Mike Boswell (Bozy) is the owner/operator of The Gambler Fishing Charters specializing in day fishing charters out of the Bay of Plenty port of Whakatane.

The Gambler specialises in day trips to White Island targetting world famous large White Island kingfish, hapuka, bass, bluenose, snapper, tarakihi and more...

The Gambler is a fast stable platform to fish off, game rigged with bait tank, tuna tubes and outriggers, decked out with quality shimano fishing gear.

Kingfish Fishing

White Island is NZ's most active volcano situated 49km off the coast of Whakatane providing a spectacular backdrop to target one of NZ's hardest fighting sportsfish, the Yellow Tail Kingfish. 

Large Kingfish congregate in numbers over the spring and summer months at White Island to spawn and feed on the abundance of baitfish. We can use a variety of different methods such as jigging, stick baiting and live baiting, all of which can be supplied on board The Gambler.

Bluenose, Hapuka, Bass, Gemfish Fishing

The deep water reefs and knolls around White Island are home to a variety of large deep water species such as Bluenose, Bass, Hapuka, Gem fish and Tarakihi. These are all excellent table fish.

We can provide the expertise you need to target these fish including Shimano Beastmaster electric reels to cater for all ranges of fishing abilities when chartering The Gambler.

Snapper, Tarakihi, John Dory, Gurnard, Kahawai Fishing

The Opotiki Mussle Farm is half an hours travel from Whakatane on The Gambler and is home to an abundance of inshore species such as Snapper, Tarakihi, John Dory, Gurnard and Kahawai.

We can cater for groups of up to 10 people, great for work do's and family outings. Kick back, catch a feed, crank up the BBQ onboard and have a couple of cold ones. Talk to the skipper - Mike, about different seasonal options.

Gamefishing

Over the summer months the warm waters of the Eastern Bay of Plenty are home to several pelargic gamefish such as Yellowfin Tuna, Stripped and Blue Marlin and Broadbill Swordfish.

The Gambler is rigged with a live bait tank, tuna tubes and outriggers. We can spend the day targeting these sportfish or mix it up during the day. Southern Bluefin Tuna migrate through our waters from late June till early August, an amazing fishery with fish ranging from 40 to 130kg in size!

The Gambler

10 Metre Catamaran

"The Gambler" is a fast, stable 10 metre catamaran with 2 x 225 hp Honda motors. We specialize in White Island Kingfish and deep sea fishing for up to six anglers. We also do inshore fishing charters for up to 10 anglers, along with custom packages to suit your requirements.

Aboard The Gambler we provide bait, ice, tea and coffee, you can bring your own rods and reels or use the quality shimano gear on board. We also have a set of shimano beast master electric reels available for hire making those deep water drops Childs play! We can provide all the terminal tackle you need for your days fishing if you don't have your own, charging you for lost tackle only.

Mike Boswell (Bozy)

Owner & Skipper

Mike has over 20 years charter fishing experience fishing out of Whakatane as well as The Three Kings, Ranfurly Banks, South Island west coast, and Vavau Tonga, bringing a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and experience to the operation. Mike holds a New Zealand Offshore Masters Ticket so you can be sure you are in good hands out on the water!

Our experienced crewman will be on hand to support your fishing experience. You can take all your catch home whole, or arrange to have it filleted. Professional vacuum packaging or smoking can also be arranged overnight locally. You can take your fish frames home with you or they can be donated to locals. Nothing is wasted.