Saltwater fish have always been a bountiful legacy in the waters surrounding New Zealand. Blue water game fishing received world wide acclaim after Zane Grey's early visits and has grown in popularity ever since. Thousands of anglers from overseas are attracted each season. A quick glance through the INTERNATIONAL GAME FISH ASSOCIATION Record Book will show just how many records have been set in New Zealand waters.
By far the best offshore fishing takes place in the north with the Bay of Islands and Bay of Plenty well known to international anglers throughout the world. Both light and heavy tackle fishing are available. Though some species may be caught year around, it is the warm summer currents which attract the pelagic migration New Zealand is famous for.
Light Tackle: The hard fighting Kahawai grow to double figures in weight averaging about five pounds. These tough customers are strong fighters and eager takers making them a marvelous fly rod and light tackle species. Skippers look for schools of small bait fish around which the predatory kahawai are usually very numerous. Hitting a school of feeding Kahawai with light tackle can get the adrenalin going, the heart pumping and the arms aching! The Pacific yellowtail, called the kingfish by New Zealanders, reach world record proportions and are available in protected waters a short run from the dock. Yellowtail can be taken year around and they are highly sought after by anglers. There is also an abundance of Trevally and deep bodied, crimson hued snapper. Schools bonito are readily available.
Offshore: Early December through April, during the warmth of northern New Zealand's summer, is prime time to intercept the pelagic migrations of game fish. These are world record waters for striped marlin. Their size astounds even season veterans, with average weights twice the size of marlin from other known fisheries. These spectacular jumping speedsters epitomize the New Zealand offshore angling experience. There are also large numbers of yellowfin tuna. Available too are blue and black marlin, broadbill swordfish, albacore, shark and other species.
New Zealand's sport fishing cruisers are equipped with the finest tackle and latest electronic gear. Skippers are knowledgeable and friendly, but, best of all, they have the heart and gusto it takes to keep up the chase to find hot fishing for their anglers.
Accommodations: Range from good hotels to home stays and small fishermen's inns.
All very neat and clean. Food ranges from gourmet to home style with a wonderful selection of shellfish, lobster and fish dishes available.
Season: Year around. December through April for marlin and other migratory species.
- Kingfish Lodge, The Bay of Islands
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