I went out on my annual fishing trip to Kawhia, for the Kasha Snapper comp. Lost 2 big Snapper (? - lost them so can't be sure they were Snaps) on Thursday while sussing out a couple of likely spots. Lesson of the day - don't buy store bought ledger rigs/or set that drag a bit lower, if you are after big Snapper! On Friday, the 1st day of the comp, I managed Snapper to just under 6kg (not in the running for the top 10 prizes) using 100lb traces I made up Thursday night and 6 other Snapper, smallest 42cm - out at 55m (coincidentally feeder). I also managed to pick up a prize for a 2.27kg Kahawai (there were several workups out there). Saturday the weather turned to custard and I initially considered staying in close, but those 2 big Snaps with my hooks in their mouths were calling, so I headed back out to 45m and drifted to 55m (quite quickly, with the wind blowing easily 20 knots offshore). I ended up with a couple more Snaps and some more Kahawai - I couldn't help myself when I came across a workup. It was a tough ride back in (on my jet ski - 3.5m vessels aren't ideal in those conditions) against the wind and short chop that had built up!
A big shout out to Shay Ward for organising the comp, based at the Kawhia boating and Angling Club, which was run very well indeed, again this year.