Fishing Reports

The 2005/06 season is getting underway as you read this, so as soon as you’re done reading this report, get out there! First things first, I’m the publicity officer for the Tairua-Pauanui Sports Fishing Club here on the fantastic eastern Coromandel. Thus I will be bringing you regular updates for our area as the game fishing season progresses. I am happy to help other keen fishos out where I can, wether it be water temperature updates or info on upcoming fishing tournaments, I’m just a call away.

Gamefishing

Water temperatures have been around 20 degrees at the 300 metre mark off the Alderman’s with plenty of albacore tuna around the 4-5kg mark happy to take the smaller lures. Indications are that the blue water looks a good colour. Perhaps we will see the first marlin for Tairua - in the One-to-One contest being held on the 8^th of January. Certainly the signs are promising.

Snapper Fishing

Snapper wise, things have been better than in the past with some excellent results in the latest Tairua-Pauanui Clubs annual Snapper Classic competition held on the 29^th of December. Third place went to Dave Munro with a 13lb snapper while R Barlow’s snapper took second place at 13.5 lb. The heaviest snapper was a beauty at almost 20lb, weighing 8.80 kg. With hundreds of dollars in prizes handed out it goes to show the odd big moucher is lurking around for those keen enough to target them in the early hours with plenty of berley.

Reef Fishing

The Hapuka are still here with consistent results in around 100-120 metres with fish around 5-15 kg the norm. . Traces up around 120lb at minimum should see you right with 12 ounces of lead being plenty to get you to the bottom. They are coming on the bite around low tide, however beware of the sand sharks, if they become a real problem try staying away from using skipjack as bait. The Tairua - Pauanui club has trophies up for grabs for Hapuka so be sure to join up before heading out to ensure you’re in the prizes when that big one ends up on the boat deck! Also Terakihi are in abundance and make great eating and seem to come on the bite all of a sudden with every one on board getting a turn as schools move through, so patience is the key! Remember to keep an eye on the sounder at all times when travelling to and from your spots and while on the troll and you’ll be surprised the good areas of foul that hold these fish.

Hopefully my next report will include the details on Tairua’s first marlin, until then, tight lines - Scotty Robinson 027 410 5450 / mrfatdog@gmail.com