What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Paihia for the first time?

At this time of the year, you have to expect that there will be a greater number of boats on the water during holiday time. Fishing is always going to be a hit and miss game. Sometimes they bite and sometimes they do not. Fewer boats probably mean that you may have more success. For me, the lack of fish did not detract from trawling around the beautiful coves and getting enjoyment from the trip as a whole.

This is not the best time of year for fishing in the Bay of Islands but it was still a great morning out on the water, and we did bring home dinner. For lots of fish, probably another time (not New Year's peak) better.

Book early to get the exact charter you would like. ie kingfish, Snapper, blue water etc as they may get booked out in the warmer months.

Fish in the morning to get more live baits and maybe you can take home more fishes.

100% yes it was mine and my dad's first time fishing in Bay of Islands and it was amazing.

Don't leave Paihia without experiencing a fishing trip with Dereck on "Big Fish"

They were well prepared and ready to go. Amenities on the boat were in great condition and the tackle was high quality.

Take a cooler box to keep all the fish you catch - the crew cleaned and filled it and we had heaps to take away with us

Weather is always unpredictable so don’t blame the captain. He does his best to get you on the fish with all things considered.

Blue sea charters are obviously experts on where the fish are, no mucking around took us straight to the spot, straight onto the fish, maximising our fishing time

Good fishing/sounds like fishing may be better in March and April but we caught fish/had a good time

You do not have to worry about anything! The captain takes care of you and the fishing part!

The morning trip is best with comfortable boat and beautiful views to see in the bay of islands

Get an experienced captain and look to have a period of tide rising to get best chance of success.

Get out with Derek on Big Fish charters and have a go. You won't be disappointed!!!

Difficult time of year but still plenty of fish to catch if you put the time in