About Big Fish Bay of Islands
Big Fish Bay of Islands is a specialist fishing charter focused on getting visitors onto the water for an authentic Bay of Islands fishing experience without the premium price tag of dedicated game fishing vessels. Operating a purpose-built Surtees 650 Gamefisher from Paihia, they run shared and private charters targeting the bay's plentiful snapper and kingfish — the two most sought-after table fish in New Zealand waters.
Shared charters accommodate up to four anglers, keeping group sizes small enough that everyone gets quality rod time. Half-day and full-day trips are available, with all tackle, bait, rigs, and safety gear provided. The skipper handles boat positioning, fish finding, and rigging, while coaching less experienced anglers on technique. Private charters offer exclusive use of the boat for families or groups who want a tailored itinerary — whether that is reef fishing, light-tackle jigging for kingfish, or simply cruising and fishing at a leisurely pace.
Big Fish fills an important niche in the Bay of Islands fishing scene. While the big game operators out of Russell target marlin at premium rates, Big Fish focuses on the excellent inshore and mid-range fishing that the bay is famous for — abundant snapper on soft-bait and slow-jig techniques, plus hard-fighting kingfish around the reef systems and pinnacles. Their accessible pricing and relaxed approach make them a top choice for first-time fishers, families, and visitors who want a genuine fishing trip rather than a spectator experience.
