Fishing Reports
Eastern Bay of Plenty
The rollercoaster continues – only this time it ends up on the upswing. The last week, despite a lot more of our trustworthy mate (west wind) the fishing has picked up again markedly. How long will this surge last – no one knows, but at least it’s made the bashings we’ve received worthwhile. In all fairness the wind, while frustrating and troublesome, hasn’t been bad enough to cancel many outings.
Inshore
Generally more success stories than whitewashes but still very much a mixed bag. Lots of gurnard, snapper, terakihi and kahawai to keep most anglers occupied. Not many big snapper but good numbers over a widespread area. It’s definitely a case of quantity, not quality at the moment. As the temperature increase (painfully slow) it should sure to bring the larger fish out to play. Inshore waters still only just 15 degrees C so a long ways to go till the magic spawning trigger of 18 degrees. Offshore
White Island and surrounds have just gotten just a little more interesting lately, nearly across the board. Kingis have led the charge with nearly every bait being engulfed during bite times. In between the torrid action it’s tough getting a bite. The fish are averaging 14 – 17 kilos but there are enough over 20 to keep things interesting. Not so surprising a fair few fish are being lost, even on 37kg tackle, and it’s anyone’s guess how big they may have been. There are some slabby fish and also, leading up to spawning time, a fair few real “porkies”. Nice to see a lot of the almost obesely pregnant females being released, especially now. Bluenose still producing well although nothing big – average 4 – 8kgs with the occasional one over 12. Water between 280 and nearly 400 metres their favourite hangout – not for the unfit! Shallow water reef fish have become highly sporadic – biting like banshees one place but never total shutdown at four others. Ranfurly Bank
Only one deregistered commercial craft has been there over the past week. Those anglers landed a smattering of fish in 35 knots – they’re welcome to it. Better weather will see some visits from a variety of boats in the future. Summary
Who know what’s on the horizon for this season. With kingfish well entrenched the next logical thought process will be yellowfin tuna. What species, I hear you ask?!? With an El Nino in progress who knows when, or even if, they’ll show this time around. One thing is for sure, it won’t be an early season. If we get the results we want, who cares? Late start – late finish. Looking forward to March anyone?
Generally more success stories than whitewashes but still very much a mixed bag. Lots of gurnard, snapper, terakihi and kahawai to keep most anglers occupied. Not many big snapper but good numbers over a widespread area. It’s definitely a case of quantity, not quality at the moment. As the temperature increase (painfully slow) it should sure to bring the larger fish out to play. Inshore waters still only just 15 degrees C so a long ways to go till the magic spawning trigger of 18 degrees. Offshore
White Island and surrounds have just gotten just a little more interesting lately, nearly across the board. Kingis have led the charge with nearly every bait being engulfed during bite times. In between the torrid action it’s tough getting a bite. The fish are averaging 14 – 17 kilos but there are enough over 20 to keep things interesting. Not so surprising a fair few fish are being lost, even on 37kg tackle, and it’s anyone’s guess how big they may have been. There are some slabby fish and also, leading up to spawning time, a fair few real “porkies”. Nice to see a lot of the almost obesely pregnant females being released, especially now. Bluenose still producing well although nothing big – average 4 – 8kgs with the occasional one over 12. Water between 280 and nearly 400 metres their favourite hangout – not for the unfit! Shallow water reef fish have become highly sporadic – biting like banshees one place but never total shutdown at four others. Ranfurly Bank
Only one deregistered commercial craft has been there over the past week. Those anglers landed a smattering of fish in 35 knots – they’re welcome to it. Better weather will see some visits from a variety of boats in the future. Summary
Who know what’s on the horizon for this season. With kingfish well entrenched the next logical thought process will be yellowfin tuna. What species, I hear you ask?!? With an El Nino in progress who knows when, or even if, they’ll show this time around. One thing is for sure, it won’t be an early season. If we get the results we want, who cares? Late start – late finish. Looking forward to March anyone?
From 
Pursuit
PursuitReport type: Saltwater
Report date: 22 November 02
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