Fishing Reports

Just a short supplement on Gamefishing before Xmas-  Although I'm not aware of any further yellowfin coming across the Whitianga scales (maybe today ?) due to persistent easterlies- its only a matter of time, and those first fish are usually the biggest, historically.

You don't neccessarily have to go out super wide to have a shot here, as I believe that first 'Fin was caught not far afield. Remember- Tuna prefer small lures, just 'cos your mate down the road got one on a big marlin lure, it doesn't mean that is their preference. !!

We always start out with small straight running lures, and unless Albacore or Skippies are a problem, stay with them. Green/ Yellow and Blue/White are particulary good at the beginning of the season. We run Hexheads, Tuna clones, and 3.5 Zukers. If you ever get a chance to see the back of a commercial Tuna trollers boat you wont see any big pusher head lures, all small straight runners and squid style lures. When I used to do commercial tuna trolling, one of the best lures I ever found was the YO-Zuri plain squid in lumo, with a lead weight up inside it. This accounted for many prime yellowfin over the seasons.

Also for those willing to go slower- Rapalas are very good but require patience to get running right at the top end of the speed spectrum, also bibless minnows are great and aren't as speed intolerant, i.e mackerel maulers from Oz. 

Once the marlin show , then sure , get the pushers back out but run those small straight runners as long as you can.!!!!

Best Regards, 
Andy Kerr- Stingray Charters Whitianga.