Fishing Reports

 

It’s been an interesting week but little fishing done due to the weather. As inclement as it was (only three boats out during most of the week) there were some reasonable catches to go along with improving water conditions. True evidence of summer is still slow in deploying itself. Inshore
Snapper is the name of the game still although terakihi are continuing in an unexpected supporting role. Usually they are backed right off at this time of year but not this season. Bound to be other anomalies this time around. The good ole Rurima Rocks are kicking out some great catches, with many over 4 kilos. Opotiki through to the Motu River entrance, the hot area of the last few weeks, has cooled from its torrid pace although still productive. Water clarity has improved – may have something to downturn. Te Kaha is shining although many fish, while plenty legal, are well below the average size you’ll expect. The one to two kilo size is commonplace. Although there’s some nice sized kahawai around (3 kilos plus) they are seemingly down on numbers. Some anglers are thankful, others concerned. Offshore
White Island continues its winning ways, particularly with kingfish. While most of the fish fall into the 14-17 kilo bracket, some are much bigger. The vast majority have spawned now and looking lean and lanky – especially compared to their former plump selves of a month ago. Several up to 35 kilos have been both boated and release the last week. Shallow water (30-50m) has been productive deep (200-300m) out of favour, the shallow environs (140-180) delivering some nice catches of true hapuka. Ranfurly Bank
Productivity still symbolises this region. With nothing outstanding of late, the catches have been consistent. Currents have been big, with some drifts eclipsing 3 knots. That’s a lot of flow, try swimming against it some day! Hapuka, trumpeter, oversize king terakihi and kingfish have all contributed to a diversified catch. The kingis, while numerous, have disappointed with their lack of quality of late. A free jumping marlin was sighted in the Ranfurly Canyon to signal things to come. Yellowfin Tuna
While quality still reins supreme, quantity is not among us. With no sign of consistent pattern its anybodies guess where the next one will be caught. One theme which has run through has been depth (100m plus) but that got blown out with a 45m catch just six miles from Whakatane on Saturday the 11th. This 52.8k fish represents some firsts for the young season. It is easily the closest to Whakatane (Nz’s Tuna Capitol??) and also the smallest of the season! Imagine a great fish like that being the tiddler so far?! With the Tuna Tournament looming large it’s anyone’s guess what direction this season will take us. Should easily be the best tourney (weather permitting) in the last three but that’s not saying much. Volkner Rocks Marine Reserve Proposal
Many of you will be glad when this process is over and, guess what, it won’t be long. In fact, if you’re reading this after 4.30pm on Tuesday the 14th it already is. There have been many revelations regarding this reserve, none of them flattering to either DOC of the Whakaari Steering Committee. If you are still keen to put in a submission but didn’t/don’t have time to do so, there is one last avenue available to you at the 11th hour. While DOC had initially rejected the plea to lodge submissions electronically, they now have rescinded. If you are still keen and have two spare minutes, please look at www.option4.co.nz They have about 18 pages of articles and other submissions but if you only want to tick a box and enter your details it is now permissible from the comfort of your own home. Believe me, this will come down to the wire and your sub counts, they all do. Please take those two minutes and look at option 4. Here’s hoping for a win to the grand sport of fishing. Summary
This season, between recent inclement weather and lack of excitement, is dragging on a little now. I’m sure it will change. In the meantime we’ve got some good fishing to “console” us while we’re waiting for the arrival of YFT. There’s a huge amount of bait (pillies, anchovies) in the Bay right now and, Mr Tuna arrives in force, he’ll like what he finds. Till next time.