Meet the team!
The skipper - Rusty
‘Rusty The Pirate’ as most fondly know him, 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.
The boat - Striker
On Striker, it’s not often we talk about ‘the one that got away’.
It’s skippered by one of New Zealand’s best-known and most successful deep sea fishing experts and credited with having the most strikes of any launch in the country.
That means the fisherman’s tales that come from our trips usually end with ‘and it tasted delicious.’
This is the launch that has become urban legend and now it’s time for you to cast your lure into the big blue.
The 2ic - Chris
Chris has been on the sea most of his life, fishing, sailing and diving from a young age. He had a short year’s stint on the superyachts when on his OE, which confirmed his passion for a life on the sea.
When he returned to New Zealand, he quickly transferred his skippers tickets and jumped at the opportunity to work on charter boats, jobs which have taken him to the Three Kings, Mayor Island, Alderman Islands, Ranfurly Banks and White Island.
The opportunity came up to work on Striker, which was a dream come true.
The organiser - Ashley
Ashley handles all of the bookings, changes of bookings, cancellations and re-bookings for Striker and manages to keep it all straight!
When she’s not buying food for the boat, cleaning the boat between trips, deck handing or juggling bookings you will find her being a busy Mum of three children.
This is the ultimate job for Ashley as she LOVES fishing. Whenever she gets a chance, you will find her at sea with a rod (or two) in the water.
The other 2ic - Scotty
Scotty is Rusty’s brother, just as eager and mad about fishing.
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 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 humour, loves to share his knowledge and will make you feel part of the crew on Striker.
The owner - Rik
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.
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!