Planning your fishing adventure with Catch a Fish? We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions about our fishing charters in Wānaka, Queenstown, Lake Hāwea, and Jackson Bay. From what to bring and how to book, to details about weather, gear, and custom trips—we’re here to make your experience as easy, fun, and memorable as possible.
If you still have questions after reading through, don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re always happy to help.
We provide fishing gear, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks on all trips. For 6-hour fishing charters, you can also book a premium, locally sourced lunch at checkout for $35 per person.
To make the most of your time on the water—whether it’s on Lake Wānaka, Lake Hāwea, Lake Wakatipu, or Jackson Bay—we recommend bringing:
Sturdy, non-slip footwear for safety on the boat
A waterproof jacket to stay dry from rain or splashes
A warm sweater or fleece, especially for early mornings or cooler days
Sun protection: sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses
Insect repellent to keep sandflies away
A camera or phone to capture your fishing adventure
Any personal medications you might need
Winter Tip: If you're joining us during the colder months, it's important to dress in warm, breathable layers. We recommend adding a beanie, shawl or buff, and gloves—especially for those crisp early starts on the lake.
Being prepared will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on your fishing charter in New Zealand.
Yes — all freshwater anglers in New Zealand must hold a valid fishing licence before casting a line. We’ve made it easy: you can add a licence during checkout with us.
Licence options include:
One‑Day Resident Licence:
– Adults (18+): $25
– Juniors (12–17): $6
One‑Day Non‑Resident Licence:
– Adults: $38
– Juniors or children (under 17): $23
These licences are valid for 24 hours. Children under 12 still require a licence, but it’s free for residents.
If you already have a licence, simply show it to us before you get on the boat.
Absolutely! Our fishing charters are perfect for all experience levels — from complete beginners to seasoned anglers. We provide friendly, expert guidance, top-quality gear, and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere so you can learn as you go. Whether it’s your first time holding a rod or you're just new to trout or sea fishing, we’ll make sure you feel confident, comfortable, and have a great time on the water.
Yes, definitely! Our fishing trips are family-friendly and a great way to create lasting memories with your children. We welcome kids of all ages, and our skipper is experienced in making the trip safe, fun, and engaging for young anglers. We provide child-sized lifejackets and can adjust the pace of the trip to suit your family. Whether it’s their first catch or just a fun day on the lake, we’ll make sure it’s an experience your kids (and you!) will never forget.
All our fishing trips include top-quality fishing gear, expert guidance, and use of the latest technology on board, including an electric trolling motor and Scotty downriggers to give you the best chance of success.
You’ll also enjoy snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, and on 6-hour trips, you have the option to add a premium, locally sourced lunch for $35 per person during checkout.
Our fully surveyed vessel is equipped for both comfort and safety, with life jackets for all ages, a covered area to shelter from weather, and plenty of space to relax between catches.
If you'd like to take your fish home, we’ll gut, clean, and vacuum pack your catch so it's ready to transport—fresh, clean, and hassle-free.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time fishing, we take care of everything so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Yes, you can! If your catch meets New Zealand’s size and bag limit regulations, you're welcome to take it home. We’ll gut, clean, and vacuum pack it for you right on board so it’s ready to enjoy or travel with.
At the same time, we proudly encourage catch and release to help protect our fish populations and waterways. To celebrate this choice, we offer a special reward: a custom Doon River trophy pin representing the species you released—your badge of honour for fishing sustainably.
Whether you keep your catch or release it, we’ll support you either way and ensure it’s a memorable part of your adventure.
Your safety and comfort are our top priority. If the weather conditions aren’t suitable for your trip, we’ll reschedule it for a better day or offer a full refund if rescheduling isn’t possible.
We keep a close eye on the forecast and will contact you in advance if any changes are needed. Some light wind or rain won’t stop us, but if conditions are unsafe or uncomfortable, we’ll always make the call with your best experience in mind.
Our boat comfortably accommodates up to six guests per trip, making it perfect for couples, families, or small groups. We require a minimum of two guests for the trip to go ahead.
If you're a solo traveller, you’re more than welcome! You can either wait for others to join your date or choose to book two spots and enjoy a private, exclusive fishing experience all to yourself.
Yes! All our trips include snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, with a delicious local twist. You can expect a freshly baked pastry from a local bakery, made that morning—perfect for enjoying between catches.
On our 6-hour charters, you also have the option to add a premium, locally sourced lunch for $35 per person during checkout.
You're also welcome to bring extra food or drinks if you'd like
Absolutely! You can easily book a private charter when selecting your trip. After choosing your preferred location and duration, simply select the ‘Private Charter’ option—this guarantees you’ll have the boat all to yourself.
Looking for something even more personalised? We also offer fully custom fishing adventures. From remote lakes to coastal expeditions, we’ll design a trip around your goals, target species, and sense of adventure. Visit our Custom Adventure page or get in touch to start planning!
We run fishing trips from several stunning locations:
Lake Wānaka
Lake Hāwea
Lake Wakatipu (Queenstown)
Jackson Bay (for sea fishing)
Meeting Points:
For Lake Wānaka, we usually depart from the Wānaka Marina.
For Lake Hāwea, we meet at the Hāwea boat ramp.
For Queenstown (Lake Wakatipu), departure is typically from the Frankton Marina
For Jackson Bay, we launch directly from the Jackson Bay Wharf.
After booking, we’ll confirm the exact meeting point and time and stay in touch in case any adjustments are needed due to weather or lake conditions. All meeting locations are easy to access, and we’re always happy to assist with directions.
We offer flexible departure times depending on the trip length and season:
3-Hour Trips:
Morning: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Afternoon: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Evening (summer only, 1 Dec – 1 Mar): 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
6-Hour Trips:
Standard: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Late afternoon (summer only, 1 Dec – 1 Mar): 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Custom Trips:
We’ll schedule these at a time that suits you—just let us know what works best when you book.
Yes, you can! We often have last-minute availability, especially outside of peak season. If you're already in the area and feeling spontaneous, feel free to check our online booking calendar or contact us directly—we’ll do our best to get you out on the water.
For same-day bookings, a quick call or message is the best way to confirm what’s possible. We’re always happy to help make it happen!
Not at all! Our custom fishing adventures are tailored to your goals, interests, and experience level—whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned angler.
We’ll guide you every step of the way, from choosing the right location and techniques to teaching you how to use the gear. It’s all about creating an unforgettable experience that’s enjoyable, stress-free, and perfectly suited to you.
That depends on the location and time of year, but here’s what you can generally expect:
Lake Wānaka, Lake Hāwea & Lake Wakatipu (Queenstown):
– Brown trout
– Rainbow trout
– Salmon (seasonal)
Jackson Bay (Sea Fishing):
– Blue cod
– Kingfish
– Hapuka (groper)
– Tarakihi, gurnard, and other seasonal species
We’ll always tailor the trip to what’s running and biting best on the day—whether you’re hoping to catch your first trout or land a powerful kingfish offshore.
##Customer-Initiated Cancellations and Rescheduling
Customers may cancel or reschedule their charter without penalty if notice is given more than 7 days before the scheduled departure date. A full refund will be provided for cancellations made during this period.
Cancellations or rescheduling requests made within 7 days of the scheduled departure date are non-refundable, and rescheduling will incur a $50 fee.
##Operator-Initiated Cancellations
If Catch a Fish Ltd cancels a trip (weather, breakdown, emergency, etc.), customers will be given as much notice as possible and encouraged to reschedule their trip.
If rescheduling is not possible, customers will receive a full refund.
Any optional extras (such as catering) cannot be refunded if the cancellation occurs within 24 hours of the trip.
Catch a Fish Ltd reserves the right to cancel trips if customers fail to comply with safety instructions or exhibit behavior that endangers themselves, the crew, or the vessel. In such cases, no refund will be provided.
Click here or full terms and conditions.
Yes! Our vessel is fully surveyed and safety certified under Maritime New Zealand regulations.
We carry all required safety gear, including life jackets, VHF radio, EPIRB, and a full first aid kit.
Your skipper holds advanced certifications and has over 2,000 days at sea, so you’re in expert hands on every charter.
We do our best to choose calm, sheltered fishing locations, especially for our lake charters in Wānaka, Hāwea, and Queenstown.
If you're joining a sea fishing trip from Jackson Bay and are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking preventive medication in advance.
We’ll always look after your comfort and can adjust the trip as needed to ensure a great experience.
Yes, we run fishing charters year-round in New Zealand, with seasonal adjustments.
Summer (Dec–Mar): morning, afternoon, and evening trips
Autumn & Spring: great fishing with fewer crowds
Winter (Jun–Aug): crisp mornings and calm conditions—perfect for trout fishing
Weather, daylight, and fish behaviour vary with the seasons, but we fish 12 months of the year and will help you choose the best time for your adventure.
