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 $837

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
Penny C.
Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Boys end of year break up.

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on December 15, 2017
Throughly enjoyed the day, weather primo, fish to bring home and finished it off with a taste of Ceviche (raw fish with chilli).
Penny C. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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Murray B.
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 December 9, 2017
A bunch of us went out with Bryan for my mates stag and was an awesome experience. Bryan really knew his stuff, boat was great...
Murray B. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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Kevin V.
Auckland, New Zealand
Very good
4.0 / 5
Experience:
Good
3.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on December 20, 2019
The weather was very windy so we didn’t have much choice where to go, so we fished in the harbour. It was still a good day...
Kevin V. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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Kevin V. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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Keith C.
Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Trip with captain Bryan

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on January 8, 2019
Great enjoyable trip! Had great fun with the captain!
Keith C. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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Vyv S.
Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Bryan

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on December 13, 2018
Vyv S. recommends Riko Boat Charters
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