Fishing Reports

 

Finally a day off due to the gentle sea breeze(40 knots!) The fishing has been firing big time over the last 2 weeks and anglers have been rewarded with bag limits of good Snapper. The biggest this week was just over 11 lb and we have lost a few that may have been bigger. I watched in horror the other day, as a cheap reel basically disintegrated when the drag washers melted together and the spool bent the main shaft as the pressure came on. The inevitable happened and the line snapped as we tried to release the drag. The matching rod came out no better off as the guides were all out of line from butt to tip! The bigger specimens can really put up a fight, often surprising the new angler into panic. But never fear, the gaff and net are near. We are finding the best fishing to be had around the ends of the Tiri Channel and out over the mud and sand. It is not so much the location you have to fish, but rather spending the time looking (with the help of a good sounder) for the schools of Snapper. There are many schools around and we spend a little longer finding the best of them in the area we choose to fish often not moving all day! So far as bait goes and I know you've heard it all before, but it is that Lolago Squid and those good old, NZ Pillies, that are doing the damage. Ledger rigs with 5/0 VMC Snapper Steelhead hooks all connected with 40-60lb trace, is what we are using in group fishing situations but use a different rig when we have smaller groups on board. A metre long trace with a ball sinker above the swivel and 6/0-7/0 VMCs, have been getting the fish too. Pete and Graham (2 of our very regular casual anglers) have been using some of their home made flies over this last week with really good results. It is interesting to see which colours are getting the results and I'll keep you posted as we continue the trial. So far as the flasher rigs go, we find that the Gamakatsu range in the pearl or green is pretty consistent, as are some of the Black Magic rigs. The hooks on the Black Magic rigs don't seem to last as long though. I think Graham has come up with the colour that is best for this time of year but I had better get his OK before saying to much more! There has been a couple of trips I just have to mention. They are much the same as the results we have been having but do stand out due to the fact that we parked on top of really good fish. Nelsons group nailed 81 good Snapper in a hour or so last Wednesday some of which were around the 10lb mark! It was one of those days, still conditions, good anglers and hardly any fish put back because they were too small. We kept nothing under 350mm. The Forum Users Trip for this month was a good day too. Users of the Discussion Boards on this site are invited to join us for a days fishing in the Gulf, in what will become a monthly event. It is always a good day out especially with like minded individuals. Special mention to Tim, (biggest Snapper 9lb) and to Jonathan, who came in a gallant 2nd. Anita, being the only female onboard also deserves mention for her tolerance after a slow start with the fishing pole. A special THANK YOU HEAPS to THE BAIT STATION in Parkway Drive, Mairangi Bay, who very kindly sponsored the bait for the trip. It was that Lolago Squid and NZ pillies that got us a bag limit. Good to see a few Gurnard show up during the day too. If you haven't checked out the prices of bait at the Bait Station yet, you had better get your skates on get over there before you head out next time. We have stacks of trips going at the moment and a few dates available for the rest of the year. There is rod hire, bait and our Lunch Box available if required. Get yourself, your mates or work group together and enjoy a day on the water. We offer 12 anglers for the price of 10 if you book the boat. That way there is incentive for 2 anglers to organise 5 others each and come along for free! We have "casual days" put aside for those of you who wish to come alone or with 1 or 2 others. Give us a call on 09 4240607 or on the boat 025 2446346. You can email us at deepsea@clear.net.nz if you require any information or a brochure. If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you give him a fishing rod, you lose him for the weekend. Come get lost. Damian THE CHARTER CONNECTION- WHERE FISHING IS CATCHING!

 

From A Charter Connection...

Report type: Saltwater

Report date: 10 November 02