JACKSON BAY FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Go Deep, Go Big: Chasing Bluenose and Hapuka off Jackson Bay
A full-day (8-hour) shared deep-sea charter that leaves from Jackson Bay Wharf and drops lines into waters down to 400 m to target prized West Coast species.
Go Deep, Go Big: Chasing Bluenose and Hapuka off Jackson Bay.
From the rocky point of Jackson Bay, a single-vessel charter slips past seabirds and the occasional dolphin toward open water where lines are dropped into depths that test tackle and angler resolve. This is a full-day, deep-water outing that pairs serious fishing—targeting bluenose, hapuka and other deep-water species—with the raw, wind-swept scenery of the West Coast.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Target premium deep-water species
The charter fishes deep-drop grounds that reach as far as 400 metres, specifically targeting prized West Coast species such as bluenose and hapuka—plus ling, gemfish and the chance of crayfish on the way home.
Manual and electric deep-drop options
Anglers may choose manual or electric deep-drop gear: the electric option eases the physical strain while manual rigs give a hands-on challenge for experienced fishers, letting the boat accommodate a range of skill levels.
Comfort and capability aboard ŌKAHU
The charter operates a well-equipped vessel with modern navigation and safety systems and on-board comforts—shower, galley and sheltered spaces—so a long day offshore stays manageable in changeable weather.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
After boarding at the wharf, the boat runs offshore to deep-drop grounds where crews set up heavy tackle and drop baits to 300–400 metres. The day alternates focused, technical fishing—using manual or electric deep-drop gear—with downtime watching the West Coast’s rugged seascape; on the return run the crew checks cray pots and, once back at the wharf, fillets and portions the catch for anglers.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who fares best on this trip—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The charter runs for approximately 8 hours.
Meet at Jackson Bay Wharf; seasonal departure times are around 6:00 AM in summer and 8:00 AM in winter, and boarding may be via tender and ladder.
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, camera and water/food as desired; anglers may consider a cooler for their catch although bait and ice are provided.
The vessel is equipped with modern navigation and safety systems and amenities such as a shower, galley and sheltered spaces to handle variable West Coast weather.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
This is a full-day charter of approximately 8 hours.
Where do we meet and what time does the boat leave?
Meet at Jackson Bay Wharf; departures are typically around 6:00 AM in summer and 8:00 AM in winter.
What species are we targeting?
The charter targets deep-water West Coast species such as bluenose and hapuka, and may also target ling, gemfish, with a chance of crayfish on the return run.
What type of fishing gear is used?
Guests may use manual or electric deep-drop gear—electric rigs ease the physical demands while manual rigs offer a more traditional, hands-on challenge.
Are there accessibility concerns?
Yes: boarding is via a tender and requires climbing a ladder at the wharf or onshore; the operator cannot accommodate wheelchair access or guests unable to climb stairs or a ladder.
Will my catch be processed?
Yes: on return to the wharf the crew will fillet and portion the catch for anglers.