The Bay of Islands has been a serious big-game fishing destination since the 1920s, when Zane Grey arrived to chase striped marlin, broadbill swordfish, mako and yellowtail kingfish. The season runs from January to early May; striped marlin are the main quarry, with tag-and-release now standard practice.
Several charter operators run from Russell and Paihia, with day trips out to the deep water off Cape Brett. Reef and bottom fishing is available year-round and is a better option for less experienced anglers — snapper, kahawai and trevally are abundant. The annual Bay of Islands Swordfish Club tournament every January is a serious event that draws boats from across the South Pacific.