Fishing Reports

 

Most of the marlin action has occurred North of the Cavallis. Hot spots continue to be the area north of Stephenson's Island, from 140 out to 250 meters, the 505, the Garden Patch, and North Cape. Some good action was also had by boats fishing north of North Cape during the Houhora Tournament, but strong easterlies are preventing much exploration of the Three Kings area. Practically all the action is from stripeys, with very few blues. Multiple hookups seem to be the order of the season, so don't be too hasty to retrieve lines after the first strike, or try running back a live bait while the gear is being retrieved. An interesting observation by Bruce Sith aboard "Striker" during the Nationals bears some thought. A fish he tagged at the Surville Canyon, took some time to descend, so Smithy followed it, watching it cruise gently along. He then noticed it's white remora, move across to the tag, and start biting at the 'intruding parasite'. Many comments and explanations have been offerred for the reasons behind a low tag return rate, but this is the first time I have heard or thought of remoras as a reason. Kingfish haave provided some great action on all the major reef structures in the area, but fish over 10kg have become a rarity. Best of the snapper fishing has been on reef fringes in deeper water, while hapuka have been an exercise in frustration, with barracoutta moving to the deep now the water has warmed, and spiny dogs and school shark waiting if the bait does manage to get past the 'razor gang'. Although heavily committed for the rest of the season, we are managing a few nights back at home with the computer, so keep forwarding any queries to MAJOR.TOM@xtra.co.nz, and I will try to respond as time allows.

 

From Major Tom II

Report type: Saltwater

Report date: 21 March 03