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
4.8 / 5
(92 reviews)
Auckland
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $836

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 92 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
80
8
1
1
1
Anglers claimed
Good experience
94%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
87%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Caught fish
97%
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Showing:
5 of 92 reviews
Chris Z.
Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day with Bryan

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on March 6, 2018
Byran is a great caption and he is very helpful. I had a very happy time fishing with family.
Chris Z. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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Ciaran O.
Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full Day fishing with Bryan

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on September 28, 2018
Great boat, great captain and great fishing. What else is there to say.
Ciaran O. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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Larissa R.
Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Day trip

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on February 4, 2018
Fantastic day, great catch and a great captain.
Larissa R. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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Moon S.
Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Day trip with Brian

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on December 10, 2017
Captain was outstanding, great attitude and experience to take us where the big fishes are :) also offered a stop we can stop...
Moon S. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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Boaz
Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day Trip

Full Day Trip on October 8, 2016
Have been on Riko Riko many times now and have always had a fun relaxed time. Bryan is an excellent Skipper very friendly very...
Boaz recommends Riko Boat Charters
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Boaz recommends Riko Boat Charters
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