Our Location

The port of Whakatane is 4 hours drive from the major city of Auckland and 1 hours drive from the provincial cities of Tauranga on the coast and the tourist centre of Rotorua, which is inland. Whakatane is serviced by many flights from Auckland by Air New Zealand.

Areas fished can be from Whale Island as far a field as Cape Runaway and Waihau Bay. In the months of February through till Mid April the Blue and Striped Marlin arrive in numbers from Tekaha to Cape Runaway but can also be caught in closer waters to Whakatane. You never know your luck. The area between Whale Island and White Island is considered to be the Yellowfin Tuna capital of the Southern Hemisphere. During the Game Fishing season you are welcome to come and try your luck!

Fishing Spots:

Our Location

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White Island

Fishing at White Island includes the middle ground, Volkner rocks and around the Island. Live bait Kingfish fishing can be challenging and loads of fun for all anglers. Wind up a huge Bass from waters of 200 to 300 metres. The Blue Nose fishing is very popular in the months of February, March and April when they come into the shallower depths to spawn. We fish for Blue Nose by drift fishing. During the season you may want to try the awesome gamefishing in the Bay.

Inshore fishing

You can fish for Snapper on the bottom with a ledger rig or try stray lining in the shallow waters for the bigger fish. Put out a live Kahawai or Mackerel for the big Kingfish. Inshore fish species include Snapper, Terakihi, Gurnard, John Dory, Kahawai and Kingfish.

Whakatane

The Gambler fishing charters out of the Bay of Plenty port of Whakatane which is located in the Bay of Plenty on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. View the Whakatane page for more information »

"The Gambler" Homestay

Our very spacious self-contained flat with wonderful views of the Bay of Plenty. Ask us about our total package of fishing and accommodation that will give you a homely atmosphere and great fishing. View the homestay page for more information »

The Rurimu

Smaller Islands located near Whale Island

Waihau Bay

Renown for the mighty kingfish, marlin and tuna when in season, located down the East Coast from Whakatane "The Gambler" often fishes in this area.