New Zealand Sea and Saltwater Fishing

New Zealand offers superb saltwater fishing in many coastal areas with the catch varying according to the location. Surfcasting, rock fishing or fishing from a chartered fishing boat are all good options.
Locations
Areas where sea fishing is popular include the the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Doubtless Bay, the Bay of Plenty, Marlborough Sounds, and Southland. Game fishing bases are to be found in Whangaroa, Russell, Tutukaka and Tauranga.
The catch
In the north: Snapper, kingfish, marlin or tarakihi. In the far south: Blue cod, trumpeter and grouper.
Time of year
Saltwater fishing in New Zealand is usually best in summer and autumn.
Regulations
There is no licence fee for sea fishing, but strict regulations apply to saltwater fishing methods, maximum catches, fishing seasons and prohibited areas. Specific rules also apply to gathering shellfish. It is forbidden to sell or trade your catch. Breaking the sea fishing regulations, including those governing the collection of wild shellfish, is totally unacceptable and can result in heavy fines and even imprisonment. Please see the Ministry of Fisheries website for marine recreational fishing guidelines and regulations.
Tourism and travel service directories
	Pure New Zealand: Saltwater Fishing Information and listings at the official New Zealand tourism site, www.newzealand.com
	New Zealand Tourism Online: Saltwater Fishing An introduction and directory with links to deep sea and big game fishing services from New Zealand Tourism Online.
	Destination New Zealand: Fishing and Hunting A brief introduction to fishing and hunting and a directory of products and services.
Fisheries management, guidelines and regulations
	Ministry of Fisheries: Marine recreational fishing The recreational fishing section of the Ministry of Fisheries website includes information about: - limits for each of the fishery management areas - popular species - line fishing guidelines - daily limits guidelines - downloadable brochures - important notices including changes to fishing rules - updates on the shared fisheries consulation process
	DOC: Marine Reserves Marine reserves are protected areas of the sea and foreshore that are managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) to preserve them in their natural state as the habitat of marine life for scientific study. Within a marine reserve, all marine life is protected and fishing and the removal or disturbance of any living or non-living marine resource is prohibited.
	New Zealand Big Game Fishing Council The umbrella organisation for New Zealand's big game fishing clubs. Maintains records and runs competions. Affilitated with the IGFA, the world body of gamefishing. Member clubs provide weighing and recording facilities.
Charts
	LINZ Hydrographic Services Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) is the authoritative provider of New Zealand hydrographic services and the main source of LINZ hydrographic information for mariners. The LINZ Hydrographic Services website provides: - Mariners notices - Nautical charts - List of chart retailers - Nautical publications - Tidal information - New Zealand Lights List - Astronomical information - Maritime safety information
Weather forecasts
	MetService New Zealand's National Meteorological Service provides: - MetService Coastal Forecasts - Weather warnings
	SwellMap SwellMap offers free 24 hour and 7-day coastal and off-shore forecasts using MetOcean's wave and wind forecasting system. More detailed forecasts are available by subscription
Boat safety
	Maritime New Zealand Maritime New Zealand is responsible for promoting maritime safety and environmental protection to the entire maritime community, including recreational boaties.
	New Zealand Coastguard The Royal New Zealand Coastguard provides New Zealand's primary maritime Search and Rescue service. Coastguard operates from a network of 4 regions and 65 affiliated units, strategically located around the coastline and major lakes of New Zealand. Manned by volunteers, its services include: - 24 hour communications centres - 24 hour search and rescue service - Continuous weather reporting - Trip reporting - Boating Education Courses - VHF repeaters - Nowcasting Service - Boating Buddy service
	Coastguard, Northern Region Coastguard Northern Region provides a range of services for the boating public including Search and Rescue (SAR) and annual education cruises. Courses run include: - RYA Practical Boating Courses - Day Skipper Certificate - Boatmasters Certificate - Coastal Skipper - Ocean Yachtmaster - Outboard Engine Maintenance - Diesel Engine Maintenance - VHF Operator
Online fishing magazines
	fishingmag.co.nz New Zealand's online fishing magazine
	Fish with Bish Stories, articles, tips and tricks, on fishing in freshwater and saltwater.
	The Fishing Website Information about New Zealand fishing from striped marlin and yellowtail kingfish fisheries to recreational fishing for snapper, kahawai, terakihi, trevally, blue cod, john dory, gurnard, trout and salmon
Fishing magazines (print)
	fishnz.co.nz The site of New Zealand's leading fishing magazines: New Zealand Fishing News and Fish & Game New Zealand.
	NZ Fishing World The website of NZ Fishing World magazine
Books, maps and guides
	SpotX SpotX publications specialize in publishing books, charts, maps, and how-to booklets about recreational fishing and hunting.
Fishing goods and services
	Picot's New Zealand Charter Guide Charter Guide lists more than 230 New Zealand charter boats and enables you to contact any boat charter operator direct to make your own arrangements. Alternatively, consult Picot's advisory service for free expert assistance on 0800 235628.
	Paul's Fishing Kites Online shop plus information abut fishing knots and fishing rigs and
	Fish City A wide range of fishing tackle and accessories at competitive prices is available from Fish City in Auckland and Hamilton, or via online ordering.
	Fishing Merchants New Zealand's total online fishing tackle shop
	Fishingpro New Zealand All your fishing, guiding and boating requirements are met with a dependable, friendly and professional service.

Hananui fishing charters
Bay of Islands

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