View the sounds from the locals perspective in our vessel MV Tory
Sounds Connection offers several charter packages to accomodate all parties who are keen to get out on the Queen Charlotte Sound. Our skippers, no the area like no one else, and can accomodate your interests whether you are a seasoned fisherman or just keen to get out on the water and take a look around. With beautiful landscapes, an abundance of wildlife and a vessel that is comfortable for all, you’re in for a real Marlborough experience. Please select a fishing tour from the below options to find out more information and book online.
“I would rate this tour as absolute value for money, and my choice of another trip with the Sounds Connection team was the highlight of my visit to Marlborough.
Barry, from Perth
Hungry for some self caught Kai Moana? Keen to get out and see what the sounds are all about? Check out the video below!
Sounds Connection offers a half day (4-hour) fishing trip in the idyllic Inner Queen Charlotte Sound, or a full day (8-hour) trip in which you can venture further afield and even include a stop at one of the great Sounds resorts for lunch, if you fancy. We can also tailor trips to suit your specific group, interests and needs. Talk to us today to get the trip that’s right for you.
Our fishing charters usually depart out of Picton. Our Fishing Charter depart from Picton Commercial Wharf – located on the Picton waterfront (first jetty, first vessel). The name of our vessel is “MV TORY”. If you’re staying in the Queen Charlotte Sounds and wish to be collected from your resort, holiday home or family bach – that’s not a problem! Sounds Connection can collect you from one of the many resorts or holiday homes in the Queen Charlotte Sound. Please note additional charges may apply.
We offer a vast range of options, depending on how long you want to go for, your group’s level of experience, your budget and so on. Please get in touch with us and we can have a chat about what you’re interested in – and we can tailor a package to suit.
Yes, we provide everything! This includes the experienced skipper, tackle, rods, bait, tea and coffee. Bring your own lunch with you or we can arrange to stop at one of the great Sounds resorts for a bite, if you’re on one of our longer charters.
Bring a camera for the fantastic photo opportunities! Sunhat, sunscreen and a light jacket to ward off any sea breezes are also important.
All charters are suitable for 1–12 passengers although larger vessels are available on request.
The fish species we most commonly land include blue cod, snapper, terakihi, kingfish, butterfish, hapuku, skate, and perch. Please note that at certain times of the year blue cod is catch and release only. Get in touch to organise your dream fishing trip, and let us know if there’s something in particular you’re after. Obviously we can’t pre-order the fish to jump on your line, but we can let you know if it’s the right season to catch and keep blue cod, or whether it might be possible to come home with some shellfish, for example.
The main regulations you need to know about fishing for blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds are:
The season is open every year from 20 December – 31 August (both days inclusive).
The season is closed every year from 1 September – 19 December (both days inclusive).
You can only take or possess 2 blue cod per fisher at any one time. This applies even if you caught the fish from outside the area and you are transporting the fish through the area.
You can only have blue cod that are a minimum of 33cm in length. There is not a maximum size stipulated.
Full fish must be brought ashore before filleting.
We make it a priority to remain familiar with all relevant regulations, and abide by them – so we can help you with any questions you may have about your specific situation. You can also find out more on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.