Andy Mcgaughey Sportsfishing 

4.9
(38 reviews)
 1 Tikitiki Lane, Paihia, 0272, New Zealand–

Andy Mcgaughey Sportsfishing 

Paihia, New Zealand
–
42 ft
10
4.9
(38 reviews)

Latest news!
Notification that we have been awarded the 'Bay of Islands Swordfish Club George Campbell Conservation Trophy' for Charter boat most tagged marlin.

Running angling trips out of Paihia, Andy McGaughey Sportsfishing invites you to check out the local fishery in style.

Skipper Andrew aims to tailor every trip to your specific needs, so let him know what you're after! Depending on the trip and species, you'll be using techniques like bottom fishing, trolling, jigging, and popping. You're looking at 4 to 10-hour trips, where you'll usually go after the likes of Yellowtail Amberjack, Snapper, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Swordfish, and Tuna, depending on the weather and time of year.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 42' Salthouse boat that can safely take up to 12 anglers. This boat features a toilet, ice box, and fighting chair. The price of your trip includes all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need for a productive day on the water. Don't forget to buy a fishing license before the trip! You're welcome to keep all legal species caught during the trip.

Skipper Andrew runs trips together with his first mate, who's there to help you with whatever you may need. Tips are always appreciated for a job well done. The price of your trip also includes complimentary snacks and drinks, but you're welcome to bring your own. Please let the crew know if you have any questions or special requests.

Children are welcome aboard so you're good to get the young ones started early.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Andy McGaughey Sportsfishing.

Latest news!
Notification that we have been awarded the 'Bay of Islands Swordfish Club George Campbell Conservation Trophy' for Charter boat most tagged marlin.

Running angling trips out of Paihia, Andy McGaughey Sportsfishing invites you to check out the local fishery in style.

Skipper Andrew aims to tailor every trip to your specific needs, so let him know what you're after! Depending on the trip and species, you'll be using techniques like bottom fishing, trolling, jigging, and popping. You're looking at 4 to 10-hour trips, where you'll usually go after the likes of Yellowtail Amberjack, Snapper, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Swordfish, and Tuna, depending on the weather and time of year.

Your fishing adventure starts on a 42' Salthouse boat that can safely take up to 12 anglers. This boat features a toilet, ice box, and fighting chair. The price of your trip includes all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need for a productive day on the water. Don't forget to buy a fishing license before the trip! You're welcome to keep all legal species caught during the trip.

Skipper Andrew runs trips together with his first mate, who's there to help you with whatever you may need. Tips are always appreciated for a job well done. The price of your trip also includes complimentary snacks and drinks, but you're welcome to bring your own. Please let the crew know if you have any questions or special requests.

Children are welcome aboard so you're good to get the young ones started early.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Andy McGaughey Sportsfishing.

Andrew Mcgaughey
Captain
Andrew Mcgaughey
38 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
4 Hour Trip – Snapper
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Jan 1
US $608
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour Trip – Kingfish
Just booked! Last booked: 1 hour ago
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Jan 1
US $774
Entire boat: up to 4 people
9 Hour Trip – Big Game (MAX 6)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
9 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $1,382
Entire boat: up to 4 people
9 Hour Trip – Swordfish
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
9 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $1,382
Entire boat: up to 4 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
38 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (36)

What anglers say

97%
Recommended
97%
Caught fish

Reviews (38)

  • Pernell Turner
    Pernell Turner
    Repeat angler
    nz
    New Zealand
    Member since 2023
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Outstanding 6-Hour Charter with Wahoo Sports Fishing

    6 Hour Trip – Kingfish on December 14, 2025 • 4 adults

    We did the 6-hour fishing charter with Wahoo Sports Fishing, and it was hands-down the best charter I’ve ever been on. Andy is a proper sea dog — looks the part, knows the water inside out, and honestly feels like he’s half fish himself. You can tell straight away you’re in safe, experienced hands. His local knowledge and calm confidence set the tone for the whole day. Chris, the deckhand, was right onto it. The two of them work with a really slick system — everything ran smoothly, rods were always ready, lines were managed well, and there was zero chaos even when things fired up. You could see how well they’ve worked together. What really blew us away was catching absolute monster snapper while jigging for kingfish — something I’d never done before. Learning new techniques and landing fish like that made the day next-level. Epic fishing, great crew, well-run operation. Couldn’t recommend Wahoo Sports Fishing highly enough — we’ll 100% be back.

  • Metro Ah Sam
    Metro Ah Sam
    nz
    New Zealand
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome day out

    6 Hour Trip – Kingfish on December 21, 2025 • 5 adults

    Highly recommend, great attitude and very helpful enjoyable to be around,started day of with catching live bait before heading out to catch kingfish man we slayed it awesome time and loved the company thank you we be back again

  • Daren Lynch
    Daren Lynch
    Repeat angler
    nz
    New Zealand
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day

    6 Hour Trip – Kingfish on April 16, 2026 • 5 adults

    Great day with the crew. We won’t leave it so long next time. Thanks again Andy and Chris

  • Diane Carroll
    Diane Carroll
    us
    Colorado, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Day!

    4 Hour Trip – Snapper on January 2, 2026 • 4 adults

    What an amazing day with Andy! Beautiful boat, we caught a ton of fish and had the best time doing it!

  • Call Cade
    Call Cade
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Family had an excellent time and caught some big red snapper!!

    9 Hour Trip – Big Game (MAX 6) on December 28, 2025 • 2 adults
  • John Mcqueen
    John Mcqueen
    nz
    New Zealand
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Old Saltys

    6 Hour Trip – Kingfish on January 29, 2024 • 5 adults

    The Captain Andy would be one of the most experienced Fishermen in the area. We took out a group of 5 mates and had an amazing fishing day. Weather wasn’t the greatest but Andy modified things to ensure we caught fish, 2 x King fish and a few other species. To be Frank I wouldn’t pick any other Charter than the Wahoo boat …They know what they are doing and you will bring back filleted fish ready for the pan

  • Cailin Suter
    Cailin Suter
    nz
    New Zealand
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great fishing charter

    6 Hour Trip – Kingfish on March 9, 2025 • 4 adults

    Great boat, perfect size for small and large groups, knows the spots & has all the equipment ready to go ahead of time, highly recommend, will definitely be back again next time we are fishing in Bay of Islands area

  • Kym Reid
    Kym Reid
    au
    Australia
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Very good for your “Brain”

    6 Hour Trip – Kingfish on February 12, 2025 • 9 adults

    Thanks Andy, The nine of us had a great trip. The fish fought hard but we got them! I most enjoyed the conversation with yourself about my illness and to keep positive….so I will mate. Hopefully see you again one day

  • Chris Franklin
    Chris Franklin
    nz
    New Zealand
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome mornings fishing

    4 Hour Trip – Snapper on September 30, 2024 • 5 adults

    Despite the time of year Andy was able to find us some great snapper fishing 15mins from Russell. He was very helpful for the first time anglers and happy to share his considerable knowledge and experience of the Bay and fishing. We loved it! I would definitely recommend Andy and will use him again for future trips.

  • Lee Mckoy
    Lee Mckoy
    au
    Australia
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing trip!

    6 Hour Trip – Kingfish on December 28, 2024 • 3 adults

    We had the absolute best time today. We were able to catch a variety of fish which was absolutely awesome. We also caught ALOT to take home. Making this even better - it gets filleted on board ! This was amazing. We learned a few tips and tricks. Andy & Sam are lovely. Thank you so much for an amazing day

FAQs about Andy Mcgaughey Sportsfishing

Andy Mcgaughey Sportsfishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • NZ $1,100 per group, additional NZ $200 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Snapper (4 hours)
  • NZ $1,400 per group, additional NZ $350 per person after 4 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Kingfish (6 hours)
  • NZ $2,500 per group, additional NZ $350 per person after 4 guests - 9 Hour Trip – Big Game (MAX 6) (9 hours)
  • NZ $2,500 per group, additional NZ $350 per person after 4 guests - 9 Hour Trip – Swordfish (9 hours)
When you book a trip with Andy Mcgaughey Sportsfishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Fighting chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Outriggers
  • Tuna tubes
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Andy Mcgaughey Sportsfishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Tea and Coffee)
  • First mate
  • Fishing license (No license required)
Andy Mcgaughey Sportsfishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing (Big Yellowtail Kingfish and Snapper.)
  • Offshore fishing (NZ have the largest Striped Marlin in the world.)
Andy Mcgaughey Sportsfishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Andy Mcgaughey Sportsfishing include:
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Marlin (Black)
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Marlin (Striped)
  • Snapper (Pink)
  • Spearfish (Shortbill)
  • Swordfish
  • Tuna (Albacore)
  • Tuna (Bluefin)
  • Tuna (Skipjack)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Yellowtail Amberjack

Your captain

Andrew Mcgaughey
Andrew Mcgaughey
Paihia, New Zealand
2 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
38 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since November 2021
I have lived and fished most of my life in the Bay of Islands. At present living in Russell. My big game fishing career started in 1993 when I owned and operated the 40' Pelin MV Intrepid for several years. Whilst owner I upgraded intrepid to Three Kings survey and had 5 years of amazing fishing at the Kings. While owning the Intrepid apart from several records one of my customers caught the very first Wahoo in NZ waters close in by the Nine pin in the Bay. Hence why my next 4 game boats have been called Wahoo. I have had many years of successful fishing out of the Bay and my customers have won many major fishing contests including the very prestigious yellowtail light tackle. As well as fishing the Bay of Islands I have fished several other parts of the world like Vanuatu and Australia.
Andrew Mcgaughey
Andrew Mcgaughey
Fully verified
2
reports
38
reviews
2021
member since
~1h
response
I have lived and fished most of my life in the Bay of Islands. At present living in Russell. My big game fishing career started in 1993 when I owned and operated the 40' Pelin MV Intrepid for several years. Whilst owner I upgraded intrepid to Three Kings survey and had 5 years of amazing fishing at the Kings. While owning the Intrepid apart from several records one of my customers caught the very first Wahoo in NZ waters close in by the Nine pin in the Bay. Hence why my next 4 game boats have been called Wahoo. I have had many years of successful fishing out of the Bay and my customers have won many major fishing contests including the very prestigious yellowtail light tackle. As well as fishing the Bay of Islands I have fished several other parts of the world like Vanuatu and Australia.

The fish you can target

Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Marlin
Black Marlin
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
Striped Marlin
Striped Marlin
Pink Snapper
Pink Snapper
Shortbill Spearfish
Shortbill Spearfish
Swordfish
Swordfish
Albacore Tuna
Albacore Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Skipjack Tuna
Skipjack Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowtail Amberjack
Yellowtail Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Marlin
Black Marlin
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
Striped Marlin
Striped Marlin
Pink Snapper
Pink Snapper

Real catches by this captain

  • A smiling angler proudly displaying a large fish on a boat, surrounded by a variety of other catches on the deck.
    Daren L.
    Daren L.
    Great day with the crew. We won’t leave it so long next time. Thanks again Andy and Chris
  • A group of four anglers proudly displaying their catch of Snapper aboard a fishing charter, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Diane C.
    Diane C.
    What an amazing day with Andy! Beautiful boat, we caught a ton of fish and had the best time doing it!
  • A young boy proudly holds a large Snapper while posing with a smiling companion on a fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Pink Snapper
    Call C.
    Call C.
  • Two anglers proudly displaying a large Yellowtail on a fishing charter, showcasing their successful catch in a scenic marine environment.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Metro A.
    Metro A.
    Highly recommend, great attitude and very helpful enjoyable to be around,started day of with catching live bait before heading out to catch kingfish man we slayed it awesome time and loved the company thank you we be back again
  • Angler proudly displaying two large Snapper caught during a deep-sea fishing trip aboard the Wahoo.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Pink Snapper
    Pernell T.
    Pernell T.
    We did the 6-hour fishing charter with Wahoo Sports Fishing, and it was hands-down the best charter I’ve ever been on. Andy is a proper sea dog — looks the part, knows the water inside out, and honestly feels like he’s half fish himself. You can tell straight away you’re in safe, experienced hands. His local knowledge and calm confidence set the tone for the whole day. Chris, the deckhand, was right onto it. The two of them work with a really slick system — everything ran smoothly, rods were always ready, lines were managed well, and there was zero chaos even when things fired up. You could see how well they’ve worked together. What really blew us away was catching absolute monster snapper while jigging for kingfish — something I’d never done before. Learning new techniques and landing fish like that made the day next-level. Epic fishing, great crew, well-run operation. Couldn’t recommend Wahoo Sports Fishing highly enough — we’ll 100% be back.
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Wahoo while fishing on a boat in sunny waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Cailin S.
    Cailin S.
    Great boat, perfect size for small and large groups, knows the spots & has all the equipment ready to go ahead of time, highly recommend, will definitely be back again next time we are fishing in Bay of Islands area
  • Two anglers proudly displaying their catch, a large Snapper and a Kingfish, while enjoying a day out on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Kym R.
    Kym R.
    Thanks Andy, The nine of us had a great trip. The fish fought hard but we got them! I most enjoyed the conversation with yourself about my illness and to keep positive….so I will mate. Hopefully see you again one day
  • Angler proudly displaying a freshly caught Wahoo aboard a fishing boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Skipjack Tuna
    Dalainey B.
    Dalainey B.
  • Angler holding a large eel-like fish while fishing near a rocky outcrop in clear blue waters.
    Lee M.
    Lee M.
    We had the absolute best time today. We were able to catch a variety of fish which was absolutely awesome. We also caught ALOT to take home. Making this even better - it gets filleted on board ! This was amazing. We learned a few tips and tricks. Andy & Sam are lovely. Thank you so much for an amazing day
  • Two anglers proudly displaying a large Snapper while fishing on a sunny day, showcasing a successful outing on the water.
    Fish 1
    Pink Snapper
    Sherry W.
    Sherry W.
    Andy helped us catch a monster snapper that I’ve never seen such big size before. Big boat and nice crew staff. Although we had two people having bad seasick they were still happy as we all caught fish.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
10 persons
Boat length
42 ft
Year built
1998
Restored in
2021
Boat manufacturer
Salthouse
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Detroit
Powered by
2 x 280HP
Max cruising speed
23 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Popping
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Fighting chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Flybridge
Live bait well
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Outriggers
Tuna tubes
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Tea and Coffee
First mate
Fishing license
No license required

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 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.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child friendly
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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

What’s biting in Paihia right now

Marlin (Black)Marlin (Black)
Marlin (Blue)Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (Striped)Marlin (Striped)
Snapper (Pink)Snapper (Pink)
SwordfishSwordfish
Tuna (Yellowfin)Tuna (Yellowfin)
Yellowtail AmberjackYellowtail Amberjack

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