Fishing Reports

 

Just about every trip a week or so ago, was resulting in bag limits of real nice table fish. Anglers were throwing back everything under 30 cm and I remember Graham T coming into the wheelhouse on the way home one day and telling me he was throwing back everything under 35cm! Not bad fishing for late June. We have been finding the fish, or should I say, were finding the fish in a pretty localised location at Tiri. I had looked at other areas around the island but had found the majority of Snapper were on this one reef. It is not surprising really when one considers the size of the reef and all the current that screams over it during a tide. It is covered in weed and shellfish life, making it a perfect spot for Snapper to hang out on. There has also been a fair amount of Snapper and nice Trevally on the reefs around Whangaparaoa but I’m feeling like they are slowly getting depleted and we will have to move on to greener pastures to keep getting the good catches. In saying that, some of the local anglers are still doing really well at the change of light. The best fish we have seen over this last week or so, has come from less than 8 metres of water and in a lot of current. In fact this spot has saved my bacon a few times lately, when after a slowish day it has been our last stop on the way in. The Flat Rock Special is still working well. It is a surprise to some when I show them what is all about. It is so simple and works well. We are finding it is still the Lolago Squid and pilchards that is fishing best not to mention all the fresh baits available. Strip baits of Koheru or Trevally are great for getting the bigger fish in the school. The freshly caught baits are a lot tougher and they hang in there a bit longer. One technique is to strayline the bait back into the reef. It is this time of year you really get to hone your skills, as we are often changing from one rig to another, as we move from location to location. The fishing situation can change a few times during the day. For example, we stopped the other day under a few gannets and terns and drifted for 20 minutes with bottom rigs and longer traces, moved to a reef and used dropper rigs and FRS, moved again later and fished a shallow reef in the rip and used lightly weighted straylined baits. All worked well but there was a few frantic knots being tied as we moved. I am not really a great fan of flasher rigs, but I have been observing how the fish prefer one colour over another on the day. There is no set pattern that I can see, however I think I mentioned that they were hot for the pink flashers last week. This week they seem to be going for the yellow/red combo. It has been really consistent and by far out fishing all the other colours. Try making your own using VMC recurve hooks. You can get the flasher material at most good tackle shops. They will also have the glue or resin to stick the lot together. It looks as though those that use the discussion groups on this site are going fishing with us this month. If you are interested in getting in on the action, have a look at the recent posts in the General Discussion and get typing. It is great place to get questions answered, voice opinions and pick each others brains. We will run regular trips for the forum users and this first one will be a hoot. It is that time of year when Flat Rock can go off and that’s where we want to go. Will keep you posted about the result of that trip and let you know about the others coming up. There has been some bad press lately about one particular operator in the General Discussion. Unprofessional behaviour is not acceptable in any industry and in the year 2002 I think we are past putting up with it. We welcome any ideas or feed back from our clients and many of you will know that we look after our regular clients by giving away free trips and special offers and deals. If you wish to submit any feedback just email us at deepsea@clear.net.nz We have some upcoming dates for you: Wednesday 10 July is a casuals day. Thursday 11 July is also a casuals day. Sunday 14 is available for boat bookings or casuals. Wednesday 17 is the Forum Users Friendly Competition. Sunday 21 is also available. If you want to get out on the water and come fishing, you can contact us at our new number. (09)4240607 or on Damians’ mobile (025) 2446346. Stay tuned and get involved in your sport. Join in the discussions and catch more fish. Damian THE CHARTER CONNECTION LTD

 

From A Charter Connection...

Report type: Saltwater

Report date: 05 July 02