Fishing Reports

Best news of the last fortnight from the Bay of Islands, is the presence of roe in many of the snapper landed. While we might expect the occasional male at this early stage, females have figures prominently in the catches. 

With some large schools of pillies and anchovies showing in the triangle of Tapeka , Roberton and the Black Rocks, and with most of even the the larger fish in fresh open water condition, we may be about to have an early season. Water temps have already risen to around 16C, and once they have risen a bit more, the "patchy" fishing should end and results become more consistent.

Kingies are still present in good numbers, though size remains a problem, with most fish just under the 75cm limit, and only few over 10kg.  71 Meter Reef seems to be the most likely possie for a good kingie, though one fish of nearly 20kg was taken at the weekend from the bait schools off Tapeka. If the bait continues to accumulate it should attract and hold some good fish close to home.

Hapuka have been difficult off the Bay all winter. Even the usually reliable reefs around Main Rock have been slow, though with good reports from South of Cape Brett, and North of the Cavallis, our situation may change as the fish get on the move after their spawning season. Live baits dropped deep on 71Meter while kingfishing will often return a good hapuka during the spring fishing months.

As always, drop me an email at MAJOR.TOM@xtra.co.nz if you have any queries.