Fishing in Bay Of Plenty

Stretching along the northeastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the Bay of Plenty is one of the country’s premier marine destinations. Known for its stunning beaches, rich Māori heritage, and productive waters, the region offers incredible saltwater and freshwater fishing, with options ranging from deep offshore action to calm harbors, estuaries, and rivers. The region’s major towns—Tauranga, Whakatāne, and Ōpōtiki—are all excellent bases for anglers, with well-developed marinas, charter fleets, and quick access to both inshore and offshore hotspots. With a temperate maritime climate, fishing is a year-round activity, with seasonal highlights offering variety and challenge. The Bay of Plenty lives up to its name—not just in natural beauty, but in the bounty of species beneath its waters.

Bay of Plenty offers world-class saltwater fishing, both offshore and inshore, as well as freshwater fishing in nearby lakes and rivers. Offshore fishing is centered around deep water drop-offs, underwater seamounts, and famous fishing grounds like the Mayor Island (Tuhua) area. These waters are known for their big game potential, with tuna, marlin, and swordfish drawing serious sport anglers. Inshore fishing is hugely popular, especially for snapper, kahawai, and kingfish near reefs, headlands, and islands. The estuaries and harbors around Tauranga and Maketū offer light tackle and family-friendly options, often with great success. In the region’s inland areas, trout fishing is a top draw, especially in Lake Rotorua and surrounding streams and tributaries. Whether on a boat offshore, wading a beach, or casting a fly inland, there’s something for every angler in the Bay of Plenty.

Saltwater anglers can expect a variety of top sport fish. Yellowtail kingfish are one of the most sought-after inshore species, renowned for their power and aggressive fights. Snapper are abundant and excellent eating, found from shallow bays to deeper reefs. Other common inshore species include trevally, kahawai, gurnard, and john dory. Further offshore, big game species like blue and striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, albacore, and swordfish roam the bluewater. Mahi-mahi, skipjack tuna, and blue sharks add variety and excitement. In freshwater, rainbow trout and brown trout thrive in the lakes and rivers, particularly around Rotorua, offering a peaceful but technical challenge to fly and spin anglers

Trolling is the go-to method for offshore pelagics like marlin and tuna, with skirted lures, rigged baits, and teasers used in bluewater fishing grounds. Live baiting is also highly effective, particularly for kingfish near reefs and pinnacles. Inshore, soft baiting, jigging, and bait fishing with pilchards or squid are commonly used to target snapper, trevally, and kahawai. Topwater fishing for kingfish using stickbaits and poppers is visually thrilling, especially around reef systems and offshore structure. Shore-based anglers use surfcasting and rock fishing to great effect, particularly near Whakatāne and Papamoa. For freshwater anglers, fly fishing with streamers, nymphs, and dries is standard on lakes and rivers, while trolling or spinning with lures works well from boats on larger lakes like Rotorua or Rotoiti.