Big Fish Bay Of Islands 

4.9/5 (127 reviews)
 Paihia, Northland, New Zealand, Paihia, New Zealand

Big Fish Bay Of Islands 

4.9/5 (127 reviews)
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Paihia, Northland, New Zealand
Paihia, New Zealand

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.

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 127 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (114)

Delivered the Big Snapper
Great 2 days fishing
Awesome kingfish
+111

Angler rating

119
5
2
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

99%

Appropriate for children

87%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

98%

Caught fish

94%

Showing 1 - 5 of 127 reviews
Showing: 5 of 127 reviews
Alan Ing
Alan Ing
5.0
Verified
GREAT trip!
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on March 19, 20251 adult
Let me start by saying Capt.Derek is the hardest working captain I've seen. He's always changing baits, always "hunting" to get what the customer wants, in this case, kingies. He won't anchor and sit like some, he HUNTS! I had chances at 6 in my 6hr charter today, and finally got my keeper in the final hour. The 5 lost weren't because of the captain, but because of sharks (there goes my 22kg+ trophy!) and reef break offs. Enough snapper for a couple meals as well, but we would've easily limited if that was a priority. The boat was fast, comfortable and very seaworthy. Capt. Derek had a ton of funny anecdotes to pass the time in between fishing spots (ask him about his shark stories), and has been all over the world fishing. No BS, unfiltered. If you want to catch fish, Capt Derek and Big Fish Bay of Islands is your ONLY choice! Thanks Captain!
Reported catch:
Yellowtail Amberjack
Pink Snapper
1
Andrew Clarke
Andrew Clarke
5.0
Verified
Great day fishing
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on June 22, 20252 adults
Experienced captain on a new boat with good equipment. Highly recommend this charter company. Our snapper were filleted for us to eat at home. Thanks Derek
0
Jeff Hamilton
Jeff Hamilton
5.0
Verified
If you are an angler, it is a must do.
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on March 13, 20252 adults
Captain Derek put us on fish right away and moved right away when it slowed down. We caught more fish than we could keep so we released several. At the end, he filleted what we wanted to keep and we took it to a local restaurant and it was absolutely wonderful.
0
Richard Winwood-Smith
Richard Winwood-Smith
5.0
Verified
Delivered the Big Snapper
4 Hour Trip – Half Day Snapper on April 23, 20253 adults
We had an excellent morning out with Derek on his comfortable and well equipped boat. I caught a big snapper well over 80cm and my party caught numerous others around 35-50cm.
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
0
Yujin Han
Yujin Han
5.0
Verified
July fishing trip
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on July 12, 20252 adults
0

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
December 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 6:30 AM
US $463
Entire boat: 2 people
4 Hour Trip – Half Day Snapper
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 6:30 AM
US $434
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour Trip – Private Charter
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 6:30 AM
US $694
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 Hour Trip – Private Charter
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 6:30 AM
US $926
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 12 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 127 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
4.8/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (114)

Delivered the Big Snapper
Great 2 days fishing
Awesome kingfish
+111

Angler rating

119
5
2
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

99%

Appropriate for children

87%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

98%

Caught fish

94%

Showing 1 - 5 of 127 reviews
Showing: 5 of 127 reviews
Alan Ing
Alan Ing
5.0
Verified
GREAT trip!
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on March 19, 20251 adult
Let me start by saying Capt.Derek is the hardest working captain I've seen. He's always changing baits, always "hunting" to get what the customer wants, in this case, kingies. He won't anchor and sit like some, he HUNTS! I had chances at 6 in my 6hr charter today, and finally got my keeper in the final hour. The 5 lost weren't because of the captain, but because of sharks (there goes my 22kg+ trophy!) and reef break offs. Enough snapper for a couple meals as well, but we would've easily limited if that was a priority. The boat was fast, comfortable and very seaworthy. Capt. Derek had a ton of funny anecdotes to pass the time in between fishing spots (ask him about his shark stories), and has been all over the world fishing. No BS, unfiltered. If you want to catch fish, Capt Derek and Big Fish Bay of Islands is your ONLY choice! Thanks Captain!
Reported catch:
Yellowtail Amberjack
Pink Snapper
1
Andrew Clarke
Andrew Clarke
5.0
Verified
Great day fishing
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on June 22, 20252 adults
Experienced captain on a new boat with good equipment. Highly recommend this charter company. Our snapper were filleted for us to eat at home. Thanks Derek
0
Jeff Hamilton
Jeff Hamilton
5.0
Verified
If you are an angler, it is a must do.
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on March 13, 20252 adults
Captain Derek put us on fish right away and moved right away when it slowed down. We caught more fish than we could keep so we released several. At the end, he filleted what we wanted to keep and we took it to a local restaurant and it was absolutely wonderful.
0
Richard Winwood-Smith
Richard Winwood-Smith
5.0
Verified
Delivered the Big Snapper
4 Hour Trip – Half Day Snapper on April 23, 20253 adults
We had an excellent morning out with Derek on his comfortable and well equipped boat. I caught a big snapper well over 80cm and my party caught numerous others around 35-50cm.
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
0
Yujin Han
Yujin Han
5.0
Verified
July fishing trip
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on July 12, 20252 adults
0

FAQs about Big Fish Bay Of Islands

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat 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
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