Helen Schell
Helen Schell
au
Australia
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified

Great day!

6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two)2 adults

What a great day out on the water! From start to finish, this fishing trip was absolutely top-notch. The weather conditions weren’t perfect but the scenery was stunning. Captain Derek knew exactly where to go and made sure we had a great chance at landing something special. His knowledge, patience, and friendly attitude really stood out—it felt like more than just a trip, it was a proper experience. And the fishing itself? Solid bites, great action, and some quality fish landed that made the whole day unforgettable. If you’re thinking about getting out on the water, I couldn’t recommend Captain Derek enough. Great guy, great fishing, and memories that’ll stick with you for a long time. 🎣

Reported Catch
Pink Snapper
Pink Snapper

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Big Fish Bay Of Islands
4.9
(152)
21 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+3
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $453

Rating

4.9
152 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

  • 99%
    Great experience
  • 89%
    Family friendly
  • 100%
    Friendly captain
  • 100%
    Good boat
  • 97%
    Recommended
  • 94%
    Caught fish

All reviews (152)

Showing 1 – 5 of 152 reviews
  • Søren Juul Jensen
    Søren Juul Jensen
    nz
    New Zealand
    •
    Member since 2026

    The captain canceled

    Trip was supposed to happen on September 14, 2026
    The captain canceled 1 days prior to the trip date. This is an automated posting.
  • Helen Schell
    Helen Schell
    au
    Australia
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day!

    6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) • 2 adults

    What a great day out on the water! From start to finish, this fishing trip was absolutely top-notch. The weather conditions weren’t perfect but the scenery was stunning. Captain Derek knew exactly where to go and made sure we had a great chance at landing something special. His knowledge, patience, and friendly attitude really stood out—it felt like more than just a trip, it was a proper experience. And the fishing itself? Solid bites, great action, and some quality fish landed that made the whole day unforgettable. If you’re thinking about getting out on the water, I couldn’t recommend Captain Derek enough. Great guy, great fishing, and memories that’ll stick with you for a long time. 🎣

    Reported Catch
    Pink Snapper
  • Liz Dutton
    Liz Dutton
    us
    Nevada, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Derek is hands-down the best guide for red snapper fishing in the Bay of Islands—knowledgeable, fun, and he puts you right on the fish every time.

    6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) • 2 adults

    Our experience fishing with Captain Derek in the Bay of Islands was absolutely incredible and easily the highlight of our trip to New Zealand. He put us right on the red snapper—we caught enough to feed two people for three days! Beyond the fishing, Derek is incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the Bay of Islands and made the whole trip even more special by sharing stories and local insights along the way. He’s easygoing, fun, and truly loves what he does, which made the entire experience unforgettable. We honestly wished we had more time out on the water with him and will absolutely be returning and booking with him again in the future.

    Reported Catch
    Pink Snapper
    Response from Captain

    Cheers Guys ! Pleasure having you on board, hope to see you again. Tight lines, Capt D

  • Demi Leca
    Demi Leca
    Repeat angler
    au
    Australia
    •
    Member since 2022
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Bay of Islands Fishing Trip

    6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) • 2 adults

    Captain Derek took care of us the whole 6 hour trip. Within 15 minutes he had us hooked on bait fish. We snagged a couple of Pink Snappers and a Carraway for the day. For a lovely final touch he took us to Otehei Bay, we explored whilst he filleted our catch. Great boat and equipment, experienced captain and beautiful scenery. A must do charter!

  • Theo  Elliott
    Theo Elliott
    au
    Australia
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Outstanding - Best charter by a mile

    6 Hour Trip – VIP Fishing (max two) • 2 adults

    Derek was absolutely brilliant, went out catching bait fish within seconds were on, within 20 minutes had caught almost 50 bait fish. Then went out immediately on fish, kahawai, snapper and caught an absolute monster. caught our quota and so finished up early because we had done too well. then he dropped us at an island to have a couple beers while he fillited the near 25 fish we had. absolutely brilliant, will be back again for sure.

    Reported Catch
    Pink Snapper
    Australian Salmon