Treetops Activities - Salt Water Fishing

Big game fishing got off to a rather slow start in New Zealand.  Indeed, it was not until the American writer Zane Grey visited the country in the early 1920s, then wrote a best-selling book about his exploits – Tales of the Angler’s Eldorado, New Zealand, published in 1926 – that the sport as we know it today really got started.

Most big game fishing occurs of the eastern coast of the North Island, from Hawke Bay north-wards to the Bay of Islands. The Bay of Plenty is in the centre of this zone.

During the late summer pelagic fish such as swordfish, blue, black and striped marlin, can be caught.

The Bay of Plenty is considered to be the yellowfin tuna capital of the world while if you fancy fishing for shark, Hawke Bay is where these fish, especially the mako shark, are most common.

While you are welcome to catch your fish for eating or mounting, New Zealand also encourages an active “tag and release” programme, and many anglers prefer this form of the sport today.

Away from the game-fishing season there is still no shortage of fish to be had.

Around White Island the fisherman will encounter terakihi, ling, huge bass, hapuka and feisty kingfish – a great challenge for the angler.

Further inshore, you will catch not only terakihi and kingfish but also snapper, kahawai, gurnard and john dory.

Whatever the time of year, and whatever your salt-water fishing preference, our fishing guides will be able to arrange boat charter and equipment to meet your needs.

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