Big Fish Bay Of Islands

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.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two)
    In demand! Last booked: 3 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    US $452
    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
    US $425
    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
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    US $668
    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
    US $971
    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 12 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Big Fish Bay Of Islands

Big Fish Bay Of Islands offers the following trips to customers:
  • NZ $645 per group, additional NZ $100 per person after 1 guest - 6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) (6 hours)
  • NZ $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Half Day Snapper (4 hours)
  • NZ $1,100 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

Meet the Captain

Derek Gerritsen
Paihia, New Zealand
ID & license verified
109 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since November 2017
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
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.

About this listing

Targeted species

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

Boat specs

Surtees 650 (Aluminum fishing) originally built in 2017. Powered by a 150HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 30 knots.

Length
21 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing

Fishing techniques

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

Amenities

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

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Catch cleaning & filleting

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

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

Payment

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

Paihia Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 109 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (100)
Great trip all round
2 Records in one day !!
2 Records in one day !!
+97
Angler rating
101
5
2
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
86%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
93%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 109 reviews
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   NEW  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
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Kristen M. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

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   NEW  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
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Steve W. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Tyson S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great holiday trip!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) on December 21, 2023
We booked this trip hoping to maybe catch a few snapper and have a morning out on the beautiful Bay of Islands. We were not...
Tyson S. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Tyson S. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Robyn I.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Stonkers Galore!

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip – Half Day Snapper on February 19, 2024
We had an amazing fishing experience with Derek. We caught our bait easily and then landed some great fish. Darren knows the...
Robyn I. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Robyn I. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

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

Great Day of Fishing

VERIFIED   8 Hour Trip – Private Charter on January 18, 2024
Considering the decent swells and bait fish not wanting to cooperate, we had a great day of fishing. Caught some nice Red Snapper...
Ryan R. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Ryan R. recommends Big Fish Bay Of Islands
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful