Fishing Reports
Eastern Bay of Plenty
Some interesting occurrences in the BOP as we near the end of the first month of winter. In mixed messages, some indicators let the body know we are in the grip of winter. Other happenings, however, could spell otherwise. Another fact of life is the decided lack of activity on the water for many weeks.
With so few and such short-lived windows of decent weather, few anglers have ventured forth to test the waters. As a consequence, there are few reports coming in from anywhere. Anyway, on the encouraging side, there's been more interest and corresponding good weather over the last week than the three previous put together. Because of this, we do have some input for a meaningful report.
White Island
Few boats have put in much effort here for weeks. Those who have are not over excited about their prospects. Fishing has been slow all around but not without some reward. Deepwater fishing has produced fair results at best. Smallish bass and hapuka have been supplemented by average (5-10kg) bluenose. A few kingis from the rat size to 18 kilos seem to be scattered in all depths. In shallow a veritable collage of fish await to please. Large pink mao mao have taken over as the most prevalent species but are supported by many others. These include terakihi, trevally, large leatherjackets and porae to name but a few. A light tackle sessions at the moment produces are real grab bag. Rurima Rocks, Matata
Once again, surprisingly little traffic here for weeks. Whakatane's favourite inshore areas have been barren so the fish have been given a good break. The Matata region has been the most consistent on snapper but the bigger fish have come from the Raus. This was evidenced by a 10.44k fish weighed in last Sunday (23/6) by a visiting Bowentown angler. Water is cold (14 degrees C) and dirty so diving would be anything but pleasant. Many crays are in their "soft" stage with females laden with berrie. Less than two miles offshore from Whakatane's entrance has been quite consistent fishing. The water is cold and dirty; the snapper not big but plenty of them. Limit fishing for pan-sized fish is the norm and, needless to say, you won't be supporting the fuel companies! Opotiki - Te Kaha
While inshore waters are as lacklustre here as they are further west, the waters just offshore paint a far different picture. A very distinct current line has been oscillating between eight and ten miles offshore. The "line" is very explicit as it contains all manner of flotsam for miles. On the inshore side the water is cold (14 ½) and dirty, while just several metres to the north, beautiful and warm (16 ½). On this line, in time textbook fashion, has been some exciting, unseasonable fishing. Large skippies (yes, skippies!) and albacore are patrolling this feature and have been susceptible to trolling lures. Most of the skipjack are over five kilos and albacore over 15. This provides welcome action for those boats passing through or those anglers who would want some light tackle fun. The flavours at present are lures of dark (black, purple) denomination. Waihou Bay, Cape Runaway
Inshore fishing here is a bit brighter, with some decent catches of snapper and terakihi. A few big 20 kgs plus) kingis have also shown up in burly trails to create some welcome excitement. Further out, trolling is also a viable option. A "similar line" as that found off Te Kaha is visible here as well. While the albies are smaller (8-12kg) the skippies are bigger. This was aptly shown last week in the form of a NZ record. Waihi angler Ian Hay managed a 8.86k beauty on 10k tackle to boast the old mark. Ranfurly Bank
The few boats arriving here have to consider themselves lucky to have timed the small windows of decent weather accurately. Fishing has been worth the effort with all depths being explored (300 to 400 metres). The shallows have coughed up most consistency with a variety of fish associated with them. One could expect to catch everything except bass and bluenose near the top of the banks, and often do just that. Kingfish of all sizes, big trevally, blue and pink mao mao, oversized blue cod, true hapuka, snapper and trumpeter are all in the offing. Some of the kingfish and hapuka can surprise with their weights (over 30 kilos) and fight. Large expanses of water have been seen "exploding" with kingis in pursuit of sauries. While most are "rats", some are heavyweights and it's oh so exciting to witness. East Cape, East Island
Snapper very scarce here but some nice sized fish to 17 pounds among them. Volkner Rocks
These special rocks have been in the news of late but, for a change, not due to their rich fish population. After announcing the final submission period for the marine reserve status to begin on Saturday, June 29th, the Director General has changed his mind. Now, citing the early election and placement of a new minister of conservation, the period will be deferred til late August/ early September. This is an exceedingly important proposal which needs to be pondered and addressed by anglers, much more will be written about this at the appropriate time - watch this space. Summary
As per usual, lots of opportunities for sport or a good feed remain despite the season. Some warmer clothes and the good sense of weather are important. This, my first BOP report for almost three months, will also be my last for a while. My wife and I will be disappearing to soak up some warmth and, you guessed it, some fishing in exotic places for an extended time. Will be in regular touch when we start up again in early September………until then.
Few boats have put in much effort here for weeks. Those who have are not over excited about their prospects. Fishing has been slow all around but not without some reward. Deepwater fishing has produced fair results at best. Smallish bass and hapuka have been supplemented by average (5-10kg) bluenose. A few kingis from the rat size to 18 kilos seem to be scattered in all depths. In shallow a veritable collage of fish await to please. Large pink mao mao have taken over as the most prevalent species but are supported by many others. These include terakihi, trevally, large leatherjackets and porae to name but a few. A light tackle sessions at the moment produces are real grab bag. Rurima Rocks, Matata
Once again, surprisingly little traffic here for weeks. Whakatane's favourite inshore areas have been barren so the fish have been given a good break. The Matata region has been the most consistent on snapper but the bigger fish have come from the Raus. This was evidenced by a 10.44k fish weighed in last Sunday (23/6) by a visiting Bowentown angler. Water is cold (14 degrees C) and dirty so diving would be anything but pleasant. Many crays are in their "soft" stage with females laden with berrie. Less than two miles offshore from Whakatane's entrance has been quite consistent fishing. The water is cold and dirty; the snapper not big but plenty of them. Limit fishing for pan-sized fish is the norm and, needless to say, you won't be supporting the fuel companies! Opotiki - Te Kaha
While inshore waters are as lacklustre here as they are further west, the waters just offshore paint a far different picture. A very distinct current line has been oscillating between eight and ten miles offshore. The "line" is very explicit as it contains all manner of flotsam for miles. On the inshore side the water is cold (14 ½) and dirty, while just several metres to the north, beautiful and warm (16 ½). On this line, in time textbook fashion, has been some exciting, unseasonable fishing. Large skippies (yes, skippies!) and albacore are patrolling this feature and have been susceptible to trolling lures. Most of the skipjack are over five kilos and albacore over 15. This provides welcome action for those boats passing through or those anglers who would want some light tackle fun. The flavours at present are lures of dark (black, purple) denomination. Waihou Bay, Cape Runaway
Inshore fishing here is a bit brighter, with some decent catches of snapper and terakihi. A few big 20 kgs plus) kingis have also shown up in burly trails to create some welcome excitement. Further out, trolling is also a viable option. A "similar line" as that found off Te Kaha is visible here as well. While the albies are smaller (8-12kg) the skippies are bigger. This was aptly shown last week in the form of a NZ record. Waihi angler Ian Hay managed a 8.86k beauty on 10k tackle to boast the old mark. Ranfurly Bank
The few boats arriving here have to consider themselves lucky to have timed the small windows of decent weather accurately. Fishing has been worth the effort with all depths being explored (300 to 400 metres). The shallows have coughed up most consistency with a variety of fish associated with them. One could expect to catch everything except bass and bluenose near the top of the banks, and often do just that. Kingfish of all sizes, big trevally, blue and pink mao mao, oversized blue cod, true hapuka, snapper and trumpeter are all in the offing. Some of the kingfish and hapuka can surprise with their weights (over 30 kilos) and fight. Large expanses of water have been seen "exploding" with kingis in pursuit of sauries. While most are "rats", some are heavyweights and it's oh so exciting to witness. East Cape, East Island
Snapper very scarce here but some nice sized fish to 17 pounds among them. Volkner Rocks
These special rocks have been in the news of late but, for a change, not due to their rich fish population. After announcing the final submission period for the marine reserve status to begin on Saturday, June 29th, the Director General has changed his mind. Now, citing the early election and placement of a new minister of conservation, the period will be deferred til late August/ early September. This is an exceedingly important proposal which needs to be pondered and addressed by anglers, much more will be written about this at the appropriate time - watch this space. Summary
As per usual, lots of opportunities for sport or a good feed remain despite the season. Some warmer clothes and the good sense of weather are important. This, my first BOP report for almost three months, will also be my last for a while. My wife and I will be disappearing to soak up some warmth and, you guessed it, some fishing in exotic places for an extended time. Will be in regular touch when we start up again in early September………until then.
From 
Pursuit
PursuitReport type: Saltwater
Report date: 28 June 02
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