FISHING CHARTERS
WHAKATANE NZ
FISHING CHARTERS
WHAKATANE NZ
Mike Boswell (Bozy) is the owner/operator of The Gambler Fishing Charters specializing in day fishing charters out of the Bay of Plenty port of Whakatane.
The Gambler specialises in day trips to White Island targetting world famous large White Island kingfish, hapuka, bass, bluenose, snapper, tarakihi and more...
The Gambler is a fast stable platform to fish off, game rigged with bait tank, tuna tubes and outriggers, decked out with quality shimano fishing gear.
White Island is NZ's most active volcano situated 49km off the coast of Whakatane providing a spectacular backdrop to target one of NZ's hardest fighting sportsfish, the Yellow Tail Kingfish.
Large Kingfish congregate in numbers over the spring and summer months at White Island to spawn and feed on the abundance of baitfish. We can use a variety of different methods such as jigging, stick baiting and live baiting, all of which can be supplied on board The Gambler.
The deep water reefs and knolls around White Island are home to a variety of large deep water species such as Bluenose, Bass, Hapuka, Gem fish and Tarakihi. These are all excellent table fish.
We can provide the expertise you need to target these fish including Shimano Beastmaster electric reels to cater for all ranges of fishing abilities when chartering The Gambler.
The Opotiki Mussle Farm is half an hours travel from Whakatane on The Gambler and is home to an abundance of inshore species such as Snapper, Tarakihi, John Dory, Gurnard and Kahawai.
We can cater for groups of up to 10 people, great for work do's and family outings. Kick back, catch a feed, crank up the BBQ onboard and have a couple of cold ones. Talk to the skipper - Mike, about different seasonal options.
Over the summer months the warm waters of the Eastern Bay of Plenty are home to several pelargic gamefish such as Yellowfin Tuna, Stripped and Blue Marlin and Broadbill Swordfish.
The Gambler is rigged with a live bait tank, tuna tubes and outriggers. We can spend the day targeting these sportfish or mix it up during the day. Southern Bluefin Tuna migrate through our waters from late June till early August, an amazing fishery with fish ranging from 40 to 130kg in size!
"The Gambler" is a fast, stable 10 metre catamaran with 2 x 225 hp Honda motors. We specialize in White Island Kingfish and deep sea fishing for up to six anglers. We also do inshore fishing charters for up to 10 anglers, along with custom packages to suit your requirements.
Aboard The Gambler we provide bait, ice, tea and coffee, you can bring your own rods and reels or use the quality shimano gear on board. We also have a set of shimano beast master electric reels available for hire making those deep water drops Childs play! We can provide all the terminal tackle you need for your days fishing if you don't have your own, charging you for lost tackle only.
Mike has over 20 years charter fishing experience fishing out of Whakatane as well as The Three Kings, Ranfurly Banks, South Island west coast, and Vavau Tonga, bringing a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and experience to the operation. Mike holds a New Zealand Offshore Masters Ticket so you can be sure you are in good hands out on the water!
Our experienced crewman will be on hand to support your fishing experience. You can take all your catch home whole, or arrange to have it filleted. Professional vacuum packaging or smoking can also be arranged overnight locally. You can take your fish frames home with you or they can be donated to locals. Nothing is wasted.
A typical day's fishing on The Gambler starts between 5-6am, home around 3pm, weather and tide dependent.
Mix up your fishing - deep sea, kingfish, just talk to Mike about what is being caught at present.
Bad weather, watch the weather before your trip and ring the skipper 1-2 days prior to discuss weather etc.
If weather is too bad Skipper will cancel/postpone your trip to a mutual date available.
Cancellations: If you wish to cancel, please give 4 weeks notice to avoid penalities or loss of deposit.
Add the perfect accommodation for $300 per night. Do you require accommodation?
Self contained luxury accommodation available for up to 6 people aboard Morning Glory, a 65ft 3 bedroom sports fisher berthed right next to The Gambler in the middle of Whakatane's CBD, only a stones throw away from bars and restaurants.
Have your catch filleted & cooked at the local fish and chip shop located on the main wharf, or enjoy a cold beer and meal at the Whakatane sports fishing club and take in the spectacular views of the Whakatane river to finish off your day.
Come and stay the night before your charter for an early morning departure or kick back and relax after your day at sea and drive home the next day. Ask Mike about other accommodation alternatives nearby if this wont suit your requirements.
We have had the pleasure of having fished with Mike Boswell both the multi day overnight Ranfurly Bank Trips – four times and the White Island Day Trips twice. Mike the skipper is friendly, relaxed, enthusiastic, safe, skilful, organised, has extensive knowledge of all types of fishing, caters for the experienced and less experienced angler. Fishing gear is modern and well maintained. Fish we have caught range from marlin, tuna, sea bass, hapuka, bluenose, trumpeter, tarakihi, gemfish, and other species. We have recommended Mike to many of our colleagues, all have shared similar experiences.
Had the trip of a lifetime with Gambler Charterfish! We booked our Bluefin Tuna trip 4 months out from the season from Whakatane. With 7 Bluefin by 11am that absolutely exceeded our expectations! Bozzie and Jason did a great job looking after the fish and us to make it one of the best days on the water for us. Plenty of food, beer and banter and we will be back, cheers!
Cheers Gambler for an awesome day on the water the clients are still raving about the triple hook ups and the bins full of Blue Nose and Gemmy’s, you dropped us straight into the action when they were on the chew it couldn’t have been better! The catering was outstanding and the constant banter and hospitality made it an unforgettable day. I have taken numerous clients out on charters but this was certainly a stand out experience and will be hard to beat that’s for sure, we will be back for more of the deep water action as soon as we can.
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