Captain
Bryan C.

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 C.

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
4.8 / 5
(94 reviews)
Auckland
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $689

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
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 94 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (96)
An Unforgettable Boat Charter with Skipper Bryan Connell
An Unforgettable Boat Charter with Skipper Bryan Connell
An Unforgettable Boat Charter with Skipper Bryan Connell
+93
Angler rating
82
8
1
1
1
Anglers claimed
Good experience
94%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
86%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Caught fish
98%
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Showing:
5 of 94 reviews
Andrew P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

An Unforgettable Boat Charter with Skipper Bryan Connell

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on February 12, 2025
After 16 years away from New Zealand, I had the incredible opportunity to return home and experience the Hauraki Gulf like...
Andrew P. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
  Bryan C. Captain replied

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

Very Recommonded

VERIFIED   8 hour 10 people - 10:00 AM on December 8, 2025
Captain Brian was extremely friendly and patient, teaching us a lot of fishing techniques. In the end, everyone caught fish...
Yuan S. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Yuan S. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Yiran W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Very nice experience

VERIFIED   NEW  6-7 hours 4 people on December 28, 2025
Capitan Bryan is very nice and his boat is very clean!
Yiran W. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Yiran W. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Joseph M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Book with Captain Bryan on the Riko Riko!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on February 24, 2025
Vacation in NZ with 3 other couples and I wanted to book a trip. Wives were skeptical, but agreed to go. Captain Bryan is the...
Joseph M. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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Rick X.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on February 10, 2025
Our family had a wonderful trip. Captain Riko was very friendly and teach everybody very carefully. Most of our family...
Rick X. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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Rick X. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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You found this review helpful