Charters & Guides
hookin' bull |
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Address: 118 Waterfront Rd Pukenui Kaitaia |
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Specialty:
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Captain John Batterton and his crew are without a doubt one of the best teams "Down Under" for those seeking a quality sportfishing charter experience. We invite you to come aboard "HOOKIN' BULL" to enjoy New Zealand's fantastic fishing. Hookin' Bull provides the ultimate in a sport fishing charter and access to our record-sized striped marlin, big blue marlin, mako sharks & super sized yellowtail kingfish in the warm waters off the Northland Coast & around the famous Three Kings Islands.
John runs two, well qualified and very experienced friendly deckhands with extensive offshore crewing experience. The talented crew of Hookin' Bull has notched up some great catches over the years - just check the record books. They're always at the top for tag & release billfish & achieve very consistent tournament results with numerous wins and places. Light tackle is a speciality with numerous current IGFA world records for striped and blue marlin,along with swordfish, tuna and shark records.
The crew are there to ensure that your trip is one to remember - and they give their best. Whilst light tackle is a real speciality, all types of anglers are well catered for - from novices right through to light tackle record hunters. If it's a world record you're after or just some fun on the water John & his team pride themselves on their professionalism & invite you to come aboard to experience it firsthand.
Boat Details:
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Launched 2005 Freeport Florida
* 15kw northern Lights Generator
* QSM11 Cummins ** cruise 26knts
* Great galley with electrical appliances & eskimo ice maker
Accommodation:
* 1 x double cabin with ensuite plus 1 x triple cabin & full head
* Stunning interior with full entertainment system in saloon & large flat screen TV
Fishing Equipment / Tackle:
* Echo sounder with 2Kw transducer
* 3x VHF & HF radios, 2 x GPS
* Marlin Tower, Tuna Tubes, slurry and livebank tanks
* A 10 foot rigid inflatable tender and 15hp Yamaha
* All tackle top of the range from 3kg to 60kg
Safety Equipment:
* Radar 24Kw
* Weather fax, Autopilot, 406 EPIRB. Mobilert man overboard system
Daily Rate for 2010/11 season:
Charter rate is fully inclusive of all quality meals, snacks & non alcoholic beverages. All top quality tackle and equipment is provided. Maximum of 3 anglers for live aboard charters & 4 anglers maximum for day trips. Minimum 5 days required for Three Kings trips.
Sportfishing full day charters - NZD$3250 per day incl GST
NZD$1600 per night surcharge for swordfishing including GST
10% deposit required at time of booking with balance paid no later than 30 days prior to charter date.
Full charter conditions available upon request. Special dietary and beverage requirements handled subject to prior notice.
FAQ's
Where do you normally fish?
From early January we operate anywhere on the Northland Coast from the Bay of Islands right up to the Three Kings Islands. The season normally runs right through until mid to late May with June sometimes fishing well and we basically fish where the fish are!
How many days do I need to book?
For the Three Kings you need a minimum of 5 days. We do day trips out of the Bay of Islands but recommend a minimum of 2 days.
What do you catch?
Striped marlin are the most common billfish in NZ and these are the biggest in the world - just check the record books. Blue marlin normally turn up around late January through to April but these are not considered our main fishery. Makos & hammerheads are also caught as are yellowfin tuna & mahimahi in the warmer months.
When's the best time to come?
For NZ anytime from early January to end of May & even right through into June can fish well some years.
Does it get rough?
The Three Kings is not usually considered a calm water fishery and is a weather dependant destination with limited rough water anchorages. However the Bay of Islands and Northland Coast offers plenty of good shelter & is normally considered a "tamer" place to fish.
What sort of gear do you provide?
All the tackle onboard is top quality and well maintained with Shimano reels. We provide everything from light tackle gear (6lb) right up to 130lb test.
What about specific line class or targeting a species?
If you want to specifically try for a Swordfish for example, that's what we will attempt. All charters are tailor made & John is more than happy to discuss any requirements with anglers prior to booking including line class & world record attempts.
What port do you operate from?
Normally the Opua Marina in the Bay of Islands however we can pick up charter up anywhere on the Northland Coast subject to prior arrangement.
How many people are you licensed for?
On day trips 5 is the maximum and for overnight trips it is 4 anglers maximum.
What about getting there?
Drop Megan a line at megb@travelmanagers.co.nz. Megan is a qualified & licensed travel broker who is happy to assist with any international or domestic travel requirements including rental cars & local accommodation. Any other questions that we may have missed - just email or phone John who'll answer any query that you may have
Fishing Reports from this Charter Operator
