Jackson Bay Charters Catch Limits

Daily Finfish Limits

(Challenger FMA – West Coast Region)
Please read before fishing – limits apply to each active fisher per day.

 
Main Species – Keep Only What You Need

Main Species – Keep Only What You Need

Species MPI Limit Min size (cm) JBC Limit
Blue Cod 10 33 2 Land whole or gutted only
Groper / Hāpuku / Bass 2 - 1
Bluenose 5 - 2
Snapper 10 25 2
Kingfish 3 75 2
Southern Bluefin Tuna 1 - 1 if in excellent condition
Quinnat Salmon 1 - Release
Other Common Species (Part of 20 Fish MPI Limit)    

Common Species

Species Min Size (cm) JBC Limit
Tarakihi 25 8
Red Cod 25 Release
Red Gurnard 25 5
Trumpeter 35 2
Butterfish/ Greenbone 35 3
Trevally 25 1

Crayfish (Rock Lobster) Limits (Max 18 Lobsters per vessel)

Species MPI Limit Tail Width Minimum JBC Limit
Red / Spiny Rock Lobster 6 Male: 54 mm
Female: 60mm		 3 per person (max 18 per vessel based on 6 people on vessel)
  • Measured across the second segment of the tail (above the legs).
  • No soft-shell or egg-carrying females to be taken.
  • Must be kept alive and whole until landed.
  • Limit set to ensure an even catch share and protect the fishery.

Important Rules Onboard

  • MAXIMUM OF 10 FINFISH TOTAL PER PERSON (Jackson Bay Charters rule)

Includes all species listed above.

  • MAXIMUM OF 30 FINFISH TOTAL PER VESSEL
  • Do Not Fillet Blue Cod at Sea (must be landed whole or gutted).
  • Undersized fish must be released immediately and unharmed.
  • Catch & release encouraged once limits are reached.

Okahu Mātaitai Reserve Rules

Strict shellfish & crayfish limits apply inside the reserve

  • Prohibited: All shellfish except kōura (crayfish), kina, kuku (mussels), tuaki (cockles), pipi, tuatua
    Daily Personal Limits (from within the reserve):
  • 20 kuku (mussels)
  • 20 tuaki (cockles)
  • 20 pipi
  • 20 tuatua
    Crayfish Rules in Mātaitai:
  • Max 18 kōura per vessel per day
  • Max 70 mm tail width must be returned
  • Standard daily bag limit still applies (3 JBC limit)
  • No taking crayfish over 70 mm tail width from within the reserve
  • Does not apply to commercial fishing with proper permits

Combined Finfish Limit Rules – Okahu Mātaitai Only:

  • Max 10 finfish per person per day (within the reserve)

The above species-specific limits must not be exceeded within that 10
Vessel limits (per day):

  • Max 15 blue cod (rāwaru) onboard from within the reserve
  • Max 30 finfish total (combined daily limits x 3) onboard from the reserve

We are proud to support sustainable, responsible fishing.

Your safety, the fishery, and your experience matter to us.
Jackson Bay Charters – Respect the Ocean, Take Only What You Need