Winter Game Fishing: 2-Day Southern Bluefin Tuna Expedition from Greymouth

From Greymouth on New Zealand’s wild West Coast, Jackson Bay Charters runs a two-day winter game-fishing expedition that pitches anglers against some of the ocean’s most formidable quarry. Departing from Greymouth, the crew crosses the bar and runs out to the Hokitika Trench, where the continental shelf drops away and Southern Bluefin Tuna and powerful Bluenose patrol the edge. Over two days you’ll troll lures by daylight and chum with fresh hoki at night, working sleepless watches as fish climb from depth to test your gear and resolve. The trip operates aboard the fully surveyed ŌKAHU and is limited to four anglers, which turns the offshore grind into a concentrated team effort. Shimano rods, a full range of rigs and trolling lures, salt ice, filleting service, and meals are included—expect hands-on support for rigging, fighting fish, and processing your catch. The charter’s mix of techniques—trolling, bait fishing and overnight chumming—makes for varied action and a steep learning curve even for experienced anglers. What sets this winter expedition apart is the proximity of deep water: the Hokitika Trench creates consistent upwelling along the West Coast shelf, producing short runs where trophy-sized Southern Bluefin (often measured in hundreds of kilograms) and dense schools of Bluenose are reliably located in season. The West Coast’s weather and the Greymouth bar add a raw edge: crossings can be diagnostic, and conditions change fast, so stamina and sea-savvy matter as much as tackle selection. Beyond the fishing, the trip is an audiovisual show—gusting salt air, low winter light, flocks of albatross and shearwaters working bait, and occasional fur seals inspecting the commotion. Jackson Bay Charters balances that spectacle with practical stewardship: catches are shared evenly among anglers and processed on return, and the crew works within local rules to promote sustainable handling. Practical notes: the fishing window runs June through 30 August and departures are highly weather- and tide-dependent; bookings are by enquiry and the operator will confirm start times. Bring warm, waterproof layers, a sleeping bag and pillow (berths onboard have no bedding provided), sea-sickness medication if you’re prone, and a large chilly bin—ice is supplied. Limited group size means plenty of attention, but space is tight; be prepared for overnight watches and hands-on fishing. On return to Greymouth the crew will fillet and portion your catch so you can transport it home, and catch shares are equal among anglers. Check jacksonbaycharters.co.nz or contact Jackson Bay Charters for booking windows and gear lists and advice.