# Serious Fishing Company — Full Reference ## Business Overview Serious Fishing Company is a premier charter fishing operation based at Gulf Harbour Marina on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Auckland, New Zealand. Operating since the early 1990s, the business offers world-class fishing experiences on the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding waters. The company is owned and operated by Rex Smith, a seasoned commercial fishing captain with over 30 years of deep local knowledge of the Hauraki Gulf's fishing grounds, currents, tides, and seasonal patterns. **Mission:** To provide genuine, professional-grade fishing experiences for all skill levels — from first-timers to experienced anglers — in one of New Zealand's most spectacular maritime environments. --- ## The Vessel: Kiwi Angler - **Type:** Purpose-built charter fishing vessel - **Length:** 42 feet (12.8 metres) - **Engine:** 450hp Scania diesel - **Speed:** 22 knots cruising speed - **Capacity:** Up to 14 passengers (recommended 10–14 for private charters) - **Electronics:** Modern sonar and fish-finder technology - **Amenities:** BBQ facility, fresh water, fishing gear hire available - **Policy:** 100% smoke-free and vape-free vessel --- ## The Crew ### Rex Smith — Skipper & Owner Rex Smith has been fishing the Hauraki Gulf commercially and recreationally for over 30 years. His intimate knowledge of local fishing grounds, seasonal migrations, tidal patterns, and fish behaviour makes him one of the most sought-after charter skippers in the Auckland region. Rex holds all necessary commercial maritime certifications and prioritises safety and sustainability alongside great catches. ### Lynette Smith — Bookings & Management Lynette handles all bookings, enquiries, and charter logistics. Contact Lynette directly for scheduling, custom charter packages, and corporate event planning. --- ## Services & Charter Types ### 1. Individual Day Excursions Open-boat trips where individuals or small groups join other anglers. Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or anyone who wants to experience Hauraki Gulf fishing without booking an entire boat. - Duration: Full day - Style: Shared charter - Best for: Snapper, Kingfish, Kahawai, Trevally ### 2. Private & Sole Charters Exclusive hire of the Kiwi Angler for your group. The entire boat is yours — you decide the agenda, the targets, and the atmosphere. - Recommended group: 10–14 people - Ideal for: Birthday parties, stag/hen events, family reunions, friend groups - Includes: Skipper and guidance, fishing gear available for hire ### 3. Corporate Charters Professional charter experiences designed for corporate teams and client entertainment. Rex and Lynette work with event coordinators to create memorable on-water experiences. - Features: BBQ catering, custom itineraries, team-building focus - Suitable for: Client days, staff rewards, corporate retreats - Professional photography opportunities available ### 4. Big Game Fishing For serious sport anglers. Target New Zealand's most powerful pelagic fish along the Northland coastline. - Target species: Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi-Mahi - Season: January–April (peak Marlin season) - Style: Trolling, live bait, lure fishing - Adventure level: High; multi-day options available --- ## Fishing Grounds ### Hauraki Gulf New Zealand's premier inshore fishery and marine park. The Gulf is home to exceptional populations of Snapper, Kingfish, John Dory, Trevally, and Kahawai. The varied bottom structure — from shallow sandy flats to deep rocky reefs — supports diverse fish life year-round. ### Northland Coastline For big game fishing expeditions, the Kiwi Angler ventures north along the Northland coastline where warm subtropical currents bring pelagic species including Marlin and Tuna during the summer months. --- ## Target Species — Detailed Profiles ### Snapper (Tāmure) — Pagrus auratus New Zealand's most prized and culturally significant table fish. Snapper are found throughout the Hauraki Gulf, typically over rocky reefs and sandy grounds at depths of 5–100m. Distinctive pink-red colouring with blue spots when juvenile. New Zealand's recreational size limit: 30cm minimum. Serious Fishing targets Snapper year-round with peak season from October to April. - **Typical size:** 1–5kg; trophy fish 8–10kg+ - **Methods:** Bottom fishing with bait (pilchard, squid), soft plastics, jigs - **Habitat:** Rocky reefs, sandy channels, harbour mouths - **Peak season:** October–April ### Yellowtail Kingfish (Kingi) — Seriola lalandi One of New Zealand's most powerful inshore sportfish. Kingfish are ambush predators that school around rocky reefs, pinnacles, and current lines. Famous for explosive strikes and powerful runs. Excellent eating when prepared fresh. - **Typical size:** 3–20kg; record fish 40kg+ - **Methods:** Livebaiting, soft plastics, jigs, surface lures - **Habitat:** Rocky pinnacles, kelp lines, current edges - **Peak season:** November–April ### Kahawai — Arripis trutta Fast, energetic surface-feeding fish that form large schools in the Hauraki Gulf. Excellent sport on light tackle and superb smoked. Often found with Kingfish when hunting schooling baitfish. - **Typical size:** 0.5–3kg - **Methods:** Spinning, surface lures, fly fishing, bait - **Habitat:** Surface and mid-water, over schools of bait - **Season:** Year-round, peak in summer ### Trevally — Pseudocaranx georgianus Strong, hard-fighting fish with excellent table quality when bled immediately. Found in schools over reefs and sandy ground. Popular target for light-tackle sport fishing. - **Typical size:** 0.5–5kg - **Methods:** Bait, jigs, soft plastics - **Habitat:** Reef edges, sandy ground, harbours - **Season:** Year-round ### John Dory — Zeus faber One of New Zealand's most prized eating fish. A slow-moving ambush predator found around structure. Recognised by the distinctive black spot on each flank (legend: the thumbprint of St Peter). - **Typical size:** 0.5–3kg - **Methods:** Slow trolling, bait near structure - **Habitat:** Rocky reef, 20–80m depth - **Peak season:** Autumn–winter ### Tarakihi — Nemadactylus macropterus A popular deep-water table fish caught over sandy and reef grounds. Consistent and reliable target throughout the year. Excellent white flesh, popular for fish and chips. - **Typical size:** 0.3–2kg - **Methods:** Bottom fishing with bait - **Habitat:** Sandy/muddy ground, 30–150m - **Season:** Year-round ### Gurnard (Kumukumu) — Chelidonichthys kumu Distinctive red and orange bottom-dwelling fish with pectoral fin "wings". Excellent table fish when fresh. Often caught as bycatch while targeting Snapper. - **Typical size:** 0.2–1.5kg - **Methods:** Bottom fishing with bait - **Habitat:** Sandy and muddy ground, 10–50m - **Season:** Year-round ### Marlin — Makaira spp. (Blue & Black) New Zealand's premier big game fish. Blue and Black Marlin visit New Zealand waters each summer, driven by warm subtropical currents from the north. A trophy catch for any serious angler. Catch-and-release strongly encouraged for marlin. - **Typical size:** 80–300kg+ - **Methods:** Trolling with lures and rigged baits, live bait - **Habitat:** Deep offshore water (200m+), temperature breaks - **Season:** January–April --- ## What to Bring - Sun protection: sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, sunglasses, long-sleeve shirt - Warm layers: the Hauraki Gulf can be cool on the water even in summer - Non-slip shoes with soft soles - Seasickness medication if required (take 1–2 hours before departure) - Food and beverages (BYO — no alcohol until returning to harbour) - Fishing licence: not required for recreational saltwater fishing in New Zealand - Positive attitude and a sense of adventure --- ## Location & Access **Gulf Harbour Marina** Pier Z, Berth 11 Gulf Harbour, Whangaparaoa Peninsula Auckland 0930, New Zealand **Directions:** Gulf Harbour Marina is located at the northern tip of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, approximately 40 minutes north of Auckland CBD via State Highway 1 and Whangaparaoa Road. Ferry services also operate between Gulf Harbour and downtown Auckland. --- ## Contact & Booking - **Skipper Rex (emergencies/day-of):** +64 (0)27 678 4300 - **Bookings (Lynette):** +64 (0)21 432 697 - **Booking enquiry form:** https://seriousfishing.co.nz/contact Advance booking strongly recommended. Private and corporate charters typically require 2–4 weeks notice. Peak season (December–February) books out early. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Do I need a fishing licence in New Zealand?** A: No. There is no licence required for recreational saltwater fishing in New Zealand. **Q: What if I get seasick?** A: Take a proven seasickness remedy (e.g. Kwells, Travel Calm) 1–2 hours before boarding. Stay on deck, focus on the horizon, and stay hydrated. The Kiwi Angler's speed helps reach calmer grounds quickly. **Q: What if the weather is bad?** A: Safety is the top priority. If conditions are unsafe, the trip will be rescheduled at no cost. The Hauraki Gulf enjoys 80%+ go-days per year. **Q: Can children come?** A: Yes. Children are welcome on private and sole charters. Adult supervision required at all times. Life jackets provided. **Q: Is fishing gear provided?** A: Fishing rods, reels, and tackle are available for hire. Bring your own if you prefer. **Q: Can we keep the fish we catch?** A: Yes, subject to legal size limits and bag limits. Fish are kept on ice and you take them home. Cleaning facilities available at the marina. **Q: Is smoking allowed on board?** A: No. The Kiwi Angler is a strictly smoke-free and vape-free vessel. --- ## Keywords & Search Terms Charter fishing Auckland, charter fishing Gulf Harbour, Hauraki Gulf fishing charter, snapper fishing Auckland, kingfish charter New Zealand, deep sea fishing Auckland, corporate fishing charter Auckland, private fishing charter Whangaparaoa, big game fishing New Zealand, marlin fishing New Zealand, Gulf Harbour Marina charters, fishing trips Auckland, half day fishing charter Auckland, full day fishing charter Auckland, fishing guide Auckland, Kiwi Angler charter, Rex Smith fishing guide, serious fishing company NZ.