Chance to hook big game in Bay of Islands hotspot
SpotX Fishing Charters has been operating in the Bay of Islands since 1997. The current owners took over in November 2016 and have been living the dream ever since.
One boat has become two, the online footprint has grown exponentially, and they have achieved revenue growth of 84 per cent since they took ownership.
Originally from Stockholm, Sweden, Stefan and Katarina migrated to New Zealand in 2016 and were immediately attracted to the Bay of Islands.
Their careers had been in the telecommunication industry, and they knew a little about fishing — but only as a hobby.
However, an entrepreneurial spirit, drive and vision have seen their business grow and thrive.
When they took over, SpotX Fishing Charters operated just one vessel — the 8.5m Wairere. In 2018 they launched a Black Watch Game vessel, Screaming Reels, to attract big game and luxury clients.
It has driven a significant increase in bookings and visitor numbers and a corresponding hike in average spend-per-head.
“We have increased the revenue per trip on both boats – 14 per cent on Wairere and 31 per cent on Screaming Reels. Revenue per guest is now at $180,” the couple say.
SpotX Fishing Charter is a one-stop shop when it comes to fishing, cruising or both. The half-day snapper trips and kingfish trips are, with a shared option, most popular.
“Private snapper and kingfish trips have increased slightly after Covid-19 with big groups of Kiwis, family and corporate guests.
Deep-sea adventures, both the deep drops for hapuka and bluenose and big-game marlin and tuna fishing, have been growing strongly even though limited to the domestic market.
“Thanks to the domestic travellers up north, we have been able to operate and even grow the business in a post Covid-19 reality with closed borders.
“We have kept our staff of two employees and a contractor busy. Daily work has been business as usual but at a higher pace, more charters, more people and keeping the digital platforms and social media up to date and improved.”
Stefan and Katarina are proud of the status of SpotX Fishing Charters in the Bay of Islands.
“We are the only fishing charter operator that is Qualmark Gold level but also one of the most renowned charter operators both with the local community and also online, with very high rates on Facebook, Google, Fishingbooker and TripAdvisor reviews. We also have an impressive presence on Instagram and YouTube.
“Our crew are extremely committed, experienced and professional, delivering the highest standard of customer experience.
“Even though we have changed crews a couple of times through the years, the consistency in delivering high-standard services has made us a reliable partner and service operator.
“The organisation is now a well-trimmed team, knowing what to do and how to deliver the best customer experience out on the waters as well in the after-market.
“We are the only fishing charter with two boats in the Bay of Islands and we are the only fishing charter covering as wide a range of fishing segments as we do.”
With all these achievements and targets reached, the owners have decided there are two tracks to take — either stay as is or take the business to the next level.
“Our other leg in the business, the fishing tackle shop, has also grown and needs to be nurtured.
“We now need to focus our attention and put more of our efforts into developing that while still being a central part of the fishing community in the Bay of Islands and Russell.”
Hamish Aitcheson of Link Business Brokers adds: “Spot X is a seriously impressive operation with a strong brand and significant market share.
“Combine that with very high-quality, wellmaintained assets, and you have a winning formula. This is a tremendous opportunity for someone looking to re-locate to the idyllic Bay of Islands and take over a highly successful and profitable business.”
The business is for sale with an asking price of $650,000.