Fishing Reports

July was a month of big Snapper for us again this year. Congratulations to M. Cross, K. Packer, G. Truman, J. Watson, T. Harris and Ken from Otago, who all caught Snapper over 20lbs with us in July.

Big cut baits and live baits accounted for most of these fish, either on the drift or anchored and burleying and mostly from both the Barriers. August so far has been a little slower and is typically that way till the Snapper start moving back into the Gulf. Here’s what’s been happening.

Inner Gulf.

Around the inner Gulf it seems the best way to get into a few Snapper is to get in close and burley up with the wind and tide together. Don’t be afraid to get into the shallows (of course with out risking lives and boat) and be prepared to sit it out.

Some days it will take a lot more patience than others but on others the fish can be on the bite as soon as a bait hits the water. Areas worth trying are along the Rangitoto shoreline, the northern side of Motutapu and around the other islands, Noises and the Bottom End of Waiheke.

Tiri on the other hand is not fishing very well at all and it has been a struggle when we have had to stay around. The channel has not produced much at all and there is better fishing to be had around the Whangaparaoa coastline.

Again it is the guys fishing in closer that are getting them. Around the Mahurangi is a bit quiet too but if you work a good burley trail you will secure a few for the table. There are a few Trevally around the place too.

Kawau is still holding a few fish and I am finding the deeper reefs are best. Terahiki are around at the turn of the tide on some of the low foul, but not like we have had them in the past. They are smaller and fewer but will take a small bait, on a small hook. Small recurve hooks are best e.g. 2/0 or a Terahiki Terror will do the job.

Flat Rock is still producing the odd nice fish here and there but overall it is pretty slow. The reef system here is pretty big and it pays to have a good look around some of the structure to determine the best place to anchor or drift. In Whangaparaoa Bay and for miles to the east there is a lot of bird activity. It is not in concentrated work ups but spread out for acres and there is not a lot of fish under the birds. Good to see a lot of feed in the area - I’m sure the Dolphins agree!

Outer Gulf

Little Barrier has been taken over by Barracouta! We must have gone through 50 traces the other day as they chewed through anything we threw in the water that looked like a bait. At 1 place we stopped and burleyed, the ‘Couta were so thick in the water that if you dropped a Pilchard in, you could watch 4-5 come up and fight for it. The Snapper we caught when we could get a bait down were also getting attacked as we brought them in. Keep an eye out if you are cleaning fish over the side of the boat – don’t go losing a finger!

The Snapper fishing is a little quiet up there at the moment and more patience is required. Drifting has been working ok along the eastern shore and off the top of the island. Getting in close with a small group and laying a good burley trail is also worth a go.

Horn Rock is another option and we have been getting a few fish off the deeper parts. Such a big area with good foul all around can hold a lot of fish when they start to move back in but for now it is the resident fish we are getting. Dark coloured Snapper that like to “mooch” around in the kelp. A good burley trail is essential and fresh baits should attract the attentions of any fish in the area. There are quite a few small Kingfish out here too and a large, live bait under a balloon may well get nailed by the bigger fish that hunt the reef.

Great Barrier will be holding Hapuka in a bit closer now and in depths of around 80m can be targeted using dropper rigs (ledger rigs) with a small live bait or cut bait. The live baits will tend to attract the attentions of the bigger ‘Pukas. The average size is only about 7-10 kg but they are good eating if you can get onto them. The Snapper fishing will be best in close so as to avoid the “Couta and fishing the edges of the reefs can be quite productive this time of year. Again, burely up and strayline baits back down the trail.

The water temperature in the outer Gulf is still around 15C and with the weather being quite mild for the time of year, it makes the day more enjoyable rather than standing around in a freezer all day. There are various predictions about a cold, late winter but I hope spring arrives and the mild conditions remain into summer. Judging by the number of lambs in paddocks and the way the gardens are looking we could be enjoying a warm, fish full, spring.

The only bummer this month is the increasing fuel prices. The fishing fleets and haulage operators must really be feeling the pinch as fuel has gone up over 25% in the past year. We have had to put our prices up to account for this but are still offering trips (group bookings) to the outer Gulf from $850 on WAHU. We are, of course still offering trips for casual anglers too. If you would like to know more or join the “Casuals List” just fire us through am email to deepsea@clear.net.nz or call us on board at 021 2446346 or the office on 09 4240607.

Well, I better go and pre-tie a few more traces till those blasted ‘Couta move on! Shouldn’t be too long now though, as they normally only stick around for 6-8 weeks and we are coming towards the end of it now.

Cheers

Damian (Damo)

The Charter Connection

Where fishing is catching!