The man behind the adventures: Meet Jason Anderson
Jason Anderson is living the Kiwi dream in the heart of Marlborough. An architectural designer by trade and a passionate adventurer at heart, Jason is the creator behind the popular YouTube channel, Reel Adventures with Jase. With over 69 videos and a growing subscriber base of over 3,500 followers, his channel chronicles fishing expeditions, boating-based camping trips, and cinematic explorations of some of New Zealand’s most stunning aquatic playgrounds.
But what makes Jason’s content stand out is its authenticity. “It all started three years ago with us just filming cool fish catches for fun,” he says. Now, it’s evolved into a highly polished venture, blending cinematic storytelling with a deep passion for the outdoors.
A family affair
While Jason occasionally ventures out solo, he often takes family and friends out on his adventures. He cherishes these moments, especially when introducing loved ones to new experiences. A recent outing with his mum, who hadn’t been fishing in 18 years, resulted in what she described as “the best day of her life.”
Even the family dogs are part of the action, happily joining fishing trips and paddleboarding adventures. “When they hear the reels screaming, they come running to see what’s on the line,” Jason laughs.
From passion to purpose
Jason’s love for the water has been a lifelong affair, fostered by his early fishing trips with his father. Today, he returns the favour, often taking his dad on adventures to explore waters beyond the blue cod hotspots they once frequented.
Expeditions aren’t just about catching fish, though. Jason focuses on the entire experience—from pitching a tent on a remote beach to paddling around a bay exploring his environment. These moments, as Jason puts it, “are about the adventure as a whole, not just the fishing.”
A year of unforgettable adventures
Last year was a big one for Jason and his crew. From targeting kingfish and landing 20-30kg giants on topwater lures to catching massive snapper and Southern Bluefin Tuna, every trip offered something unique. One standout memory was catching 10 Southern Bluefin Tuna off Greymouth over four trips, ranging from 80kg to 150kg—a feat that cemented his addiction to chasing these incredible fish.
Another highlight was a camping trip in Pelorus Sound. Armed with a tent and a paddleboard, Jason and his team embraced the full outdoor experience. “We paddled around the bay, encountering 18 stingrays in one evening,” he recalls. “Waking up with the tide lapping at the tent and heading out for a fresh catch the next morning was just magical.”
Fishing with a purpose
Jason happily and readily shares his fishing bounty with others, which only adds to his personal enjoyment. While he and his team catch enough to enjoy fresh fish regularly, much of their haul is shared with neighbours, family, friends, and even teammates at cricket matches. “There’s no need to freeze fish when you’re out most weeks,” Jason says with a laugh.
A Stabicraft for adventure
Jason’s adventures wouldn’t be possible without the right equipment. As a Stabicraft ambassador, he highlights the importance of having a boat designed for New Zealand’s demanding waters. His current vessel, a Stabicraft 2250 Ultra Centrecab, is a step up from his previous 2100 model, offering more space and versatility for offshore fishing and topwater casting.
“Stabicraft’s stability at rest is second to none,” Jason shares. “When you’re 80km offshore, targeting 150kg Southern Bluefin Tuna, knowing you’ve got a full-time life ring around your boat is pretty reassuring.” This level of safety is essential, especially when navigating New Zealand’s notorious west coast, an area Jason describes as challenging but rewarding for its rich marine life.
Looking ahead
The adventures aren’t slowing down anytime soon. With a new season of videos set to launch, Jason is taking his content to the next level. Upgraded filming equipment and inspiration from cinematic creators like Ben Brown promise a fresh perspective on his South Island-based expeditions.
Planned trips include targeting a South Island marlin—a rare and exciting challenge—and participating in the national game fishing competition up north. Jason also dreams of a South Island tour, hooking up his boat and exploring the region’s rich fishing grounds while blending camping, hunting, and trout fishing into the mix.
Fishing New Zealand’s toughest waters
The west coast of the South Island is known for its treacherous conditions, but Jason feels right at home. His Stabicraft’s design offers unparalleled safety and stability, even when crossing bars and facing rough seas. “We’ve surfed down four-metre swells after running out of petrol without a hitch,” he says, highlighting the boat’s reliability and performance.
A sustainable approach
Jason’s respect for the environment is evident in his approach to fishing. He focuses on lure fishing and uses minimal bait, partnering with brands like Shimano to field-test high-quality gear. This method not only enhances the challenge but also aligns with his ethos of sustainable fishing.
In a nutshell
Jason Anderson’s journey from casual fishing trips to becoming a Stabicraft ambassador and YouTube creator highlights his passion for New Zealand’s waters. His adventures inspire his viewers to explore, respect, and enjoy the unique marine environments Aotearoa has to offer. As he continues to push boundaries—both on the water and behind the camera—Jason is helping to redefine what it means to be an adventurer in the modern age.
Follow the YouTube page of Jason at: https://www.youtube.com/@reeladventureswithjase751
