Nelson Fishing Charter Boat FAQ's

What should I wear?
Whatever you’ve got on is fine but with fish scales flying about maybe don’t wear your Sunday Best. Long sleeves and long pants will help prevent sunburn. Bring a hat, warm jacket, and a wind / rainproof jacket. Standard street shoes or sneakers are fine when departing from wharves and jetties. If we’re beach launching expect to get your feet wet – but no big hardship. For full day trips at cooler times of year we can supply breathable goretex waders for our customers to wear. We’ve got a big waterproof dry bag for you to keep your gear nice and dry.

Do I need previous fishing experience?
In 27 years we’ve guided everyone from famous anglers and movie stars through to absolute beginners. Whatever your experience level we want you to have fun and enjoy yourself. We will help you! We’re happy to rig your lines, bait your hooks, take fish off your line, and clean your catch.

What happens if the sea conditions are too rough? Cancellation Policy?
By mutual agreement we can postpone or cancel a fishing trip because of rough weather. We have alternative options and locations that suit most sea and weather conditions. Tasman Bay and the Marlborough Sounds have some very sheltered waters and it’s rare that we can’t fish somewhere. If we cancel the trip, we will refund your deposit.

How Many fish will I catch?
We’re not telepathic but we generally have good success. Some trips will always be more successful than others. Shorter fishing trips give you less time fishing and results can be more variable. Longer full day trips get us to more remote waters with a greater variety of fish species.

How do I pay?
You can pre-pay by internet banking, Visa, Mastercard or pay cash on the day.

What fish species are available in Tasman Bay / Marlborough Sounds?
We’re still counting but here are a few of them: snapper, gurnard, kahawai, trevally, mackerel, warehou, butterfly perch, blue cod, tarakihi, john dory, kingfish, octopus, albacore tuna, squid, leather jacket, yellow-eyed mullet, blue moki, red moki, barracouta, sand shark, rig, butterfish, greyboy / topi, hapuka, red cod, spottie, wrasse, eagle ray, flounder, crayfish, scallops, dredge oysters, whitebait, pacific oysters, paddle crabs, sole, stargazer, spiky dogfish…


Can I take my kids?
All kids love fishing trips. Our boat is a safe fishing platform for them in a controlled environment. We recommend that they’re old enough to hold their own rod and enjoy the experience.

How many people do you take?
We do small personalised groups of 1-3 anglers plus guide which is what Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) has certified our operation for.

What is the best evening trip?
We can make most locations work but Jan-April in the Waimea Estuary is certainly a fun adventure. We have navigation lights and know our way around so we’ll likely come home right on dark.

Are there toilets nearby?
Public toilets are available at all three of our main locations. Toilets are at the Mapua Waterfront Park immediately adjacent to Mapua Wharf as well as a toilet on the wharf itself. Port Nelson boat ramp at Akersten St has toilet facilities. Monaco Peninsula has public toilets on the reserve immediately opposite the Monaco Boat Club.

Will I get Wet?
There might be a bit of salt spray if the sea comes up rough. We’ve got waterproof jackets in our boat for customers to wear if required on our way home. We don’t generally fish in rough weather.