Tinny takes on the big boys
Big fish, small boat. Two glassy days in the Bay of Islands saw yellowfin tuna pushing in close, with a tinny mission delivering both a solid yellowfin and a marlin boatside. The following day topped it off with a first-ever game fish — a 70.7kg yellowfin at the weigh station.
Two unforgettable days on the water have shown just how special this season’s game-fishing has been in the Bay of Islands – and that you don’t need a big boat to experience it.
With reports of yellowfin tuna pushing in close, and a rare run of glassy weather lining up, local angler Quin Tarawa decided it was time to push his tinny wide solo.
Armed with minimal gear – one game rod and reel, a stickbait set-up, three lures and plenty of fuel – he worked areas from 70m to 110m, finding good current, birds and dolphins working hard.
After snapping off on the first bite, persistence paid off when a stickbait was smashed and a solid yellowfin tuna was successfully landed. Moments later, excitement ramped up even further when a marlin appeared just 50m from the boat.
A quick cast put a lure right in front of the fish, resulting in a hook-up and a 40-minute battle that ended with a marlin estimated at 60-70kg brought boatside.
With conditions still perfect, the following day saw a return trip – this time with Quin's brother Matt chasing his first-ever tuna.
Action was slower until mid-morning, when large yellowfin began busting up nearby. After briefly running low on fuel, and quickly topping up, chaos erupted when a massive tuna inhaled the lure.
With no gimbal and no gaff on board, the fight became a true test.
After help arrived and the fish was secured, Matt landed his first game-fish – a yellowfin weighing 70.7kg at the weigh station.
It was an unforgettable moment, and further proof that this season is delivering epic opportunities – even from a tinny.
