Business Weekly – Captain Moko’s Fishing Charters

Waking up at the crack of dawn to prepare for a 6am fishing trip is not exactly the daily routine a lot of us would sign up for. But for Steven Kavana, (otherwise known as Captain Moko) it’s a custom he, as a well experienced fisherman, has become all too familiar with.
Within the years he spent on Dr George Naei’s fleet, the Bobby Marine, Captain Moko developed a desire to establish his own fishing charter.
“You realize that you only make money when you’re your own boss,” adds his wife, Jill Stanton.
In 2009, with the help of Jill’s computer skills, Moko was able to locate the vessel he needed for his venture – a dive boat from New Zealand which she spotted off Trade Me.
“A friend of mine always encouraged me to buy a boat like this if I ever came across one. Luckily my wife, who is very good with computers, was able to find one on trade me.”
After having their loan approved by ANZ Bank, the couple purchased their finding. It wasn’t, however, until they had approached the Business Trade Investment Board (BTIB) for marketing strategies, that business began.
“It started slow,” says Moko. “But after advertising by word of mouth, business picked up very quickly. Right now we’ve got a facebook page which has helped a lot too.”
To date, it is reportedly the busiest fishing charter on the island.
The couple had originally planned to operate from Avarua. Unfortunately, due to lack of space, they had to settle for the Avana Harbour. On the bright side however, this meant business was closer to home. And, since it was the only charter apart from Sea Hunters operating from the area, it also meant less competition.
“I’m happy here,” says Moko. “There are too many charter boats in town. Here, we’re closer to a lot of the hotels and Resorts in Muri and tourists are always interested in (traditional) canoes and where they rest. So whenever they come to look for the canoe, they find our charter.”
For Moko, anything involving accounts is the most challenging part of running a business of this sort.
“Since I’m very busy, I’m lucky to have Jill who handles the financial side of things,” he says.
On one of his latest ventures, Moko and his crew made a whooping catch of seventeen yellow fin tunas. He does admit however, that not all trips are as successful.
“Sometimes we do go out and don’t catch anything,” he says. “But tourists don’t mind. As long as they had fun, enjoyed the scenery, and had the chance to experience what it’s like to catch your own fish, that’s what matters.”
In time, Moko hopes to invest in a bigger vessel.
“I want to own a million dollar yacht that will charter tourists on a fishing experience throughout the Cook Islands. But I know that’s not going to happen,” says Moko.
He would also like to see a proper mooring platform made for fishermen, and, without being too commercialized, some effort made towards beautifying Avana.
“New Zealand Maoris will want to see where their ancestors left off, so we should make it more attractive,” says Moko.
Captain Moko’s Fishing Charters, which is open every day for business – including Sundays – offers tourists a chance to experience three types of fishing the island way: Game fishing (at $150 per person), bottom fishing (at $85 per person) and reef fishing.
His vessel, the Tangaroa, makes 2 trips per day carrying a maximum of 4 people. The first trip, which departs at 6am, goes for nearly 4 – 5 hours. The second trip, which departs at 2pm, leaves for 3 hours at most.
Those who wish to contact him can do so by calling 20385, 71985, or email mokdogs@oyster.net.ck

By Sally Hosking

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