Fishing Reports

ROUND AND ABOUT

Main topic of conversation amongst the local fishing community is the state of the water. Not only is it colder than usual for this time of the year, but it’s also uncannily clear. On the one hand, I have a current report of less than 13°C in the Waitangi River whilst on the other I have good keen blokes able to see quite clearly the barracuda school that is causing mayhem beneath the boat.

The causal connection between cold clear water and some pretty hard fishing is unclear, but certainly most fishers report the going to be tough. While the sea temperature quickly rises to around 15°C further off-shore, most reckon it’s at least as cold as it usually gets round September when the sea finally begins to warm once again.

West coasters report some decent populations of both kahawai and trevally in the surf while the chance of a snapper in the breakers is a very long shot indeed. However, out wide, the west coast winter snapper and tarakihi season seems to be as hot as ever. Most report any foul in the 40-60m range to be worthy of investigation. Certainly those with the chance to get out through the surf or over a bar should take the opportunity. Not only is the west’s winter snapper and tarakihi fishing unbelievably productive, but keep an eye out for an occasional giant red/golden snapper. For those accustomed to the red/golden snapper found on the east, the size of their brothers on the other side will make your eyes pop.

On the east, best snapper fishing is either in the kelp forests that clothe our rocky shore-line, or out wide from 50-100m. In the deep, any patch of rubble is worthy of inspection with an occasional hapuku a good chance at this time of the year. However, fishing these depths will require a re-think of your technique with the technology for the job now well known.

Braided lines are now well proven with their thin diameter along with an almost complete absence of any stretch making braid so effective in deep water. However, with the jarring action of braid on a normal deepwater rod likely to give your wrists, elbow and shoulder a painful workout, an investment in a faster action more forgiving rod is well worth the money. And since your reel will take more than double the amount of braid when compared with mono, you can spend the money you save in not having to buy a bigger reel on getting a more suitable stick.

To drift or not to drift is the perennial question facing deep water fishos. While there are a few out there who will disagree with this advice, my own preference once you’ve found spot “X” is to anchor up.  At least you’re comfortable.

Apart from looking in the kelp or fishing the deep, working birds remain a sure sign of piscatorial potential with kingfish almost always shadowing schools of bait-fish. And if nothing else seems to be working, the scallops are certainly worth the effort with mussels still very edible.