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East Rock is a family owned boutique fishery from Gisborne, with four generations' experience fishing the East Coast in small inshore boats. Meet skipper Matt, and find out his favourite way to cook Gisborne tarakihi.
East Rock is a family owned boutique fishery from Gisborne that have four generations’ experience fishing the East Coast. Their small inshore boats catch fish on short trips, to ensure it is delivered to you wharf side fresh. Every delivery can be traced back to the boat it was caught on and the area it was caught in.

What’s the best thing about working for East Rock?
The best thing is I get to see my fish go all the way through to the end consumer, from my boat into people’s households. I like seeing my fish being enjoyed!
How did you start out as a Fisherman?
At age 14 I started working on a fishing charter boat out of Kaikoura for free in the weekends and things progressed from there and I discovered my true passion.
What is one of your favourite fishing memories?
Favourite memory is a hard one as every time at sea is so different. I tend to get itchy feet when I haven’t been to sea for a while but also love coming home after a successful trip.
What is your favourite way to eat Gisborne Tarakihi?
It has to be cooked in a homemade beer batter. Make it nice and thin with a lager beer and a dash of turmeric for colour. Make sure to let the batter stand for a few hours in the fridge before using it.
East Rock's boats land the catch that goes straight into your Woop box — see what's on the menu this week.

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