper are our game.
Book the boat or join a shared Bay of Islands fishing charter and experience some of the finest saltwater fishing New Zealand has to offer. With a maximum group size of 4 people, you’re guaranteed the best chance of catching the revered kingfish, or a big trophy snapper.
We’ll start by departing early to catch jack mackerel and other live baits, and then head out to the deeper reefs or huge bait schools in the middle grounds in search of our target species.
With top quality Shimano gear and expert tuition if you need it, there’s nothing to stop you from catching the fish of a lifetime. Can you handle the fast and furious Bay of Islands kingfish? Book now and find out!
Cost:
$1,100 Private Charter for up to 4 people
Duration: 6 hours
Departure: 7am from Paihia, Russell or Waitangi. Bring lunch and a jacket
Full Day Custom Charter
Book the whole boat for you and your mates, and customise your own epic 8 hour fishing trip.
Snapper, kingfish or a combination of fishing, sightseeing and island stops… It’s entirely up to you when you book a full day custom charter in the Bay of Islands with us.
Our Surtees 650 Gamefisher is the perfect platform for any type of fishing trip, whether you’re chasing your first kingfish, or enjoying a day out with the family.
We take small groups of a maximum of 4 people, giving you the best possible chance to catch the big one. Kitted out with the latest Furuno electronics and top quality Shimano gear, plus an electric flush toilet, our boat may be compact but it’s extremely well equipped.
A full day custom charter is a great option for families, corporate functions and private parties. Whatever your dream fishing adventure in the Bay of Islands – we can make it a reality.
Cost: $1,600 Private Charter for up to 4 people
Duration: 8 hours
Departure: 7am from Paihia, Russell or Waitangi. Packed lunch and drinks available on request
VIP Fishing Adventure
Don’t like sharing? Book the boat to yourself for a 6 hour personalised fishing adventure.
Get the VIP treatment with a customised fishing adventure for one. This fully personalised fishing charter is all about making your dream fishing adventure a reality.
Whether you’re going for a personal best snapper or kingfish, trying a new technique like jigging or softbaiting, or you’ve got your mind set on an IGFA light tackle record, it’s all possible on the VIP fishing adventure. Tell us what you want to do and your experienced Skipper Derek will pull out all the stops to make it happen.
Let us guide you on an unforgettable journey fishing in some of the most scenic areas in the Bay of Islands – the ‘Angler’s Eldorado’.
Cost: Seasonal Special Price!
$645 Private Charter for 1 person
Add a fishing buddy for $100 (max. 2 people fishing)
Duration: 6 hours
Departure: Whenever you’re ready from Paihia, Russell or Waitangi
*does not include Big Game fishing
Bay of Islands Water Taxi
Hire us for your own private water taxi, island shuttles or tours of the beautiful Bay of Islands.
Experience the best of the Bay of Islands by getting to the parts only accessible by water. Visit Urupukapuka Island, among others, to explore the many DOC walking tracks – the perfect day out for nature lovers, bird watchers and photographers.
Our Bay of Islands water taxi service is also perfect for weddings and special events.
Cost: Hourly rate $195.
Minimum 2 hours. Max 6 people per trip.
General Information for all Fishing Charters
- Departure time is 7am for all trips except VIP Fishing Adventure which has a flexible departure – please ask for more details.
- Pick up is from Paihia Wharf, Russell Wharf or Waitangi Wharf – please make sure we know which of these locations we will be collecting you from.
- Remember to bring sunscreen and a hat. Also please bring enough clothes to stay warm and dry if weather conditions should change.
- Please bring a packed lunch or ask about lunch options at least 24 hours before your trip. We do provide tea, coffee and some light snacks as part of your trip.
For full details please view our Terms & Conditions or if you have any questions please contact us.
