Fishing Reports
Eastern Bay of Plenty
While somewhat volatile and sporadic, things are pretty good down this way. There are definite “on” and “off” days and, even on the productive days, specific bite times. If you choose poorly you’ll wonder why you bothered going to sea.
Make the right decision and it’s all go. Big problem is there’s been no real pattern to help anglers in their decision making – throw the dice and take a chance.
Inshore
While terakihi remain the “safe bet” many anglers are getting amongst the snapper on a regular basis now. Ohope Beach, the radio mast, Whale Island, the Rurimas and Matata have all kicked out good catches of late for those in the know/lucky choosing. Talk of limit catches of both species (who really needs this many?) have been common over the radio waves lately. Most snapper are just above pan size but the occasional fish to 6-7 kilos surfaces and is reported. Water temps remain low (15-15.5 degrees) and clarity poor with a lot of algal bloom but it’s had little impact except on divers. Offshore<
This region takes the cake as far as volatility goes! One day you can’t go wrong, the very next day it’s real tough going. While still very cool temperatures (both land and sea) the wind has abated and we even got something other than westerlies! Water colour has improved and, while a long ways from blue, has got a nice hue to it. Talk has centred around yellowfin tuna but most believe this to still be a good three weeks away. Bait has been exceptionally difficult to come by with many groups staying awake all night for ten livies or less! Flying fish are common now but the kingis have thus far shown a real reluctance to accept them. The kingfish have been on again, off again – truly symptomatic if much of the fishing scenarios everywhere. Most fish are in the 12 – 17 kilo category – a few over 20. Ironically, the Volkner Rocks who DOC has called for final submissions in their quest for a huge marine reserve, has been the shining light for this species. Bottomfishing has also been patchy but more generally rewarding. A few nice bass to 50kgs have spiced up an otherwise ordinary fishery at present. Lots of gemfish and small bluenose have made up the bulk of this deepwater pursuit. Around the shallow environs of White Island a real mixture of species are eager to please. This gang has to be led by terakihi, oversized pink mao mao, golden snapper and trevally but includes many more. Diving has been drawing more attention with some good visibility on offer, especially compared to the inshore waters. Ranfurly Bank<
A few boats have travelled to this distant outpost only to have their aspirations compromised by the wind and swell. These two components are commonplace to this area and come as no surprise, especially this spring. For those braving the elements the results have been rewarding. A good cross section of kingfish, hapuka, bass, trumpeter and, back inshore, nice sized snapper have come onboard. Many more trips planned here for the future – all hoping the weather gods smile upon them. Summary<
It would appear, by all accounts, we have turned the corner. Spring now seems to be with us just the last few days in many aspects. Warmer days, better looking water, fish that want to bite and the incessant westerlies backing off – what more could any angler want. Maybe just one thing – access to a fabulous fishery we respect, need and have fished very conservatively for well over 20 years. For those not in the know, this is namely the Volkner Rocks. DOC has called for final submissions for a one mile total ban right around the Volkners forever. There’s been a lot said and will be more written about this contentious proposal so I won’t belabour the point too much now. Suffice to say we (recreational fishermen in the Bay of Plenty) would really appreciate and need the support from any fishers to help us defeat this proposal and put forward a more sensible one in the future. A simple letter which basically says you don’t agree with this marine reserve proposal as stated will be much appreciated. Please direct these important letters to: D O C
Bay of Plenty Conservancy
P O Box 1146
ROTORUA
By January 14th. Every submission count heavily and will help stem large intrusions into fishery. For additional reading see Forums on the site, July New Zealand Fishing News and next months (January) edition. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Rick Pollock
While terakihi remain the “safe bet” many anglers are getting amongst the snapper on a regular basis now. Ohope Beach, the radio mast, Whale Island, the Rurimas and Matata have all kicked out good catches of late for those in the know/lucky choosing. Talk of limit catches of both species (who really needs this many?) have been common over the radio waves lately. Most snapper are just above pan size but the occasional fish to 6-7 kilos surfaces and is reported. Water temps remain low (15-15.5 degrees) and clarity poor with a lot of algal bloom but it’s had little impact except on divers. Offshore<
This region takes the cake as far as volatility goes! One day you can’t go wrong, the very next day it’s real tough going. While still very cool temperatures (both land and sea) the wind has abated and we even got something other than westerlies! Water colour has improved and, while a long ways from blue, has got a nice hue to it. Talk has centred around yellowfin tuna but most believe this to still be a good three weeks away. Bait has been exceptionally difficult to come by with many groups staying awake all night for ten livies or less! Flying fish are common now but the kingis have thus far shown a real reluctance to accept them. The kingfish have been on again, off again – truly symptomatic if much of the fishing scenarios everywhere. Most fish are in the 12 – 17 kilo category – a few over 20. Ironically, the Volkner Rocks who DOC has called for final submissions in their quest for a huge marine reserve, has been the shining light for this species. Bottomfishing has also been patchy but more generally rewarding. A few nice bass to 50kgs have spiced up an otherwise ordinary fishery at present. Lots of gemfish and small bluenose have made up the bulk of this deepwater pursuit. Around the shallow environs of White Island a real mixture of species are eager to please. This gang has to be led by terakihi, oversized pink mao mao, golden snapper and trevally but includes many more. Diving has been drawing more attention with some good visibility on offer, especially compared to the inshore waters. Ranfurly Bank<
A few boats have travelled to this distant outpost only to have their aspirations compromised by the wind and swell. These two components are commonplace to this area and come as no surprise, especially this spring. For those braving the elements the results have been rewarding. A good cross section of kingfish, hapuka, bass, trumpeter and, back inshore, nice sized snapper have come onboard. Many more trips planned here for the future – all hoping the weather gods smile upon them. Summary<
It would appear, by all accounts, we have turned the corner. Spring now seems to be with us just the last few days in many aspects. Warmer days, better looking water, fish that want to bite and the incessant westerlies backing off – what more could any angler want. Maybe just one thing – access to a fabulous fishery we respect, need and have fished very conservatively for well over 20 years. For those not in the know, this is namely the Volkner Rocks. DOC has called for final submissions for a one mile total ban right around the Volkners forever. There’s been a lot said and will be more written about this contentious proposal so I won’t belabour the point too much now. Suffice to say we (recreational fishermen in the Bay of Plenty) would really appreciate and need the support from any fishers to help us defeat this proposal and put forward a more sensible one in the future. A simple letter which basically says you don’t agree with this marine reserve proposal as stated will be much appreciated. Please direct these important letters to: D O C
Bay of Plenty Conservancy
P O Box 1146
ROTORUA
By January 14th. Every submission count heavily and will help stem large intrusions into fishery. For additional reading see Forums on the site, July New Zealand Fishing News and next months (January) edition. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Rick Pollock
From 
Pursuit
PursuitReport type: Saltwater
Report date: 26 November 02
Email to a friend<< BACK
