The Bay of Plenty offers one of the best fishing experiences in all of Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether casting a line from the shore, heading out on a fishing charter or gathering shellfish, this is an angler and seafood lovers paradise. From the shore you can expect to catch Kahawai and Snapper or head out to the reefs for Trevally, Tarakihi, John Dory and Gurnard. If it is some bigger fish that you are after you can look forward to hooking Kingfish, Striped, Blue or Black Marlin (season dependant), as well as deepwater fish like Hapuka, Bass and Blue Nose.

FISHING FROM TAURANGA

Te Awanui (Tauranga Harbour) is one of New Zealand’s largest natural harbours stretching from Welcome Bay to Waihi. As New Zealand’s largest export port it can be a busy harbour. However, the number of wharfs, jetty’s and boat ramps allow easy access to some of the best fishing spots in the Bay of Plenty. You don’t even have to leave the Tauranga Harbour for some good fishing. Boats and kayaks are regularly seen on the harbour with lines in the water trying their luck. However, heading out of the harbour is where the most exciting fishing takes place. For a good overview of fishing in the Bay of Plenty check out NZ Fishing World.

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CHARTERS

Before deciding on a charter you first need to decide if you are looking for a private or public charter. Private charters are for groups who want to book out the whole boat. This is a great option for a boys fishing trip, end of year work function, fishing club excursion or maybe a day out for the whole family. Private charters generally charge per trip, not per person. So the cost can be divided by the number of people going on the trip. There will be a limit to numbers depending on the size of the boat.

Public tours are great for individuals, couples or groups who don’t mind joining others for the trip. This can also mean cheaper options depending on the type of fishing you are looking to do. It is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends who also enjoy a spot of fishing. Whether you are going private or public a good charter will offer all the gear you need so you just need to turn up with some snacks, a water bottle, warm jacket, and a sun hat ready to go fishing!

RECOMMENDED FISHING CHARTERS TAURANGA

TAURANGA MARINE CHARTERS

Tauranga Marine Charters offer a few charter options on their boat the MV Manutere. This includes Public and Private Charters with Reef or Hapuka Fishing. I have done a public day reef fishing charter with the friendly crew of this boat and had a fantastic time! Trevally was the fish of the day and we had our catch filleted ready for dinner before we were back onshore. I can personally recommend this as a great charter.

Public Charters can be booked for Reef Fishing or Hapuka Fishing trips. Prices start at $90 per adult for Reef Fishing and $180 for Hapuka Fishing Trips.

Private Charters include all-day, evening or overnight charters. Overnight charters leave around 6pm and anchor off Tuhua Island (Mayor Island) for a stay on board the MV Manutere. Prices start at $900 for a Reef Fishing evening (5 hour) trip and $1500 for a full day Hapuka Fishing (12 hours).

Reef Fishing makes for a really fun day out. Preferred reefs may change depending on which ones are producing the most fish at the time. These include the Penguins, Astrolabe Reef, the Pinnacles and the Okaparus. The most commonly targeting fish include Tarakihi, Snapper, John Dory, Trevally, and Kahawai. Other regularly caught fish may include Gurnard, Pink Mao Mao, Red Snapper and Porae.

Hapuka Fishing will have you fishing for deepwater species such as Hapuka, Bass, Bluenose, and Gemfish. Fishing the deep water knolls around Tauranga will provide the most challenging fishing which any keen angler will love.

For an extra cost, Tauranga Marine Charters can also provide rods, tackle, trace and bait. For more information them a call on (07) 5526 283 or check out their website.

NOMAD SPORT FISHING

BOTTOM FISHING CHARTERS

If bigger fish take your fancy then heading out to some deep water spots is where you can try your luck for Bluenose, Hapuka and Bass. Prices start from $2800.

GAME FISHING CHARTERS

Game fishing is something special and Nomads know the spots to help you hook that Marlin or Swordfish. Prices for game fishing charters start from $2200.

YELLOWTAIL KINGFISH FISHING CHARTERS

Nomads specialise in fishing for those crazy Yellow Tail Kingfish known to be one of the hardest fighting sportfish. They also offer bottom and game fishing charters. Although, they occasionally open up charters for single-seat public bookings to their mailing list subscribers their main business is private charters for up to 6 people.

As already mentioned, Yellow Tail Kingfish are this charters specialty. No matter what time of year they know where to find these challenging sportfish. Prices start from $2300.

If you are interested in a charter with Nomads then check out their easy to follow booking calendar to see what charters they have available. You will get more detail on specific charters and exact prices. If you are interested in single bookings then make sure you join their mailing list. Single bookings cost $500 per person. To get more information check out their website or give them a call on 07 542 4143.

THE ONCE IN A LIFETIME ‘BUCKET LIST’ FISHING CHARTER

Although this is not a charter that operates out of Tauranga, I had to make a mention of Coastal Fishing Charters. They offer THE BEST game fishing experience in the Bay of Plenty. This is the ultimate ‘bucket list’ fishing trip for any serious angler. Based in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Coastal Fishing Charters offer all year round charters to the renown Ranfurly Banks. This special location is known for some of the best game fishing in the world.

Charters run from Waihau Bay or Hicks Bay depending on the targeted species. Skipper Aaron has over 18 years of experience fishing these waters with an 8.6 Senator boat that is fully equipped to catch the big ones including marlin, yellowfin tuna as well as broadbill swordfish. Prices start at $2000 for a game fishing day trip (1-6 people). For more pricing information check out the Coastal Fishing Charters website or give them a call on 021 542 127.

For a complete guide on visiting Tauranga be sure to check out my Ultimate Travel Guide for Tauranga New Zealand.

OTHER LINKS THAT MAY INTEREST YOU:
Top 12 Things to do in Tauranga
Top Ten things to do in the Bay of Plenty
Explore the Karangahake Gorge
Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Sanctuary
Campgrounds in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa.

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