Coromandel Fishing & Diving Report 280416

  • General Saltwater, Coromandel/Waikato

Fishing continues to produce the goods on the western side of Coromandel, large numbers of kahawai can be found working close to the coast from the Firth of Thames right up to the top of the peninsula. Most kahawai are of a decent size but also some smaller specimens that are ideal for live baits when targeting kingfish.

The kingfish are still around in good numbers also with the larger fish more consistent and in prime condition. Sitting on current lines off headlands with live baits under a balloon is ideal as well as dropping them down on reef structure where schools are holding in quite shallow water to twenty meters.

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In terms of snapper there are still plenty to catch including numbers of smaller fish that are keen to strike at anything offered to them. Many boats are struggling to catch decent eating fish because of these infants ripping into baits. Using softbaits, inchiku lures and small jigs can increase your chances of enticing the better fish although they will still have a go at them ripping the tails off your soft baits.

Another option is to fish the prime times of the day when the bigger fish are more keen to feed especially when conditions are bright and sunny. These are generally first light and late afternoon to sun down. Targeting snapper in the shallow areas is also effective at this time of year with the larger fish often in these places searching for food on the reef structures or over sand digging for shellfish.

The eastern coastline is also firing with snapper generally found in close but also out over the sand during the middle of the day. Kingfish are in close also and good number can be found in places like Opito Bay.

Conditions for the coming weekend are looking likely to be westerly in direction on Saturday with Sunday shifting to the east so a bit of a mixed bag. Places like Coromandel Harbour will offer shelter from the south westerly winds and worth the effort especially within the mussel farms on the southern side during an outgoing tide.

Most of the islands can also offer shelter with Waimate and Goat good options and plenty of snapper as well as the areas north of Coromandel Town out from Papa Aroha and Amodeo Bay. Once the wind shifts to the an eastern direction most of the western side will offer perfect conditions and most places offering you the opportunity to catch a feed of fish.

If you are planning a visit to Coromandel be aware that we have a number of slips that are the result of the recent heavy rains that caused flooding and as a result some roads are down to one lane. They have also put clay on the road and when wet can be slippery so exercise caution.

The road from Coromandel to Kennedy Bay is closed due to much of it washed away so if you want to get to places like Tuateawa then you will need to go through Colville.

For those intending on coming here to dive or spearfish there are some good crayfish around with the males moving in to prepare for the arrival of females soon. Conditions are still quite dirty if your diving around the coast close in because of the recent heavy rain fall that has washed plenty of dirt down the streams and rivers.

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If you're spearfishing this can make things challenging but will allow you to sneak up on fish better however heading out to one of the many island can offer better visibility.

Lastly just a reminder about the upcoming Coromandel Seafood Fest in Coromandel Town on May 7th. If you love your seafood and looking for something to do with the family then there is plenty on offer like live entertainment, bouncy castle, open and children’s fishing competition plus lots of demonstrations and education portals for everyone. For more information about this click here

If you are coming to Coromandel during the Easter break and are not sure where to go or how to catch fish then call in to see us on the main high way at 1945 Tiki road and we will point you in the right direction. Have a safe and fishy weekend.

Rob Fort

Coromandel Kayak adventures

1945 Tiki Road, Coromandel Town 
021 294 1694 or 07 866 7466
website

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