NZ Fishing News (January 2009) featuring Barry Kearney - Chaos Charters.

Front cover and article reproduced with kind permission from NZ Fishing News.

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As a contributor to New Zealand Fishing News I have had the opportunity to fish on numerous charter vessels not only in New Zealand but also overseas. I would estimate that I have fished with over 35 different charter operators from the Three Kings down to Wellington and on both coasts. Out of all those charters it would be hard to say who would have impressed me the most but if I had to make a list Barry Kearney and Chaos Charters would be right up the top. I have known Barry for about 5 years and have had numerous charters from half day trips, weekends and also contest fishing. We always fish the Maverix fishing contest with Chaos Charters and have always been in the money. Barry’s operation out of Great Barrier is an excellent escape. Starting with a scenic plain flight and ending in some spectacular fishing. Value for money is second to none, as your needs are all catered for on board. Whether you want to go hard out fishing or take it easy and fish at a more sedate pace (my kind of fishing) Barry has the knowledge, stamina and ability to make your trip a memorable one. He also has a great knowledge of Great Barrier and its history and he will have you entertained with many of his stories related to the Island. Over the years Barry and I have become good mates as he is one of the best blokes you could meet. His fishing knowledge and his years of experience around Great Barrier makes him the best choice when planning an adventure out to Great Barrier. He will give you good advice and help in getting your skill levels up if you need to. Listen to him when it comes to fishing, I certainly do. For a fishing trip that you will not forget, I would not hesitate in recommending Barry Kearney and Chaos Charters. Why? Because it’s on top of the list.

Richard Bathurst Fat Boys Charter Connection New Zealand Fishing News

I've gained more insight in 6 trips with Chaos Charters than 30 years of 'self taught' fishing. Barry Kearney is a fishing wizard, an 'old school' gentleman and nothing is too much trouble. Utter Chaos is a superb vessel, custom built to Barry's specifications. The adventure starts by flying in, then fishing and staying onboard - it's a great experience, worth every cent. If you want to discover how to catch BIG fish - book a trip with Chaos Charters.

Allen Theunissen

To all you fisho's who think you have seen it all in the Hauraki Gulf this is a short note to let you know that unless you have been out with the old man of fishing you haven't seen fishing as it should and could be done. I have known and fished with Bas for 15 or 16 years up to 6 times a year in various tournaments and competitions including the Black jug in which I have placed 2nd, 3rd, 4th (1st is coming) We as a crew have been placed in most of the comps we have entered in one respect or another and I won the Brows Bay contest a few years ago with a 23.5lb snapper. Barry's knowledge of the Gt Barrier and it surrounds is unparalleled (probably because he has been around a while) from a fishing perspective his knowledge of the tides and sea bottom has to be experienced to be believed. This knowledge allows Bas to put his clients onto fish at times when a lot of other fishermen seem to struggle. Many a time over the years I have had people comment to us that they cant explain how it is that they were fishing in the same area yet got nothing. I could probably go on for ages about this but at the end of the day it is up to you guys reading this to make up your own mind but let me say that if you wish to be a part of the best fishing experience that you will get in the Hauraki Gulf then this is it. I have not touched on the boat and its set up or the great meals and treatment on board you can read all of this in other people’s comments I have just stuck to the things that matter to me and that is going out and catching big fish. I have to date caught 24 snapper @ over 20lb and countless between 10 and 20lb (with a number of these been released) While I have spent a lot of hours on the water I have to put a lot of the credit to Barry's fishing knowledge. So in closing all I can say is don’t say you have fished until you have had this experience.

Brett Carroll

20th October 2008. Dear Barry, I feel compelled to write to you Barry to formally thank you again for the wonderful weekend you afforded us last week. I have done extensive fishing all around New Zealand with many charter operators and privately. In fact when I think about it I’ve been fishing for near enough to 50 years. Wow, time fly’s when you’re having fun! Our trip with you last weekend was outstanding. Legendary in fact. I have always enjoyed my trips with you. However, to my great sadness I have not been out fishing with you for almost 5 years. I had forgotten what a character you are. Nobody tells a better yarn than you and you can fish as well. There is no doubt that there is no substitute for experience and I can’t think of anyone who would know the Barrier better than you. Your timing, planning and good old fashioned cunning ensured we got all the fish we could possibly want and then some. Keeping in mind the weather was against us as were the tides and the moon and yet you pulled it off again. Outstanding stuff. The meals were great and the local kaimoana was a real treat for me and the boys. Please thank all those that assisted in that regard. The fish we brought home was in pristine condition thanks to your refrigeration set up. All our families were ranting about the quality of the fish we shared with them. As you know I am also a ticketed skipper (CLM) and it is very reassuring to watch you in action in and around your vessel and the way your vessel is founded. I will have no hesitation in recommending your charters to anyone. If you would like to use me as a reference for any potential clients please don’t hesitate to give my contact details to them. Thanks again Barry and I’m looking forward to our next trip. I promise it won’t be another 5 years.

Yours sincerely, Craig Johnson. Managing Director. Cleanaway Ltd.