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
    US $212
    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!
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip - Kingfish
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $377
    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
    US $765
    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
    US $1,412
    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.
There are 10 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Target Charters

Target Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • NZ $180 per person - Half Day Trip (AM) - Snapper (4 hours)
  • NZ $320 per person - 3/4 Day Trip - Kingfish (6 hours)
  • NZ $1,300 per group - Half Day Trip – Sole Snapper (4 hours)
  • NZ $2,400 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

Meet the Charter Operator

Ross Taylor
Paihia, New Zealand
ID & license verified
51 Customer reviews
Response time 2 hours
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 (Sportfishing) 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 51 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (42)
Still grateful for the experience
Still grateful for the experience
Still grateful for the experience
+39
Angler rating
37
9
1
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
90%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
88%
Appropriate for children
81%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
82%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 51 reviews
Klint C.
Very good
3.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Very good
4.0 / 5
Crew
Good
3.0 / 5
Overall

Still grateful for the experience

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip (AM) - Snapper on March 31, 2024
Ross reaccommodated us to another boat as there was a double booking and we hoped it was a good decision as we only come to...
Klint C. recommends Target Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Ross Taylor Charter Operator replied

Vicki R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Definitely recommend

VERIFIED   Special 4 hour trip for Vicki Reid on January 13, 2024
I had a wonderful time fishing with Target Charters out of Paihia. The crew was friendly and professional, and they took us...
Vicki R. recommends Target Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Ross Taylor Charter Operator replied

Liam E.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Piahia Birthday Snapper Trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) - Snapper on January 3, 2024
Ross from Target charters was an excellent communicator prior to the trip and the trip itself was amazing. He runs a great...
Liam E. recommends Target Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Ross Taylor Charter Operator replied

Dave F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

January 24

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) - Snapper on January 2, 2024
Awesome day out with Ross and Harley. Got us onto the fish. Caught one of the biggest fish I have ever seen. Filleted everything...
Dave F. recommends Target Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Ross Taylor Charter Operator replied

Jennifer J.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Book this trip!!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) - Snapper on February 12, 2024
Captain Ross and Harley were great! Very helpful and attentive. Dedicated to finding finding fish for us to catch!! Highly...
Jennifer J. recommends Target Charters
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  Ross Taylor Charter Operator replied