Thread: Visiting from the States -- wanting to fish while I'm here.

In general terms, the north of the North Island is about saltwater fishing and is very good. Bait and lure fishing are equally effective and can be quite spectacular. Main species are snapper, kingfish (you will know them as yellowtail), kahawai and trevally - you can Google those species to get an idea of specific techniques. Offshore game fishing is also an option, but November is a little too early in the year.

As you go further south, let's say south of Auckland for arguments sake, the saltwater fishing remains good, bait fishing predominates. There is some overlap in species, but blue cod are a favourite of the south. South of Auckland, the freshwater trout fishing picks up significantly, and there are some truly world class fisheries.

Whether you go with charters/guides or not is another question. They will certainly get you on to fish and speed up the learning process significantly which is important on a relatively short trip. Do it yourself is cheaper and could work. It is also fun, but don't think that you are going to rock up to downtown Auckland, throw a bait in and pull out a marlin! The fishing is good, but like anywhere, it takes some work and local knowledge. Not having a boat will slow you down, so charters may be a good option.