Target Charters 

4.8/5 (65 reviews)
 Marsden Road, Paihia, 0200, New Zealand

Target Charters 

4.8/5 (65 reviews)
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Marsden Road
Paihia, New Zealand

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!

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Rating

4.8
65 reviews
5
50
4
9
3
1
2
1
1
0
4.7
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (50)

A smiling angler proudly displays a Snapper while fishing with family on a sunny day at sea.
Two anglers proudly displaying their Snapper catch aboard a fishing boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
Group of anglers enjoying a fishing trip on a boat, showcasing camaraderie and excitement in a scenic setting.
Two anglers aboard a fishing boat, with one pointing out towards the water, indicating an active fishing environment.
A proud angler holding a large Snapper while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
An angler holding a large fish on a boat, showcasing a successful catch during a fishing trip.
+44

What anglers say

92%
Great experience
85%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
89%
Recommended
87%
Caught fish

All reviews (65)

Filter
Showing 15 of 65 reviews
David Templeton
David Templeton
5.0
Verified
FISH ON!!
Half Day Trip – Sole Snapper on November 13, 20252 adults
We had a fantastic fishing trip.The weather was perfect and Captain Ross and his First Mate Harley couldn't do enough make us welcome. Ross put us straight on to the fish. My partner, Carol, had never fished before and Ross and Harley coached and helped her all the way and she was soon catching fish like a pro. We soon caught enough keepers, as we still had plenty of time Ross took us for a tour of some of the Ilands and a stop over at Otehei Bay which was beautiful. Ross also suggested going to Oceans 68 Fish and Chip shop who cooked some of our catch for us beautiful!! Nothing better than fresh caugt fish. Thank you Ross and Harley.
Reported catch:
Red Emperor Snapper
Response from Captain
November 14, 2025
Thanks for the awesome review David it was our pleasure to get you both out on the water and great you got to catch sone nice snapper to enjoy later for dinner. enjoy the rest of your adventures in NZ. Cheers Ross
0
Leigh Davy
Leigh Davy
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Ross
Custom 4 hr snapper charter on December 20, 20252 adults
We loved that we only had to travel for 20mins and we were on the fish. Thanks for allowing me to catch my first Kingfish and John Dory, especially on my Birthday. A relaxed and enjoyable fishing trip that was fun and friendly, thanks for a great day out. 😊
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Response from Captain
December 21, 2025
Thanks Leigh great to hear you enjoyed your day out fishing in the Bay of Islands and caught some nice fish. we welcome you back anytime 🐠
0
Steven Porter
Steven Porter
5.0
Verified
great half day fishing
Half Day Trip (AM) - Snapper on January 12, 20262 adults2 children
this was my daughter's first fishing trip. she had a great time. She caught 3 snappers that were keepers and a trevally and caught half a dozen small snapper that went back in. Ross and Harley were great. thanks for a brilliant day.
A smiling angler proudly displays a Snapper while fishing with family on a sunny day at sea.
Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Response from Captain
January 20, 2026
Thanks Steven happy to hear you and your family enjoyed your day onboard and especially your daughter catching so many fish. it wad a pleasure having you all onboard
0
Eric Ostertag
Eric Ostertag
5.0
Verified
Perfect in every way
Half Day Trip – Sole Snapper on November 15, 20253 adults1 child
Perfect trip. As requested it was a short trip in calmer waters in order to accommodate our family members prone to seasickness. Captain got us on the fish immediately. Everyone had a great time and nobody got sick!
Response from Captain
November 15, 2025
Thanks Eric for the great review we are very pleased you all enjoyed your mornjng with fish to take home for dinner. Enjoy your stay Northland NZ
0
Marley-Ana Maiava
Marley-Ana Maiava
5.0
Verified
Best Experience
Half Day Trip – Sole Snapper on August 22, 20258 adults
Had the best experience with this charter! Ross and Harley were absolutely awesome, easy to find, taught me (who doesn't go fishing) how to catch and reel in a FAT snapper! Never thought i would like fishing, but after being on that, I would definitely go again. Best weather, best crew, great laughs, Best experience !👌
Group of anglers enjoying a fishing trip on a boat, showcasing camaraderie and excitement in a scenic setting.
Two anglers aboard a fishing boat, with one pointing out towards the water, indicating an active fishing environment.
A proud angler holding a large Snapper while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Response from Captain
August 24, 2025
Thank you for your great review much appreciated we had a great time and plenty of good banter and laughs and a nice lot of fish onboard. Welcome you back any time many thanks Ross Target Charters
0

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
May 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half Day Trip (AM) - Snapper
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 7:30 AM
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US $226
Shared tour: 2 people
3/4 Day Trip - Kingfish
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 6:00 AM
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US $417
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip – Sole Snapper
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 7:30 AM
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US $775
Entire boat: up to 8 people
Full Day Trip - Marlin Fishing
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jan 1 - May 1
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US $1,430
Entire boat: up to 8 people
There are 6 people looking at this charter.

Rating

4.8
65 reviews
5
50
4
9
3
1
2
1
1
0
4.7
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (50)

A smiling angler proudly displays a Snapper while fishing with family on a sunny day at sea.
Two anglers proudly displaying their Snapper catch aboard a fishing boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
Group of anglers enjoying a fishing trip on a boat, showcasing camaraderie and excitement in a scenic setting.
Two anglers aboard a fishing boat, with one pointing out towards the water, indicating an active fishing environment.
A proud angler holding a large Snapper while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
An angler holding a large fish on a boat, showcasing a successful catch during a fishing trip.
+44

What anglers say

92%
Great experience
85%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
89%
Recommended
87%
Caught fish

All reviews (65)

Filter
Showing 15 of 65 reviews
David Templeton
David Templeton
5.0
Verified
FISH ON!!
Half Day Trip – Sole Snapper on November 13, 20252 adults
We had a fantastic fishing trip.The weather was perfect and Captain Ross and his First Mate Harley couldn't do enough make us welcome. Ross put us straight on to the fish. My partner, Carol, had never fished before and Ross and Harley coached and helped her all the way and she was soon catching fish like a pro. We soon caught enough keepers, as we still had plenty of time Ross took us for a tour of some of the Ilands and a stop over at Otehei Bay which was beautiful. Ross also suggested going to Oceans 68 Fish and Chip shop who cooked some of our catch for us beautiful!! Nothing better than fresh caugt fish. Thank you Ross and Harley.
Reported catch:
Red Emperor Snapper
Response from Captain
November 14, 2025
Thanks for the awesome review David it was our pleasure to get you both out on the water and great you got to catch sone nice snapper to enjoy later for dinner. enjoy the rest of your adventures in NZ. Cheers Ross
0
Leigh Davy
Leigh Davy
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Ross
Custom 4 hr snapper charter on December 20, 20252 adults
We loved that we only had to travel for 20mins and we were on the fish. Thanks for allowing me to catch my first Kingfish and John Dory, especially on my Birthday. A relaxed and enjoyable fishing trip that was fun and friendly, thanks for a great day out. 😊
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Response from Captain
December 21, 2025
Thanks Leigh great to hear you enjoyed your day out fishing in the Bay of Islands and caught some nice fish. we welcome you back anytime 🐠
0
Steven Porter
Steven Porter
5.0
Verified
great half day fishing
Half Day Trip (AM) - Snapper on January 12, 20262 adults2 children
this was my daughter's first fishing trip. she had a great time. She caught 3 snappers that were keepers and a trevally and caught half a dozen small snapper that went back in. Ross and Harley were great. thanks for a brilliant day.
A smiling angler proudly displays a Snapper while fishing with family on a sunny day at sea.
Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Response from Captain
January 20, 2026
Thanks Steven happy to hear you and your family enjoyed your day onboard and especially your daughter catching so many fish. it wad a pleasure having you all onboard
0
Eric Ostertag
Eric Ostertag
5.0
Verified
Perfect in every way
Half Day Trip – Sole Snapper on November 15, 20253 adults1 child
Perfect trip. As requested it was a short trip in calmer waters in order to accommodate our family members prone to seasickness. Captain got us on the fish immediately. Everyone had a great time and nobody got sick!
Response from Captain
November 15, 2025
Thanks Eric for the great review we are very pleased you all enjoyed your mornjng with fish to take home for dinner. Enjoy your stay Northland NZ
0
Marley-Ana Maiava
Marley-Ana Maiava
5.0
Verified
Best Experience
Half Day Trip – Sole Snapper on August 22, 20258 adults
Had the best experience with this charter! Ross and Harley were absolutely awesome, easy to find, taught me (who doesn't go fishing) how to catch and reel in a FAT snapper! Never thought i would like fishing, but after being on that, I would definitely go again. Best weather, best crew, great laughs, Best experience !👌
Group of anglers enjoying a fishing trip on a boat, showcasing camaraderie and excitement in a scenic setting.
Two anglers aboard a fishing boat, with one pointing out towards the water, indicating an active fishing environment.
A proud angler holding a large Snapper while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Response from Captain
August 24, 2025
Thank you for your great review much appreciated we had a great time and plenty of good banter and laughs and a nice lot of fish onboard. Welcome you back any time many thanks Ross Target Charters
0

FAQs about Target Charters

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
8 persons
Boat length
36 ft
Year built
1989
Boat manufacturer
John Wade design
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Cummins
Powered by
1 x 315HP
Max cruising speed
22 knots
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