Darren Shields jumps into a bait ball – and is glad he did!

We recently came across a baitfish ball being worked by gannets, dolphins, kings and kahawai while heading back from Great Barrier Island.

I decided to jump in: the water was clear and it would give me a good opportunity to get some photos and video of all the action. I also wanted someone to have a go at spearing one of the fish attacking the baitfish ball (not a dolphin obviously!), because it would make a great footage.

The problem was there was only Jackson and myself – no boatman, so I had to go it alone. (For those who have a fear of deep, open water – I think we all do in some form or another, so hopefully that will put you at ease. Having said that, it’s nice to have a buddy alongside!) 

When I did get in, the few kingfish present raced from the deep, attacked the bait ball, and then bolted back down into the gloom. It would have been a real challenge to get a bead on one!

Then, upon getting close to the bait ball, the gannets became wary and the dolphins backed off, apparently more interested in me and perhaps a little concerned that I could be a predator – but they soon worked out I was okay.

They were something else to watch – the speed at which they attacked was amazing! They would blast through the middle, engulfing pilchards as they went. So many of the pilchards were trying to swim with slices running the entire length of their bodies or their tails removed. These had survived attacks, but looking at them they wouldn’t last very long!

I saw the dolphins racing around blowing bubbles outside the baitfish ball, a system they apparently use to keep the baitfish bailed up.

The pilchards soon realised that if they stayed with me their attackers stayed away (or so they thought!). As a result, I was soon engulfed in swirling silver and scales – until three dolphins blasted through at high speed. It seemed they could have hit me, so gave me a hell of a fright, but I was also exhilarated to be so close to nature in full flight!

One kingfish that sped up from the depths turned white all over as it hit the baitfish, slowed upon catching a fish, shook its head violently, and then, as it turned out of the school, went green again before heading vertically back into the depths. I got a few fleeting photos of this sort of thing, but due to the speed it was happening and not being the greatest photographer, they were out of focus.

Interestingly enough, the pilchards appeared to carry on feeding when not being harassed. It surprised me, but when you live a short life like they do, I guess they still need sustenance.

I have shot yellowfin in the past out of bait balls in the Bay of Plenty, and in those situations every last pilchard was eaten. I remember a couple of times having the last two or three remaining hiding under me, with tuna circling but not coming close enough to shoot. In the end I’d have to get out of the water, and as soon as I clambered into the boat, those pilchards got nailed!

If there was one particular day in my dive career I remember, it would be shooting my first yellowfin in this situation. Having tuna up to 50-60kg smashing baitfish all round was absolutely mind blowing – I just hope we get to see it again one day.

Back to the original bait ball: we eventually had enough; there were still hundreds of thousands of baitfish left, the gannets still circled above, but the dolphins had disappeared. Apparently it was all over – and, sure enough, the school sounded soon after.

It was the sort of experience I’d love to do again in warm, deep-blue water during the marlin season!