Yamaha Ambassador Story | Whitiangler
Gene Denton: Sharing the Ocean's Joy
Growing up on the Coromandel coastline, Gene “Geno” Denton’s childhood was defined by the ocean. Fishing, diving, and simply being on the water were never just pastimes. It was a way of life. “I’ve always loved the sea,” Geno says. “The joy it gave me was something I wanted to share with others.”
For more than a decade, Geno served as a police officer, helping people in a different way. But even then, he was introducing friends and colleagues to fishing whenever he could. “I got a real kick out of seeing people light up when they caught a fish,” he recalls. “That feeling became the catalyst for me to leave the police force and follow my passion full-time.”
That passion began modestly as Whitiangler, a social media page sharing tips, local stories and photos from the Coromandel fishing community. It struck a chord. Soon, the page had tens of thousands of followers. Videos went viral and requests started piling up: “Can you take us out?”
The answer became Whitiangler Fishing Charters, based in Whitianga at the heart of the Coromandel Peninsula. What began as a side project quickly grew into a thriving charter business powered by Geno’s energy, expertise and love for sharing the ocean.
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From the start, Geno had one rule: only the best equipment would do. “Yamaha was instantly the first choice for me. I knew it would be reliable,” he says. What began with support from Yamaha Marine New Zealand has since grown into a strong partnership built on trust and shared values.
Today, Geno runs a Senator RH770 powered by a Yamaha F350 with Helm Master EX. “The technology is mind-blowing,” he says. “The GPS positioning and joystick control have been absolute game-changers. Helm Master is the reason I can deliver a hugely successful day on the water for my customers time and time again.”
Ask around the international fishing community, and you will hear the same thing: Geno’s local knowledge runs deep, and he is a brilliant operator. His charters can be tailored to suit anyone. Scenic tours of Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. Kingfish missions with livebaits and stickbaits. Or bluewater runs when the weather allows. Geno knows his stuff, and he knows how to deliver a fun, exciting and educational day on the water.
Families, first-timers and seasoned anglers are all welcome. The brief is always the same: a safe, memorable day that feels personal. “No matter what the destination, I’ll do everything I can to make sure it’s a success,” Geno says.
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But Whitiangler is not a one-man show. Geno’s wife, Rata, is a qualified skipper and passionate advocate for women on the water. “I’m really passionate about empowering women to feel confident on the water,” she explains. Her coaching and leadership create a welcoming onboard culture where guests feel like locals for the day.
The Dentons’ son, Reef, has chosen a different Yamaha path, carving his own fun on motocross bikes. It is proof that the Yamaha spirit runs through the whole family.
Living and working in a paradise like the Coromandel comes with responsibility. The Dentons respect seasonal patterns, protected areas and sustainable fishing methods. “Charter operators live by tomorrow’s bite as much as today’s hero shot,” Geno says. “We want to share the ocean’s joy but also protect it.”
For Geno, Whitiangler is not just a business. It is the life he always dreamed of living. “Without Yamaha’s support, I may not have been able to survive in this industry,” he admits. “Now we are a family that only knows one brand, and we love it.”
From the beaches of his childhood to the helm of his charter boat, Geno has stayed true to one simple belief: there is no better joy than sharing the joy of the ocean with others.