There are many centers from which to base a big game fishing holiday, such as the Bay of islands, Whangaroa, Whakatane and Tutukaka. From these centers the glamour species can be caught. Predominant are striped marlin, and in New Zealand waters these fish grow to their largest size. Average stripers weigh in around one hundred kilos and there is a good chance of hooking a couple every day. Many world record striped marlin have been caught in New Zealand waters.
Most fishing is by trolling artificial lures or livebaiting.
These species are all available from December through April in the waters from North Cape to East Cape. South of East Cape the warm East Auckland Current is pushed to the east and away from the coast. A cooler southern current mixes here creating food filled waters that host large bluefin tuna. The East Auckland Current splits at the top of the island and some of the fish filled water spills down the west coast of the North island as far as New Plymouth. In these waters huge numbers of albacore and many striped and black marlin can be found during the January to March period.