Bay of Plenty
Rumour has it that when Captain Cook first sailed into the bay here, the fish were so prolific he named it the Bay of Plenty. Although clearly not as abundant now as it was then, fishing is still excellent and noted for tuna and marlin. Centrally located Tauranga Harbour has many charter vessels catering for all tastes and budgets.
Further down to the south east of the bay, townships like Whakatane and Opotiki also cater for the special fishermen that are after the elusive big fish in a comfortable manner.
Tauranga Harbour
Further down the eastern seaboard of the Bay of Plenty ( Cook’s description) lies Tauranga Harbour, with large tidal flats on the inside of Matakana Island, harbouring a huge variety of species and the breeding grounds of many. Tauranga Harbour is a natural tidal harbour with two entrances north and south. The harbour is typical of the variety of charters available, from spectacular salt water flyfishing over the inner harbour flats, to marlin and tuna offshore, with plenty in between.
Whakatane
Not much of a harbour per se, more of a tidal estuary with a breakwater. Bar entrance can be tricky so caution and local knowledge essential. However for those interested in fishing White Island, Ranfurly Banks or the close continental shelf, this is often the launch point. Further along the coast, operations do launch at smaller points like Te Kaha and Waihou Bay.
