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Saltwater Fishing Overview - The Best of New Zealand Fly Fishing
Saltwater fishing in New Zealand first drew worldwide acclaim after author Zane Grey's visits in the 20's. It has grown in popularity ever since. Although certain gamefish can be caught throughout the year, it is the warm summer (January through March is the summer season downunder) currents that attract New Zealand's famous pelagic migrations. Early December through April is the prime time to catch the Striped Marlin. |
The banning of Asian longline fishing boats in the late 80's, the prohibition in 1990 of the commercial sale of swordfish in New Zealand and the commencement of a serious "tag and release" program have substantially helped to raise the number of billfish caught each year. |
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Austin Musselman Nashville, TN |
Another factor contributing to the improvement in the number of billfish caught in New Zealand has been the discovery of an incredibly rich marlin fishery, The Three Kings, located 37 nautical miles northwest of Cape Reinga. The Three Kings consists of an isolated smattering of exposed islands and rocks and is one of the most productive marlin grounds in the world. Those who have fished the area tell of multi-marlin hookups and a catch of up to ten billfish a day. |
With its thousands of miles of coastline, New Zealand also offers some of the best and most diverse inshore "light tackle" saltwater fishing to challenge the angler. Tossing bait and lures, fly fishing, or jigging offers something for everyone regardless of limitations as to time, budget or prevailing weather. New Zealand even offers "helifishing", helicoptering to a remote island to fish where few have ever wet a line. |
Cynthia DeFelice Geneva, NY 
Ralph DeFelice Geneva, NY |
Saltwater Fishing in the Bay of Islands |
The king of light tackle fishing is aptly named the yellowtail kingfish. It exists in world record proportions and is usually eager to test an angler's tackle and ability. Many other great sportfish such as albacore and bonito are also present in large numbers. Trevally and snapper are abundant and tenacious fighters. They are delicious eating as well.
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A local sea trout species, kahawai, is considered the best all around sportfish, especially for the fly fisher. Kahawai grow to double digits in weight, but generally average five pounds. The kahawai move in large schools following smaller baitfish and create a boiling mass when feeding. A cast into the feeding frenzy usually results in a savage take and an ensuing battle to land the fish.
Jim McDonald with Kahawai (below) and Snapper (right) |
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New Zealand has been slow to offer a quality saltwater fly fishing experience, but now Dudley Smith, a skipper for over 15 years, has the boat and knowledge to offer a memorable saltwater fly fishing trip in the North Island's beautiful Bay of Islands. |
Dud's 32 ft. boat, "Triple B", has many excellent features to ensure a quality fishing experience using fly fishing and/or light tackle spinning gear. The boat has top quality fly fishing equipment and first class light tackle rods & reels on board for your use. An experienced deckhand along with Capt. Dudley looks after guests aboard the "Triple B". |
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Tackle
We supply all tackle on charters but if you want to bring your own we suggest the following:
- Ultra Light - 1 kg and 2 kg spinning gear.
- Light Tackle - 4 kg to 10 kg spinning and jigging outfits.
- Saltwater Fly - No. 8 to 12 rod/large capacity reel.
- Big Game - 15 kg to 36 kg game gear.
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Lures
These are available from our tackle shop but bring your favorite lures. For big game trolling lures such as Kona Heads and Jets work on our Marlin. For small Tuna and Kingfish Rapala type lures and high speed trolling lures are suitable. Lures for light tackle fishing should include Buzz Bombs, Stingsilda and Mr Twister lures.
There is some great fising to be experienced in the Bay of Islands every day of the year and we believe we can show you the best of it. |
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