Offshore Fishing — Lord Howe Island — Whole Boat

Eight hours offshore, and the whole boat is yours.

Scott works out the run on the morning. That might be jigging or casting stickbaits and poppers for kingfish, live baiting, plastics over the reef edges, trolling for wahoo, or deep dropping on the drop-offs. Usually a few of those in a day. A full day gives you the range — the seamounts, the drop-offs on the outer reefs, or the water around Balls Pyramid when conditions allow.

The kingfish here are their own fish. Under Balls Pyramid they come up jet black across the back, and the old Islanders call them black backs. Winter is the best of it, which runs against the visitor season.

Scott Wilson grew up on Lord Howe Island and fishes these waters commercially, rod and reel, year-round. He has taken part in Project Kingfish, satellite tagging kingfish here for research. The plan for your day comes from being out here week in, week out, rather than from a chart.

Up to six aboard with four fishing at a time, so nobody has to hold a rod. Four rods is not a marketing decision — it is what works when a good fish is on and everyone needs room.

You will lose fish to sharks. Hooked fish get taken here more often than they used to. Scott will move you off a spot when it starts happening. It is part of fishing this place.

Included

Rods, reels and tackle. Bait and lures. Your catch, within bag and size limits. Bring your own gear if you would rather fish it. Marine toilet on board.

Not included

Food and drink. Bring your own — there is room to keep it cool. No glass on board.

What to bring

Sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, a warm layer, soft-soled shoes, water, lunch and your camera. It is a long day in the sun and further offshore than most people expect. If you are prone to seasickness, take your remedy the night before rather than on the morning.

Where and when

We leave from the Lord Howe Island jetty. Offshore is an early start, but the exact time moves with the tide, because Fin cannot get out of the lagoon on a low one.

Weather

Trips are weather led. We do not head out in more than 20 knots or in swell over 2.5 metres. Scott makes the final call on the morning, on safety. If we cancel, you will be offered another day within your stay or a full refund.

Children

Minimum four years old and 15 kg, with a parent or guardian aboard. A full offshore day is long and a fair way from shore, so tell us ages when you book.