Captain
Bryan Connell

Member since March 2016 Auckland, New Zealand
Background
I love wildlife and the sea, so I fish as much as possible and dive when I can. I have skippered many charter vessels besides Riko Riko, both big and small, but she has been in my care for over 12 years now, and I'm still improving in places. Old is gold, and wood is good, and the fish seem to love swimming around her, that's for sure.
Techniques
Most of the time we use baited circle hooks and rod and reel fishing. It's sustainable because we don't just take from the sea, but give something back. In turn, the fish will return come back to our shore not only hunted but fed. There is no great science to it, we are not fishing for survival but because we can and because we love the fresh sea air. Of course, nothing beats the taste of fresh fish so let's keep it healthy for the next generation and beyond.

Hey, I'm Captain Bryan Connell

Auckland, New Zealand
Background
I love wildlife and the sea, so I fish as much as possible and dive when I can. I have skippered many charter vessels besides Riko Riko, both big and small, but she has been in my care for over 12 years now, and I'm still improving in places. Old is gold, and wood is good, and the fish seem to love swimming around her, that's for sure.
Techniques
Most of the time we use baited circle hooks and rod and reel fishing. It's sustainable because we don't just take from the sea, but give something back. In turn, the fish will return come back to our shore not only hunted but fed. There is no great science to it, we are not fishing for survival but because we can and because we love the fresh sea air. Of course, nothing beats the taste of fresh fish so let's keep it healthy for the next generation and beyond.

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.7 / 5
(76 reviews)
Auckland
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $855

Fishing Reports

Last of the Summer Wine on Riko Riko
Last of the Summer Wine on Riko Riko
Apr 10, 2016 Auckland
Morning All, Last week's fishing is still bowling on as Summer is never ending,and the weather is relatively calm and apart from a shower on Sunday to remind us Autumn is just round the corner. We are getting smacked around by the large kahawai everyday the bigger size snapper do take a while to show up through the other schools of fish and as the temp is 20 degrees they are still relatively close inshore. On Sunday we had so many lines breaking off from Kahawai, Kingfish and the odd Shark I had to go down to using one Hook rigs. Didn't slow down the hook up rate just made it a lot easier to bring fish in and control around Riko Riko. Consider the pro's you can concentrate on one bait the smaller fish don't get to dominate for so long. With our modern lifestyle we expect everything to turn on when we turn up. Hyper programmes amp you up so much you just have to turn yourself off and get tuned in to reality. Fishing requires a platform and patience is the key that moves that platform toward bigger fish.. Timing and Season helps it all turn as well There is no magic mushroom that separates small from big sometimes where the food is the fish are Big and Small you just have to experience the day to enjoy it There have been massive tidal flow this week due to king tides hopefully next week will be less. Also it may pay to bring bigger plastic bags as some fish don't fit in a supermarket bags! This week I have 3 spaces left on Thursday 14th April 10am start Also plenty of space this Saturday 16th April TBA, Sunday 17th April 10am start. Have a great week Everybody
Continue reading

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 76 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (85)
Best fishing trip EVER!
Great!
Very relaxing day and got lots of fish
+82
Angler rating
65
8
1
1
1
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
87%
Satisfied with the boat
96%
Caught fish
97%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 76 reviews
Anne T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

RIKO BOAT CHARTERS HITS ALL THE RIGHT SPOTS

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on December 10, 2023
Bryan captains a great fishing experience.ย  He shares his knowledge of the harbour, the fish and wider environmental impacts...
Anne T. recommends Riko Boat Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Anne T. recommends Riko Boat Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Arron T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day out!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on January 13, 2024
We booked this charter with family and friends. Many of us have done charters throughout NZ as we are locals but Bryan and...
Arron T. recommends Riko Boat Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Arron T. recommends Riko Boat Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Susan D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best fishing trip EVER!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on March 8, 2024
My husband and I had a fabulous time and caught more fish than we ever had on a fishing charter!ย  Brian knew all the great...
Susan D. recommends Riko Boat Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Susan D. recommends Riko Boat Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Elaine T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Very relaxing day and got lots of fish

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on December 16, 2023
Bryan was nice and full of knowledge of fishing. We had an awesome day out and came back lots of fish. Definitely recommend...
Elaine T. recommends Riko Boat Charters
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Elaine T. recommends Riko Boat Charters
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

George S.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great captain, really teach you how to fish

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on February 15, 2024
Captain Bryan taught me how to speedball today. His instructions were instructional and explains how fishing works as a craft....
George S. recommends Riko Boat Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
George S. recommends Riko Boat Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful