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Opotiki is blessed with long open expansive sandy beaches just a few minutes drive away, or beautiful tree fringed rocky coves a mere 20 mins drive away.
Half day or 4 hours fishing is usually plenty to catch something. All fishing rods, bait and tuition are given as needed. A record of your catch and effort is kept to help REAF's research efforts.
Early morning or evening fish times can be accomodated on request. .
Cost: $160 per person.
From mid September to December going whitebaiting along the rivers is also a good option.
Other seasonal land based fishing options include floundering, wharf fishing, Harbour fishing, kingfish off the rocks or even diving for mussels.
Please phone and make advanced plans. Some extra costs may apply.
REAF works in conjunction with local Charter operators. Normal Charter boat half day rates apply (usually around $350 for half day) plus a REAF sustainable fishing best practice and booking fee of $100 per trip applies. A half day trip is usually plenty of time to enjoy some fishing and catch a good feed of fish. REAFs consistently offer more action, more fish, and greater species diversity.
For bookings phone Lloyd
0064 07 3155831
027 350 4910
REAF Ltd 60 St John Str. Opotiki
or email us directly at reaf@xnet.co.nz with your numbers and dates.
What to bring.
Conditions on the ocean can be changeable so an extra layer of clothing and windbreaker is always advisable.
Shorter boat type rod and local baits or softbaits.
A chili bin type container to take your fish away with you.
(If you do not have these items then your skipper can supply them along with fish processing, for a small extra fee)
Disclaimer: While charter boat Skippers operate to strict standards in New Zealand, water activities always have a higher inherent risk factor attached to them. REAF Ltd takes all due care and promotes safe boating but accepts no responsibility in the event of any mishap.
REAF's goal is to offer the most ecologically active fishing experience to be found in New Zealand, perhaps even globally.
Our foremost unique feature is that you will be fishing for wild fish that REAF Ltd has actively helped to grow.
We can confidently claim this as the seabed area you fish will be on an area enhanced by REAF, developed from contributions coming from its Day Tours operation, sponsors and previous charter fishers.
REAF works with local smaller day charter boat operators and ensures your fishing experience helps the environment and community. We aspire to Green Globe 21 International Eco tourism key principles, some of which are interpreted by REAF as follows:
- Eco tourism shall provide a tangible contribution to conservation.
(At least 25% of the REAF booking fee goes directly to furthering the physical construction of the Opotiki Community Reef.)
- Eco tourism requires a direct personal experience of nature including natural quiet.
(Time on the sea includes a period when the sounder, radio and motor are turned off)
- Eco tourism buildings do not dominate the visual landscape
(Smaller charter boat operators usually operate from their own homes)
- Waste is minimised following the hierarchy of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
( All day trip waste is bought back for recycling) (Where practical sewage is bought back for land disposal and never disposed of less than 500m from land, aquaculture , Mataitai, Marine Reserve or Community Reef.)
- Global ecological sustainability is promoted.
(Seabed enhanced areas reduce Global Carbon Dioxide levels by increasing algal growth.)( Petrol use is minimised with the short trip to the Community Reef.)
- Interpretation is provided on how to fish sustainably, manage and protect fish stocks.
(Your Charter Skipper will add little snippets of learning whenever appropriate to ensure that the fish resource is used sustainably.)
- Eco tourism should contribute to the increasing health and wealth of the local community. (With REAFs seabed enhancement program healthy fish protein consumption is increased. Increasing enterprise opportunities are created with the building of the Community Reef).
In addition REAF Fishing Trips also actively promotes sustainable fishing in the following practical manner as promoted under the Green Globe 21 Codes of Conduct by:
- Educational talks are given by experts (Your Skipper is knowledgeable on local fish, fishing, geographic features, history and understands the REAF vision. )
- Adherence to all relevant fishing codes (Ministry of Fisheries Regulations, size and possession limits, seasonal closures and rahui)
- Uses only tackle that is appropriate for the size and type of fish. (Predominate use of lip catching circle hooks and non lead sinkers.)
- Attends ‘active’ fishing gear at all times and does not take more fish than is needed for immediate needs. (No set gill nets used)
- Fish retained in best condition for use are euthanised humanely (Use of iki jimi and ice)
- Non indigenous (imported) species are not used for bait. (If buying bait please ensure baits are local species)
- Environmental damage and pollution is reported to appropriate authorities. (Environment BOP)
- Full fish utilisation is encouraged and offal disposed of appropriately.(Smoking whole fish is a good way of utilising more of the fish)
- Boat and trailer prepared beforehand to minimise delays at the boat ramp. (Refueling done on land.)
- Promotion of the rapid retrieval and handling of fish. (We do not unduly play fish or use ultra light sport tackle)
- Good release techniques are followed (use of wet hands or rags, allowing fish recovery time before release.)
- Completion of fishing log that is forwarded to the Community Reef database.
- Your feedback is important so that we can improve our service to meet or exceed customer satisfaction.
Now that’s what we call ‘Real Eco Active Fishing’
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