Fishing Reports

FIRST STRIPED MARLIN HITS THE DECK.
Good news today for the big game fishing fraternity with the first local stripped marlin landed Monday 120104. At 156.5kg, this beauty on 24kg line took only 1hr and 40 to boat. Congratulations are in order for both the angler, Englishman Stewart Barlow for his virgin stripey and Aussie skipper, Chris Cowan, for keeping the decks clear on their 8m Ramco. And all it took was a small tuna lure on a 200kg leader.

 And while we’re on the topic of swordfish, have you heard about the broadbill landed by Neil Dobbs of Whangarei while trolling off the Hen and Chicks? His monster weighed in at 242.8kg, and on 34kg line, only took 4 hrs to boat. Once again, congratulations are in order for both the angler and his wife, skipper Moira Dobbs for doing the business in a most efficient manner.

Meanwhile, in Doubtless Bay, long lost but not forgotten Northlander, Steve Rowsell of Warkworth did the business with some large pink scaly critters off Puketu one late afternoon recently. Rumour has it that he was still smiling next day.

And still smiling as a write, Paul Cresswell of Whangarei, also fishing in Doubtless Bay, dive-bombed a few nice big fat snapper with shiny metal thingies [jigs!]. Thought he was on to a winner until the barracuda decided that heavy metal was their style and gatecrashed the party.

Back in the Bay, where Simon Howard reports encountering some of the biggest schools of kahawai and kingfish seen in recent years, many snapper fishermen have been having one of their better seasons. Rumour has it that the last remaining local snapper long-liner has had his best season ever, with both recreational fishermen and charter operators generally enthusing not only about the weather, but also about the fishing.

While Russell Price and family of Kaikohe have had a few wasted trips, most have produced memorable moments, although not all for the best reasons. The unsafe behaviour of some ignorant boaties travelling too fast is an issue that will not just go away.

On the fishing front, Russell and father-in-law, John Coleman also of Kaikohe, managed to slay a couple of 8 kg reds last Friday evening. The fish showed no interest in traditional baits and if it hadn’t been for the courtesy of some local fresh mackerel, Russell and John might well have returned home empty handed.

Another intrepid local fisho, Peter Hayes of Haruru falls, has been doing a lot of smiling lately too. Might even hear the occasional hoot if your around when he’s fishing. One of his more remarkable days out was fishing the open side of Roberton with wife and kids in the full sun on a mid-summer’s day. With plenty of boat activity in the area, Pete was surprised to encounter an invasion of mega reds intent on kamikaze. Half a dozen fish from 6-8kg in 30 minutes was the outcome. Kids got a great if not short lesson in fishing too.