Target Charters offers action packed trips around lucrative fisheries of the Bay of Islands, NZ. These waters are known around the world for Marlin. Striped, Black, and Blue―their season runs from late December until May, but peaks from February through April. Yet, that’s not all. Snapper and Kingfish can be readily caught here.

Target Charters has a seasoned captain and professional crew to help you land your dream catch. They know the local waters, and will prepare for the trip, to select the best lures, lines, and tackle.

You will join the crew onboard their John Wade offshore sport fishing boat. She is powered by a 315 HP Cummins engine, and can cruise at the speeds of up to 22 knots. The boat can take up to eight anglers. She is rigged with marine electronics, has a cosy sheltered cabin with lounge seating. There is also a fully private onboard marine toilet. Anglers will find AC, a galley, live bait well, outriggers, and a fighting chair. You get it―this is a boat fit to fish for big game!

Once onboard, the crew will supply you with rods, reels, and tackle. They will also get the lures and live bait, depending on your target. The fishing license is included in the trip.

You will want to bring a camera, sunblock, sunglasses, a cap. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear, as you will need to be able to move easily the action starts. Pack food and drinks. Kids are welcome onboard. If prone to seasickness or if you haven’t been on a boat before, it might be a good idea to consider taking medication beforehand.

When you’re ready to go, come go after that fish!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Shared trip
    Half Day Trip (AM) - Snapper
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $206
    This is a great way to start your morning. Snapper is a must when fishing in New Zealand. The Bay of Islands in NZ offers plenty of good fishing spots amongst the islands to catch these well sought after eating fish. They can be anything from 2lbs up to over 30lbs. Imagine if you got the big one! The crew will supply the fishing gear, and the license. You should pack food, and soft drinks, and put on sunblock, sunglasses, and a cap. Dress comfortably, and take your camera!
  • Shared trip
    Half Day Trip (PM) - Snapper
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    $206
    Spend an afternoon going after tasty Snapper. You don't want to miss fishing for it when in NZ. Luckily, these waters offer plenty of good fishing spots. Here, Snapper can be anything from 2lbs up to over 30lbs. Imagine if you got the big one! Don't forget the camera! The crew will provide the fishing gear and the license. You should pack food, and soft drinks, and put on sunblock, sunglasses, and a cap. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear, and be ready when the chase starts!
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip - Kingfish
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    $376
    Experience the thrill of catching one of these amazing fighting fish! You will have enough time for your outing. If you want some fun and want to try your hand at this challenging fish, then book your date. Kingi can weigh between 10lb to 40lb (if you are lucky), and are a great eating fish. The crew will provide the gear and license. Bring food, drinks, a camera, sunglasses, a cap, sunblock, and comfortable clothes. Then hop onboard, and have a blast!
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Sole Snapper
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $728
    Enjoy a 4-hour private Snapper charter out in the beautiful Bay of Islands with just yourself or a group of family or friends. All bait and tackle provided along with tea/coffee on board. Bring your own snacks and cold refreshments along with warm clothing. Enjoy having your catch filleted and ready for dinner!
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip - Marlin Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - May 1
    $1,334
    The Bay of Islands is world famous for Marlin. Here you will find Striped Marlin in abundance, but can also come across Blue and Black Marlin. Paihia is just one of their playgrounds. Marlin have a limited season and generally you can catch them from December through until May although February to April would be the best months. The crew will provide gear and permit, so you should pack food, drinks, sunblock, a cap, sunglasses, and dress for the chase.
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FAQs about Target Charters

Target Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • NZ $170 per person - Half Day Trip (AM) - Snapper (4 hours)
  • NZ $170 per person - Half Day Trip (PM) - Snapper (4 hours)
  • NZ $310 per person - 3/4 Day Trip - Kingfish (6 hours)
  • NZ $1,200 per group - Half Day Trip – Sole Snapper (4 hours)
  • NZ $2,200 per group - Full Day Trip - Marlin Fishing (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Target Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Fighting Chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge
  • Live Bait Well
  • Kitchen
  • Outriggers
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Target Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First Mate
  • Fishing License

Target Charters offers the following type of fishing:
  • Offshore Fishing

Target Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Target Charters include:
  • Marlin (Black)
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Marlin (Striped)
  • Snapper (Pink)
  • Yellowtail Amberjack

About the Charter Operator

Ross Taylor
Paihia, New Zealand
ID & License verified
43 Customer reviews
Response time 1 hour
Member since December 2014
Having had a love of fishing for over 40 years, and owning my own aluminum boat, I came across an opportunity to buy a charter boat. So, with a life style change and relocating to the Bay of Islands in New Zealand, my wife and I bought Target Charters about 14 years ago and continue to operate in the Bay.

About this listing

Targeted species

Marlin (Black) Black Marlin
Marlin (Blue) Blue Marlin
Marlin (Striped) Striped Marlin
Snapper (Pink) Pink Snapper

Boat specs

John Wade design (Offshore sport fishing) originally built in 1989. Powered by a 315HP Cummins engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 22 knots.

Length
36 ft
Capacity
8 persons

Types of fishing

Offshore Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
Fighting Chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live Bait Well

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First Mate
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Bank Transfer

Paihia Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating Summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 43 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (28)
Kingfish trip
Half day with Skipper Ross & Rick
Half day birthday snapper trip
+25
Angler Rating
30
8
1
1
0
Anglers Claimed
Good experience
92%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
86%
Appropriate for children
81%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Catch intended fish
68%
Sort By:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 43 reviews
Erick D.
Melbourne, VIC
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip with target fishing charters

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) - Snapper on December 27, 2022
My family and I had an excellent morning fishing with target. We ended up catching 14 keepable snapper between 7 of us which...
Erick D. recommends Target Charters
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  Ross Taylor Charter Operator replied

Brian P.
Kaikohe, New Zealand
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Ross

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) - Snapper on February 25, 2023
Thankyou for the amazing trip. It was fun great vibe and are already keen to book another one
Brian P. recommends Target Charters
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  Ross Taylor Charter Operator replied

Ruoyun Q.
Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Kingfish trip

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip - Kingfish on January 8, 2023
Wonderful experience, 5 times heavy bite by kingfish, never experienced so exciting fishing before.
Ruoyun Q. recommends Target Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Ross Taylor Charter Operator replied

Jeffrey M.
Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Skipper Ross & Rick

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip – Sole Snapper on March 19, 2022
Had an awesome morning out with this charter, we caught some good size snapper and kawai, boat has plenty of deck space for...
Jeffrey M. recommends Target Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Ross Taylor Charter Operator replied

Peter M.
Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day birthday snapper trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) - Snapper on January 23, 2021
Ross & Rick have a wealth of knowledge of the area and made the trip an excellent experience, they also helped us to catch...
Peter M. recommends Target Charters
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3 persons find this review helpful
You and 3 people found this review helpful
  Ross Taylor Charter Operator replied