Captain Espresso

Grant Bittle

Captain Espresso, also known as Grant Bittle, is a respected specialist in the fishing community, distinguished by his extensive experience and contributions to the both industry and individual anglers.

With over 30 years of dedicated saltwater fishing, Grant specialises in bait-free techniques, utilising lures, jigs, and soft-baits exclusively.

About the Captain

National and International Fishing Experience

Grant's fishing experience extends across New Zealand and includes adventures in Korea, Japan, Australia, and Malaysia, targeting species such as snapper, kingfish, queenfish, sailfish, tuna, and marlin using lures only.

Charter Captain & Bait Free Fishing

With three decades of experience in saltwater fishing, Grant has developed a deep expertise in bait-free methods. Having served as a former New Zealand charter captain, he specialised in delivering successful bait-free lure fishing adventures to his clients.

Tackle Design and Development

Drawing on 15 years of dedicated experience, Grant has designed and developed a wide range of fishing tackle, including soft-baits, slow pitch jigs, micro jigs, mechanical jigs, as well as specialised fishing rods.

Television & Media

National & International

Grant has been featured as a special guest, charter captain, and tackle advisor on various television programs in New Zealand, including "Match Fishing," "Get Your Fish On," "Moontide and Maori TV”, "Outdoors with Geoff." He has also appeared as guest angler on the renowned Korean “City Anglers” Television series

A contributing voice on past New Zealand radio shows such as Magic FM and The Fishing Shows, Grant has also produced hundreds of instructional videos covering various aspects of fishing, including lure rigging, tackle setups, and utilizing sounders. His underwater video work also features stunning marine life such as whales, seals, dolphins, and gannets diving down over 30ft.

Contact

Fleet

Seminars

Special Interest Seminars

Grant has conducted hundreds of seminars, workshops, and demonstrations across New Zealand, covering techniques for using soft-baits, jigs, and lures, as well as mastering the art of lure fishing and jigging. He has also led specialised workshops for various groups, including ladies-only fishing seminars, pre-competition fishing tutorials and kayak fishing clubs.

Live Presentations and Trade Shows

Grant regularly presents live sessions on Facebook, participates in trade shows across New Zealand and has conducted masterclasses at the NZ Hutchwilco Boat Show, demonstrating fishing techniques and lure rigging.

Learn more

History & Achievements

Early Fishing Background: Grant’s early experiences fishing for rainbow trout in Lake Taupo and the surrounding rivers helped him master the use of imitation live baits and lures.

Marlin Achievements: Notably, Grant was possibly the first solo angler to achieve a double strike of marlin and land them both from a trailer boat in New Zealand and has completed numerous successful solo marlin expeditions since.

Light Tackle Expertise: His passion for light tackle is demonstrated by personal bests such as catching and releasing a 25lb snapper on 2lb line, as well as multiple 20lb+ snapper on jigs and ultra-light tackle.

Innovative Filming: His use of underwater ‘flying’ drones and cameras has provided groundbreaking insights into fish behaviour, revealing how and where fish strike soft-baits, contributing significantly to the development of more effective fishing techniques.