Day Fishing — Lord Howe Island

Six hours, close in, and enough time to fish properly without giving up the whole day.

Scott works out the run on the morning. Close in that usually means jigging or casting for kingfish along the reef edges, plastics over the drop-offs, or live baiting, depending on what has been going on that week. Six hours is enough time to move if a spot is not working, which is the difference between fishing and just being out on a boat.

Kingfish are the main event. The ones here are their own fish, thick skinned enough that chefs who have worked with both cannot cut scale them the way they would a mainland fish. Trevally and reef species come into it too, depending on the day. Winter is the best of the kingfish.

Scott Wilson grew up on Lord Howe Island and fishes these waters commercially, rod and reel, year-round, supplying the island's restaurants.

If you have never fished, this is where you start — Scott will rig you up and talk you through it, and six hours is a good way to find out whether you like it. If you fish a lot, you are on the boat with someone who jigs, pops, live baits and deep drops for a living.

This trip sells by the seat, so you do not need a group. Book one seat or book all four and have the boat to yourselves. Four rods maximum, which is what works when a good fish is on and everyone needs room.

You will lose fish to sharks sometimes. It is part of fishing this place, and Scott will move you off a spot when it starts happening.

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

Water, something to eat, sun protection, soft-soled shoes, a light layer and your camera. 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. The time moves through the week, because Fin cannot get out of the lagoon on a low tide.

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. If we cancel, you will be offered another day within your stay or a full refund.

Minimum numbers

Day Fishing runs with three or more anglers. If we do not reach three we will tell you as early as we can, and you can move to another date or have a full refund.

Children

Minimum four years old and 15 kg, with a parent or guardian aboard. Better suited than the offshore day — shorter, closer in, and easier if someone is not enjoying themselves.