Exploring the Outer Gulf with Gordon of Ridgeback Charters is simply exceptional as each time I have been out on a Ridgeback Charter we have had an awesome time.

Fishing Sharks Dolphins Whales

Exploring the Outer Gulf with Gordon of Ridgeback Charters is simply exceptional as each time I have been out on a Ridgeback Charter we have had an awesome time. Hi I am Theo reporting in to the team of Dive Planet about a very magical day doing things that I thought I would never do like touching a Mako Shark. Meeting Gordon down at the Mangawhai wharf at the crack of dawn we headed out to spend the day fishing the outer Hauraki Gulf. But this was not going to be any ordinary days fishing as little did we know but this was going to be a mind blowing adventure.

After finding our Spot X Fishing location we dropped our lines over the side, feeling the big pulls, watching line scream off the reels as we hooked into big Snapper and Trevally. After landing quite a few nice fish I noticed how everything went quite as if there was something bigger cruising the depths. Just as I was about to drop my line again I saw a shark circling below; this was no ordinary shark as this was the Mako, being the cousin of the Great White Shark. Mako sharks can be very aggressive and this little one was full of attitude as we dished out some pilchards to obtain a photo opportunity. On one occasion this Mako was so close I was able to reach out and touch this formidable predator; that in itself was a real adrenalin pounding buzz.

Sharks Swim Boulder Bay Whales

After our Shark experience we headed for Boulder bay to get some lunch, but as we were approaching the bay we came across a mother and calf whale. It was like Wow, How much more exciting can our day get as we watched them breaching for a while before diving down out of sight. After a leisurely lunch at Boulder Bay we went back out to deeper waters for some more quality fishing. 

Sharks Dolphins Fun Times

This was certainly turning into one of those Sharky days as we seemed to be attracting a lot of sharks while we were fishing. Throughout the afternoon we were able to land some nice sized Kahawai before spotting a large pod of Dolphins.

Gordon slowed the boat as we peeled over the side to spend some quality time diving with the dolphins. Not having a mask onboard was a bit of a downer as the photos taken were hit and miss shots. I was amazed to hear the sonar of the Dolphin as they played with us for a good 30 minutes before leaving.

Ridgeback Charter Experience

This was truly another remarkable experience on the Ridgeback Charter Fishing Trip that I will remember for a long time to come. We caught enough snapper and Trevally for a few meals along with having an incredible aquatic experience. If you are planning on doing fishing or diving experiences, I highly recommend making a booking with Gordon of Ridgeback Charters.

Article and photos by Theo Graaf,

Edited by Paul Morris of Dive Planet