Gamefishing at its best! Giant Bluefin;  Some of the most thrilling fishing ever experienced amongst the wildest weather and coastline in New Zealand.

Pacific bluefin estimated: 100 -250kg
Northern Bluefin Tuna estimated: 200 – 500+kg

Each year Hoki spawning season attracts the Northern and Pacific Bluefin to the West Coast of the South Island and also the huge Hoki trawlers from NZ, Japan, Norway and Russia

Lance bases Enchanter in either Greymouth or Westport depending on where the fish are being caught.  Trips are based on an hourly rate with the minimum trip 48 hours – 72 hours.  Fishing is throughout the day and night, with many bluefin caught in the dark. 

Enchanter is fully set up for Bluefin complete with steel reinforced Gamechair to handle 200-400+kg fish and 130lb gear.  To enable Enchanter to get on the fish she holds an offshore survey to fish up to 100 nautical miles to fish places like the Hokitika Trench and beyond. 

The cost $225.00 per hour includes full catering for six persons, bait, burley, 130lb tackle and 130W Shimano rod and reels. 

Each trip is booked into a five day period to allow for the best weather window as river bars at Greymouth and Westport dicate departure and returning to port as well as westcoast weather and sea conditions.

Enchanter held the NZ Bluefin Womans Record for 2008 season 223kg caught by Lyn Salvidge.

Lyn's Story:

"Bruce, my non fishing hubby and I flew from Auckland to Westport on the South Island's rugged West Coast in search of a Pacific Bluefin tuna. These huge fish follow the hoki trawlers and feed off the scraps.

Skipper Lance Goodhew and the crew on "Enchanter" were waiting for us. With a window in the weather the decision was made to cross the treacherous bar. Once over the bar the sea was like a washing machine so I knew it was going to be an uncomfortable 48 hrs.

50km out and after 27hrs of almost continuous fishing, motoring from trawler to trawler my luck finally changed. It was blowing 40 gusting 45 knots, 3-4 metre swells, pitch black, freezing cold and another bait was thrown at the side of the trawler "Rehua" and at last I was hooked up.

The tuna made an initial blistering run, nearly pulling me out of the chair. In these conditions I knew it was going to be a struggle but I had a good team behind me. Using the big swells I was able to inch the 60kg nylon back onto the Shimano 130. After a 63 minute tug of war the trace was in sight but the battle wasn't over yet. The crew struggled in the big seas to hold the tuna, nearly losing it several times but managed to secure the fish to the now broken duck board, at last we could go home.

The fish was weighed in as a courtesy and surprisingly came up at 223kg. Unfortunately IGFA does not recognise line class records for this species as yet but if ratified will be a New Zealand womans record."

Both Greymouth and Westport have all amenities: Supermarkets, ATM, Restaurants etc.
Greymouth is 4.5 hours drive from Picton Ferry Terminal  www.interislander.co.nz, 1:40hrs south of Westport or 3 hours from Christchurch. 
Nearest Domestic Airport:  Westport - www.airnewzealand.co.nz
International Airport:  Christchurch - www.jetstar.com 
Accommodation in Greymouth:  www.alpinerose.co.nz
Accommodation in Westport:  www.palmcourtwestport.co.nz