Fishing Reports
Eastern Bay of Plenty
Two weeks ago we were in the grips of a full blown reincarnated winter, now all the signs of summer are smothering us – it’s a strange world we live in! Just goes to prove there is a God and, yes, we will participate in warm, settled weather this calendar year!
Inshore
This is little short of a success story at this point although it’s not all good everyday, every place – but nearly. Many fine catches of snapper with lots of double figures (pounds). Most of these fish are in prime condition as only pre-spawning fish will be at this time of year. If by chance you dip out on the red gurnard and some kahawai. Water has cleaned up considerably and, aside from the bottom sediment stirring swell of last week, is a delight for diverse. Algal bloom appears to be all but over with no expected infestation of jellyfish – yet. Offshore
Another bundle of joy (it’s so nice to respond with good reports after months of the other kind! On most fronts of course yellowfin tuna are on everyone’s lips although none have been landed to date. Water colour (blue in most areas) and temps (strong 17 degreed C but touching 18 are becoming increasingly favourable. One positive sighting off Waikawa Point just adds to the fervor. Lots of bait, dolphins and gannets seen daily between the Motu River mouth and NE if Whale Island. The stage is set, now we just have to position one here in the right place at the right time and the season will be on. White Island and vicinity is fishing very well. Ironically the Volkner Rocks, the subject of a current Marine reserve Proposal, is the best of the posies by far! Consistent fishing for kingis in the 14-18kg has been on tap with some larger fish to over 30 kilos having entered the fray just recently. The reef fish around the island have gone on sabbatical, perhaps the swell and surge have put them off temporarily. Deepwater continues to be productive with the 200-300 metre range the best for bluenose, bass and gemfish. Ranfurly Bank
Not a huge amount of effort but plenty of success for those going forth. Bass, some big ones, have been prominent in the bottom catch which includes a good number of hapuka and trumpeter. Kingis, while plentiful, have not yielded any of these larger brethren who are undoubtedly there. Snapper and small hapuka plentiful back around East Cape. Summary
It’s all go in this part of the country, on almost every front. Seeing sunfish and an abundance of sharks and bait related activity every day sure puts one onto a summer frame of thought. Patience is a virtue, one which we’ll have to abide with you awhile yet
This is little short of a success story at this point although it’s not all good everyday, every place – but nearly. Many fine catches of snapper with lots of double figures (pounds). Most of these fish are in prime condition as only pre-spawning fish will be at this time of year. If by chance you dip out on the red gurnard and some kahawai. Water has cleaned up considerably and, aside from the bottom sediment stirring swell of last week, is a delight for diverse. Algal bloom appears to be all but over with no expected infestation of jellyfish – yet. Offshore
Another bundle of joy (it’s so nice to respond with good reports after months of the other kind! On most fronts of course yellowfin tuna are on everyone’s lips although none have been landed to date. Water colour (blue in most areas) and temps (strong 17 degreed C but touching 18 are becoming increasingly favourable. One positive sighting off Waikawa Point just adds to the fervor. Lots of bait, dolphins and gannets seen daily between the Motu River mouth and NE if Whale Island. The stage is set, now we just have to position one here in the right place at the right time and the season will be on. White Island and vicinity is fishing very well. Ironically the Volkner Rocks, the subject of a current Marine reserve Proposal, is the best of the posies by far! Consistent fishing for kingis in the 14-18kg has been on tap with some larger fish to over 30 kilos having entered the fray just recently. The reef fish around the island have gone on sabbatical, perhaps the swell and surge have put them off temporarily. Deepwater continues to be productive with the 200-300 metre range the best for bluenose, bass and gemfish. Ranfurly Bank
Not a huge amount of effort but plenty of success for those going forth. Bass, some big ones, have been prominent in the bottom catch which includes a good number of hapuka and trumpeter. Kingis, while plentiful, have not yielded any of these larger brethren who are undoubtedly there. Snapper and small hapuka plentiful back around East Cape. Summary
It’s all go in this part of the country, on almost every front. Seeing sunfish and an abundance of sharks and bait related activity every day sure puts one onto a summer frame of thought. Patience is a virtue, one which we’ll have to abide with you awhile yet
From 
Pursuit
PursuitReport type: Saltwater
Report date: 12 December 02
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