THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Head offshore from Jackson Bay Wharf aboard the surveyed vessel ŌKAHU for an 8‑hour deep‑drop adventure targeting bluenose, hapuka and more. Modern gear, small groups and filleting service make this a top West Coast fishing experience.
Head offshore from Jackson Bay Wharf aboard the surveyed vessel ŌKAHU for an 8‑hour deep‑drop adventure targeting bluenose, hapuka and more. Modern gear, small groups and filleting service make this a top West Coast fishing experience.
Book with Jackson Bay Charters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Jackson Bay Charters · Jackson Bay, West Coast Region
Jackson Bay, on New Zealand’s wild West Coast, is the launch point for this full‑day deep‑sea fishing charter out of Jackson Bay Wharf. Aboard the surveyed vessel ŌKAHU, anglers spend eight hours pushing into waters that plunge to 400 metres, hunting prized deep‑water species—bluenose, hapuka, ling and gemfish—against a backdrop of steep coastal rainforest, wind‑swept beaches and sheer rock shelves.
The trip is built for anglers who want both hard work and serious reward. Shimano electric deep‑drop gear sits alongside manual rigs, so guests can choose a hands‑on fight or an assisted drop that keeps the action steady. Crew provide fresh bait, a full range of rigs and sinkers, salt‑ice to preserve your take, and a professional filleting service so you leave with ready‑to‑transport portions. Catch is shared evenly among anglers and checked for pot luck on the return—cray pots are often pulled en route, adding the chance of live crayfish to the haul.
What sets this charter apart is how quickly you reach true deep‑water country. Unlike long offshore runs elsewhere, Jackson Bay gives access to steep drop‑offs close to shore, meaning more time at the rigs and less time in transit. ŌKAHU’s modern navigation and safety systems, plus onboard comforts such as a sheltered deck, galley and shower, keep long hours at sea bearable in variable West Coast weather. Expect to see sea birds working bait schools, inquisitive dolphins, and occasionally a distant orca—wildlife sightings are part of the day.
Practical realities matter: check‑in at Jackson Bay Wharf at 6:00 AM in summer or 8:00 AM in winter; the vessel is tender‑access only and not suitable for anyone who cannot climb a ladder. Trips run to skipper discretion and depend on sea conditions, so flexibility is part of the plan. The West Coast’s fishing culture runs deep here; generations of locals have made a living from these waters, and the charter follows local best practices for sustainable take.
This is not a serene pleasure cruise—it's a working fishing trip where patience, persistence and a fair bit of muscle pay off. For anglers chasing premium West Coast species with top‑grade gear, expert crew and the unique reward of deep drops close to shore, this Jackson Bay charter delivers a day of hard fishing, cinematic coastal scenery and the chance to take home a memorable catch.
Bring layered waterproof clothing, sturdy non‑slip boots and seasickness remedies. The day offers excellent photo moments—action at the rail, close wildlife shots and broad coastal panoramas when you approach and leave the grounds. With groups capped at 8, attentive crew instruction, and both electric and manual rigs available, this charter is a standout way to reach deep-water sportfishing grounds without a long offshore run.
This is an approximately 8‑hour charter. Departure is 6:00 AM in summer and 8:00 AM in winter from Jackson Bay Wharf.
Common targets include bluenose, hapuka, ling and gemfish; crayfish checks on the return can add live cray to the catch.
Yes—Premium Shimano deep‑drop gear (electric or manual), rigs, sinkers and fresh bait are supplied, plus salt‑ice and a filleting service.
The vessel requires tender boarding and ladder access; it is not suitable for anyone unable to climb a ladder or requiring wheelchair access.
Catch is shared evenly among anglers; crew will fillet and portion your catch and preserve it with salt‑ice for transport.
Trips depend on sea conditions and run to the skipper’s discretion. Cancellations follow the listed policy: full, partial or no refunds depending on notice period.
Jackson Bay Charters operates from Jackson Bay on New Zealand's West Coast Region. The company runs a range of private and shared boat experiences focused on fishing, diving and coastal wildlife tours. Trips include deep sea and inshore fishing, summer and winter game fishing, shared and private dive charters, an Open Bay Islands tour, and a Jackson Bay Scenic Wildlife Tour. Deep Sea Fishing trips target species such as bluenose and hapuka in waters down to 400m aboard a well-equipped vessel. Game Fishing offerings focus on Bluefin and Albacore Tuna, with chances for Striped Marlin, using trolling, deep-drop and chumming techniques across summer and winter seasons. Inshore fishing charters suit families and beginners, providing gear, filleting services, and calm coastal fishing for Snapper, Kingfish and other species. Dive charters, available as shared or private options, explore rugged West Coast reefs with flexible dive plans for snorkelers and scuba divers of varying skill levels. The Open Bay Islands Tour visits remote islands and coastal history sites, while the Jackson Bay Scenic Wildlife Tour highlights seals, seabirds and seasonal dolphin or orca sightings, plus a hands-on cray fishing experience. Jackson Bay Charters emphasizes safe, well-equipped outings and tailored trip options. Operating from Jackson Bay, the business offers both private and shared charters, modern gear and locally focused itineraries, making it a straightforward choice for visitors seeking authentic West Coast marine experiences. Bookings accommodate groups and individuals with flexible private or shared options to match budgets, trip preferences, and seasonal local knowledge availability.
Book with Jackson Bay Charters