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Bay of Islands Boat Charters, New Zealand

The major focus of our business is ensuring client's expectations are fulfilled to the best of our abilities and that everyone enjoys a quality time. We have the experience to make this happen. Our excellent return clientele rate is testimony to this.

Earl Grey Fishing Charters Introduction

Earl Grey Fishing Charters' Bay of Islands boat charters are based in the beautiful Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand, less than three hours drive north of Auckland

Dotted with 144 islands and a myriad of secluded beaches, the entire region offers a fantastic opportunity for deep sea fishing in the Bay of Islands in waters that are rich with an abundance of sea life!

Captain Steve Butler has a worldwide reputation as a professional saltwater fishing guide. As one of the most experienced Bay of Islands charter fishing guides, with over 30 years local knowledge backing him, Steve knows where to take you for best fishing opportunities.

While on charter you will also have the chance of seeing a variety of marine life in their natural habitat. Dolphins and Southern Ocean bird life including Albatross, Sooty Shearwaters and Pacific Blue Penguin may be seen throughout the year. These waters also attract sharks, Orca and other whales at various times of the year.

Our Bay of Islands Boat Charters

Livebaiting for Yellowtail Kingfish is one of Steve's fortes. Pound for pound these fish have to be one of the greatest fighting fish in the ocean.

Other species you may choose to target include Snapper, Hapuka (Groper), Marlin, Tuna, Kahawai, Trevally, and other reef fish.

• Both novice and experienced anglers are catered for on our charters. You will find Steve gives plenty of tuition while catching the live bait which are necessary to successfully target Kingfish.
• Family groups with children welcome
• Morning tea and coffee provided
• No saltwater sea license required
• Day membership with Bay of Islands Swordfish Club can be arranged for those wishing to target line class species
• Smoking or canning your catch can be arranged
• Quality fishing tackle provided although anglers are welcome to bring their own
• Pickup from Paihia, Waitangi or Russell Wharf

Saltwater Fly Fishing

Earl Grey II is an ideal vessel for saltwater fly fishing. Our vessel features an uncluttered and spacious cockpit with sunken cleats for unobstructed fishing.

The Bay of Islands offers abundant surface fish making this an excellent location for saltwater fly fishing.

Species of particular interest include Kahawai, Yellowtail Kingfish and Trevally. Kahawai (known as New Zealand's Sea Trout) is a speedster renowned for offering a challenging fight to light tackle and fly fishermen alike. Sharks, Mao Mao species, Luderick and Snapper can also be successfully targeted with fly gear.

Earl Grey II

Our new purpose-built 36 foot vessel, Earl Grey II offers some of the excellent features from the original Earl Grey along with considerably more space and comfort.

Earl Grey II features:

• All important live bait tank facilities constantly fed with fresh sea water
• An uncluttered roomy cockpit with sunken cleats for unobstructed fishing
• A walk in flush toilet
• Comfortable cabin with galley facilities and leather seating
• Operates under New Zealand Safe Ship Management policy
• Carries all safety equipment required along with Radar, GPS satellite, VHS radio and fish and depth sounder

Sustainability Protocol

We have a genuine interest in the conservation of a balanced marine ecosystem.

In the interest of perpetuation of our local fish stocks, we encourage the release of fish not required for eating purposes. Steve has developed a responsible catch and release option whereby the terminal tackle setup ensures hookups in the corner of the fish's mouth plate.

Fish are handled with care to ensure they can be released in prime condition to maintain maximum survival rates.

For further information about our charters and deep sea fishing in the Bay of Islands, please contact us or visit our Bay of Islands boat charters Web site.

Other Services

Steve and Wendy have a long-standing association with Northland and are more than happy to help with other enquiries you may have about Northland and the Bay of Islands.

Wendy can also help organize accommodation to suit your requirements. There is a wide range available in the Bay of Islands to suit any tastes whether it be backpacker, bed and breakfast, motel, hotel, budget or five-star.

If you are looking to hold a conference in the Bay of Islands why not try a team building activity with a difference. Over the years we have successfully organized groups of boats and accommodation for corporate groups both International and from within New Zealand. When organising larger parties spread over a group of boats we have found the competitive nature of our clients comes to the fore with a contest developing between the parties on each boat. This adds to the excitement and comradeship of the day!

• All activities, accommodation and catering arranged
• Groups of any size catered for
• A full range of fishing options on various boats operating in the Bay of Islands
• All skippers and guides are qualified licensed operators
• All vessels certified by Maritime New Zealand as operating under Safe Ship Management

Bay Of Islands

Northland and the Bay of Islands include all of the country north of Greater Auckland. This relatively narrow peninsula is New Zealand's northern-most region, reaching towards Polynesia, the home of its first inhabitants.

The sub-tropical north is a land of rolling, sometimes rugged countryside, tidal estuaries and mangroves, sparkling island-studded bays and long silvery beaches. In the more rugged areas are remnants of lush sub-tropical forest featuring giant kauris, which are among the largest trees in the world. It is an area of considerable historical significance, and is the place where Maori and European signed the Treaty of Waitangi that joined them as one nation.

Northland is a favourite playground for lovers of anything aquatic. With 144 islands, the Bay of Islands is renowned for diving, boating, swimming and big game fishing. Inland, hiking trails and short walks in the native forests lead to some of the largest and oldest trees in the world.

For further information about our deep sea fishing in the Bay of Islands please contact us or visit our Bay of Islands boat charters Web site.

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