Big Fish Bay Of Islands takes you fishing around the rich fisheries of New Zealand. These waters are home to a variety of species, whether it’s reef fish or big game. Year-round, Capt. Derek takes you on his boat to help make your day one to remember. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a family looking for an enjoyable fishing trip, here you will find a trip to suit you.

The Bay of Islands boasts some of the most stunning fishing worldwide. Add to that an experienced captain, a long fishing season, and breath-taking views, and you got it. That’s what anglers find aboard ‘Game Fisher’. She is a 21’ Surtees 650 aluminium fishing boat with top-notch Furuno electronics. The boat is powered by a 150 HP Yamaha engine and can reach speeds of up to 30 knots. There is a small electronic flush toilet onboard, as well as two live bait tanks, and comfortable seating.

Capt. Derek has a vast fishing experience. He has been working as a charter operator for the past 30 years, but his fishing experience goes way back, to his school days. Already back then he got his first Marlin. This turned into a long streak of successful fishing trips that have taken him from Hawaii to the Great Barrier Reef.

As for the fishing, here you will find Yellowtail Kingfish, Trevally, Snapper, John Dory, available throughout the year. From June to April you can get Striped Marlin. The crew is specialized in live baiting, mechanical jigging, soft baits, cut baits, and IGFA record fishing.

The fishing grounds are not far from the dock, and you’ll be fishing within 30 minutes of the departure, depending on the weather conditions. The trips will take you between 8 to 10 miles, or even closer. No need to fare far offshore with all the game fish swimming nearby.

When you come fishing with Big Fish Bay Of Islands, it’s all about enjoyment and nice time on the water, plus learning. You need to pack a camera, and a jacket. Quality Shimano gear is waiting for you onboard.



Trip availability and prices

  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two)
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Price for 2 persons
    US $442
    Two people max. If you want to pamper yourself and enjoy fishing in these rich fisheries, this package is perfect for you. The boat is yours, and you can add another fellow angler. Then go chase the fish of your dreams! Whether it’s some massive Snapper or the almighty Yellowtail Kingfish, it’s up to you. The crew is specialized in live baiting, mechanical jigging, soft baits, cut baits, and IGFA record fishing. Pack your camera and come along!
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Half Day Snapper
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $415
    Snapper fishing is exciting no matter how experienced you are. Come onboard and go chase these massive tasty fish. You could also get Trevally, John Dory, Kahawai, and many other reef species. Not only that, but you will also see a rich wildlife of the area. Prepare your camera to get a nice shot of dolphins, whales, and the stunning scenery. The crew will tutor you to help you snatch a tasty dinner. It’s a nice family activity.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Private Charter
    In demand! Last booked: 3 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $663
    If you want to have a great day out with your family or fishing mates, get a whole boat to yourselves and go fishing with the experienced crew. You will get top notch Shimano gear and there is Furuno electronics onboard as well. You can fish for Snapper, Kingfish, John Dory, Trevally, and more. The trip can take you between 8 and 10 miles and you will be fishing within 30 minutes. Grab your camera and come along! Lunch can be requested.
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip – Private Charter
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $884
    If you want to have a great day out with your family or fishing mates, get a whole boat to yourselves and go fishing with the experienced crew. You will get top notch Shimano gear and there is Furuno electronics onboard as well. You can fish for Snapper, Kingfish, John Dory, Trevally, and more. The trip can take you between 8 and 10 miles and you will be fishing within 30 minutes. Grab your camera and come along! Lunch can be requested.
There are 10 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 119 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (112)
Awesome kingfish
Awesome kingfish
Bay of islands fishing
+109
Angler rating
111
5
2
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
87%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
94%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 119 reviews
Athena J.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Bay of islands fishing

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on October 28, 2024
We had a wonderful day fishing. We caught plenty snappers even saw some local dolphins, and our captain was amazing. We highly...
Athena J. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
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Athena J. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
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Terry M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Derek out of Russell Wharf.

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on November 30, 2024
Derek obviously knows his stuff having been boat fishing for most of his life. Good friendly bloke. Did his best to find the...
Terry M. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
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Terry M. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
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Kristen M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Exceptional Trip! Exceeded Expectations.

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on February 21, 2024
Our trip with Captain Derek was fantastic! Not only did he take us out fishing, but he also gave us a tour of the area and...
Kristen M. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
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Kristen M. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
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Dawn D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best Family Fishing Trip Ever!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Half Day Snapper on July 10, 2024
Wonderful experience for our teenage daughter who loves to fish as well as our other teenage daughter who is not into fishing. ...
Dawn D. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
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Dawn D. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
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Steve W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

2 Records in one day !!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on March 13, 2024
Had a magnificent day with Dereck, caught 2 massive snapper 68 &70cm, lost a whopper Kingfish after 4 attempts to bring it...
Steve W. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
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Steve W. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
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FAQs about Big Fish Bay Of Islands

Big Fish Bay Of Islands offers the following trips to customers:
  • NZ $700 per group, additional NZ $100 per person after 1 guest - 6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) (6 hours)
  • NZ $750 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Half Day Snapper (4 hours)
  • NZ $1,200 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Private Charter (6 hours)
  • NZ $1,600 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Private Charter (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Big Fish Bay Of Islands, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS Furuno Tx2 Touch
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Outriggers
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Big Fish Bay Of Islands include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Catch cleaning & filleting

Big Fish Bay Of Islands offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing

Big Fish Bay Of Islands offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing
  • Drift Fishing
  • Spearfishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Big Fish Bay Of Islands include:
  • John Dory
  • Kahawai
  • Snapper (Pink)
  • Tarakihi
  • Yellowtail Amberjack

Your captain

Derek Gerritsen
Paihia, New Zealand
119 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since November 2017
Captain Derek runs fishing trips around the rich waters of the Bay of Islands. His vast experience in the area will be of great help if you want to land a memorable catch here and enjoy your day on the water. Derek grew up in Paihia and got into fishing at an early age. He fished for Marlin while he was still in school. He spent a great deal of his childhood going rock fishing and diving. He also worked as a guide. Capt. Derek worked for a decade for the second oldest gamefish club in the world - Bay of Islands Swordfish Club. His skills took him to the management level. Derek knows a lot about the local fishing grounds. He has fished around the world, landing Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Marlin, and more during the years. From Hawaii to the Great Barrier Reef, he’s fished with success. Add to the years of experience of crewing on many well-known vessels around the Bay of Islands, and you’ll understand why so many repeat customers come onboard with Capt. Derek.

The fish you can target

John Dory John Dory
Kahawai Kahawai
Snapper (Pink) Pink Snapper
Tarakihi Tarakihi

What the boat is like

Boat Image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
21 ft
Year built
2017
Boat manufacturer
Surtees 650
Boat type
Aluminum fishing

Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 150HP
Max cruising speed
30 knots

Which types of fishing are offered

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Spearfishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
GPS
Furuno Tx2 Touch
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Outriggers
Ice Box

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Catch cleaning & filleting

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 1 day 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.

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
8+ is advised
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
PayPal
Bank Transfer

What’s biting in Paihia right now

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