John, a big thanks for those comments.
 So valuable.
We have been on 2 charters over the yrs, one booked the other spur of them moment took up a cancellation.
 1 one lazy skipper.
 The other, gear in a mess, I even ended up at the bloody helm, as skipper sorting gear try to set up guests.. Me on the helm in waters never boated in before, other than a skippers coarse from the 1970s under my belt , nothing.
 Not only that the gps was close to last century, maps out dated...and  paid updated navionics on my smart phone far more peace to my mind.

Yes the latter wife picked up her PB snapper, I did my PB king, but that was all that was caught for the day.

Over the years have chatted to many of you guys who head out on charters on a regular basis..

Know who to book and what you are doing.

We have fishing reports for harbours / areas.
Rather than "Charter Operators.. good ones"
A Charter Operator Reports section.
 Treat this part of fishing same as boating, fly, land based, dive ,everything else in the sport

Having a 4 day break at Paihia next week & as don't fancy towing the boat there & back in the hope of the weather co operating am thinking of going on a charter.

Spot X Fishing Charters are good also, Capt Hamish Fenn a real good bugga

Hey crew. 

Xmas in the BOI is great for kings as long as the baitschools are in, Fish are in the 8-15kg range and can stack up some good numbers days, but mainly livebaiting. Pacific Pirate with Derek, SpotX with Hamish, Dayz Out with Darren are all great options.
Bronzies can sometimes be a Pain in the arse but not normally too bad late dec, early jan but thats just the way it goes.
If you end up in the BOI and its raining then you can come and drink Beer in my garage, as long as you bring your own beer

any reviews on tauranga marine charters, https://www.taurangamarinecharters.co.nz/hapuka-fishing/. Was looking to go on their puka trip as a casual.