meet the Team
OWNER - RIK FLOWERDAY
Rik has owned Striker for four years and loved the idea of extending his experience of fishing and cruising on Striker for others’ enjoyment. Rik has spent amazing holidays with family and friends and seeing his kids enjoy getting on the ocean and catching fish.
Striker has extensive and renowned history in sport fishing in New Zealand with previous skipper Bruce Smith, it was only common sense to continue her legacy. Rik and Rusty teamed up and have had her surveyed her into commercial operation once again.
Rik often joins the crew and heads out to target the deepwater big bass and bluenose or live baits for the residential kingfish trying to beat his personal best. Hiring a knowledgeable and well seasoned skipper like Rusty gives him the opportunity to be able to utilise Striker for what she was built for; fishing!
"It’s perfect for fishing” says Rik. “I want others to be able to explore the sea and have experiences like I’ve had. It's the best seeing the kids catching fish and then being able to cook and eat them on the boat." Rik loves to see people enjoying Striker and catching their PBs. He’s caught his own personal best Tuna and deepwater fish on Striker with Rusty and the Team.
“There was the unforgettable time that everyone had their own crayfish for dinner,” says Sandra. “Some of my best memories are spending time with friends and family on board the Striker. We’re excited to share our passion.”
‘Rusty The Pirate’ as most fondly know him, as he seems to have more salt water in his veins than blood. Rusty eats, breathes and lives for the salty air. He’s always ready for the next saltwater adventure, so teaming up with Rik and Striker is a match made on the ocean waves. He took her reins with passion and is excited to operate this legendary boat in the footsteps of one of New Zealands most renowned skippers, Bruce Smith.
Rusty’s been fishing for his whole life … he was literally born into charter fishing. Driving the boat since he could reach the wheel, he is at home when at sea. His father Hugh and mother Raewyn owned and operated Blue Ocean Charters with the vessels Ratahi, Ohorere and Te Kuia for 35 years. Rusty, his brother Scotty and sister Sarah grew up behind the helm with Hugh. All are extremely confident on the ocean and with vessels at sea and all are fully qualified skippers. They probably spent more time at sea than on land from Whangamata through to the waters of Whakatane, with most of their time spent around Mayor Island and the outer knolls. Fishing the shallows and the deeper knolls for the bigger bluenose and hapuka fishing techniques and local knowledge has been passed down to Rusty and now he loves to pass this on to his clients. As a skipper in his own right, he has extensive experience working on the ocean in both the commercial and charter sectors. He is known for his successful trips and has a following of people that fish with him; some for over 10 years and his father before that.
Rusty is a great mentor, a patient coach and takes great care of his passengers. Age, ability, size or strength is no limit for Rusty. He will help you to achieve your best and land the fish of your dreams and will be just as happy as you when you do. Rusty’s energy and enthusiasm is contagious, his drive to see people catch fish makes every trip full of adventure and excitement, loads of laughs on his NONSTOP fishing adventures and keep you coming back for more.
SECOND SKIPPER AND RELIEF - SCOTT ENSOR (SCOTTY)
HEAD SKIPPER - RUSSELL ENSOR (RUSTY)
Scotty is Rusty’s younger brother, just as eager and mad about fishing. Both have grown up in the charter industry and enjoy seeing people catch their biggest fish or their first. Scotty steps in whenever Rusty is on leave and equally has the same skills and enthusiasm at the helm. Scotty is a confident diver - in fact, some suspect he’s more fish than human. Loaded with a lifetime of local knowledge, the brothers bounce off each other with new spots and new techniques all the time so all their charters get the best service and great catches. Scotty is extremely competitive and will go the extra mile to hunt the best spots, get the biggest fish and beat any PB. Scotty is a friendly host, has a great sense of humor, loves to share his knowledge and will make you feel part of the crew on Striker. He will strive to give you the most memorable trip possible.