Big Fish Bay Of Islands 

4.9/5 (144 reviews)
 Paihia, Northland, New Zealand, Paihia, New Zealand

Big Fish Bay Of Islands 

4.9/5 (144 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.

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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Rating

4.9
144 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (127)

What anglers say

99%
Great experience
89%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
94%
Caught fish

All reviews (144)

Filter
Showing 15 of 144 reviews
Helen Schell
Helen Schell
au
Australia
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
Great day!
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on May 4, 20262 adults
What a great day out on the water! From start to finish, this fishing trip was absolutely top-notch. The weather conditions weren't perfect but the scenery was stunning. Captain Derek knew exactly where to go and made sure we had a great chance at landing something special. His knowledge, patience, and friendly attitude really stood out—it felt like more than just a trip, it was a proper experience. And the fishing itself? Solid bites, great action, and some quality fish landed that made the whole day unforgettable. If you're thinking about getting out on the water, I couldn't recommend Captain Derek enough. Great guy, great fishing, and memories that'll stick with you for a long time. 🎣
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Kevin Nanbara
Kevin Nanbara
us
Nevada, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
Captain Derek is hands-down the best guide for red snapper fishing in the Bay of Islands—knowledgeable, fun, and he puts you right on the fish every time.
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on March 23, 20262 adults
Our experience fishing with Captain Derek in the Bay of Islands was absolutely incredible and easily the highlight of our trip to New Zealand. He put us right on the red snapper—we caught enough to feed two people for three days! Beyond the fishing, Derek is incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the Bay of Islands and made the whole trip even more special by sharing stories and local insights along the way. He's easygoing, fun, and truly loves what he does, which made the entire experience unforgettable. We honestly wished we had more time out on the water with him and will absolutely be returning and booking with him again in the future.
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Response from Captain
April 4, 2026
Cheers Guys ! Pleasure having you on board, hope to see you again. Tight lines, Capt D
Theo Elliott
Theo Elliott
au
Australia
Member since 2025
0
5.0
Verified
Outstanding - Best charter by a mile
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on February 17, 20262 adults
Derek was absolutely brilliant, went out catching bait fish within seconds were on, within 20 minutes had caught almost 50 bait fish. Then went immediately on fish, kahawai, snapper and caught an absolute monster. caught our quota and so finished up early because we had done too well. then he dropped us at an island to have a couple beers while he fillited the near 25 fish we had. absolutely brilliant, will be back again for sure.
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Australian Salmon
Mark Tempelmeyer
Mark Tempelmeyer
Repeat angler
us
Texas, US
Member since 2018
2 trips
0
5.0
Verified
Great day!
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on December 28, 20252 adults
Conditions were perfect! Derek was a very knowledgeable, and helpful captain. Caught half a dozen good size snapper and had a fight with a kingi that ended up being too small (Bugga). Had lunch at a restaurant on one of the islands while Derek filleted all the fish. Highly recommend Big Fish if you're looking for a charter out of Paihia
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Jonny Martin
Jonny Martin
nz
New Zealand
Member since 2025
0
5.0
Verified
the man
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on March 21, 20262 adults
derek is the man! it was a tough day out for all boats but he had the spots and we were always first on the scene for the bust ups. 10/10 super knowledgeable and hospitable. kings and snaps. i dont know what more you want to be honest, just go on his boat.

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
May 2026
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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4 Hour Trip – Half Day Snapper
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
US $449
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
US $508
Entire boat: 2 people
6 Hour Trip – Private Charter
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
US $718
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 $957
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 8 people looking at this charter.

Rating

4.9
144 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (127)

What anglers say

99%
Great experience
89%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
94%
Caught fish

All reviews (144)

Filter
Showing 15 of 144 reviews
Helen Schell
Helen Schell
au
Australia
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
Great day!
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on May 4, 20262 adults
What a great day out on the water! From start to finish, this fishing trip was absolutely top-notch. The weather conditions weren't perfect but the scenery was stunning. Captain Derek knew exactly where to go and made sure we had a great chance at landing something special. His knowledge, patience, and friendly attitude really stood out—it felt like more than just a trip, it was a proper experience. And the fishing itself? Solid bites, great action, and some quality fish landed that made the whole day unforgettable. If you're thinking about getting out on the water, I couldn't recommend Captain Derek enough. Great guy, great fishing, and memories that'll stick with you for a long time. 🎣
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Kevin Nanbara
Kevin Nanbara
us
Nevada, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
Captain Derek is hands-down the best guide for red snapper fishing in the Bay of Islands—knowledgeable, fun, and he puts you right on the fish every time.
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on March 23, 20262 adults
Our experience fishing with Captain Derek in the Bay of Islands was absolutely incredible and easily the highlight of our trip to New Zealand. He put us right on the red snapper—we caught enough to feed two people for three days! Beyond the fishing, Derek is incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the Bay of Islands and made the whole trip even more special by sharing stories and local insights along the way. He's easygoing, fun, and truly loves what he does, which made the entire experience unforgettable. We honestly wished we had more time out on the water with him and will absolutely be returning and booking with him again in the future.
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Response from Captain
April 4, 2026
Cheers Guys ! Pleasure having you on board, hope to see you again. Tight lines, Capt D
Theo Elliott
Theo Elliott
au
Australia
Member since 2025
0
5.0
Verified
Outstanding - Best charter by a mile
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on February 17, 20262 adults
Derek was absolutely brilliant, went out catching bait fish within seconds were on, within 20 minutes had caught almost 50 bait fish. Then went immediately on fish, kahawai, snapper and caught an absolute monster. caught our quota and so finished up early because we had done too well. then he dropped us at an island to have a couple beers while he fillited the near 25 fish we had. absolutely brilliant, will be back again for sure.
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Australian Salmon
Mark Tempelmeyer
Mark Tempelmeyer
Repeat angler
us
Texas, US
Member since 2018
2 trips
0
5.0
Verified
Great day!
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on December 28, 20252 adults
Conditions were perfect! Derek was a very knowledgeable, and helpful captain. Caught half a dozen good size snapper and had a fight with a kingi that ended up being too small (Bugga). Had lunch at a restaurant on one of the islands while Derek filleted all the fish. Highly recommend Big Fish if you're looking for a charter out of Paihia
Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Jonny Martin
Jonny Martin
nz
New Zealand
Member since 2025
0
5.0
Verified
the man
6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on March 21, 20262 adults
derek is the man! it was a tough day out for all boats but he had the spots and we were always first on the scene for the bust ups. 10/10 super knowledgeable and hospitable. kings and snaps. i dont know what more you want to be honest, just go on his boat.

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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