Fishing Reports

Time has finally arrived for the good ship “PURSUIT” and her crew to crank back into life.  After a couple months of combined holiday and maintenance period both men and machine are more than willing.  Despite some trying conditions (but again nowhere near as bad as the MET office had predicted) we started our long season with several days at White Island.  Since we’ll be spending such a disproportionate amount of our time there over the next six months it’s only appropriate to start there – to enjoy success makes it just that much better.

Inshore

Like the weather, this well traveled area is patchy – particularly on snapper.  While there are still some quite reasonable catches coming in, most are either dipping out or scratching the proverbial feed.  Have heard of nothing big either, mostly pannies.  So what are most anglers doing?  The only logical thing – turn to terakihi.  Typically and predictably these fish are producing the goods.  Leading up to spawning time they are in prime condition with some approaching offshore size – 2 kilos!  This limit or near limit fishing is being augmented by some large kahawai and small gurnard.  Fishing on the sand but not far from the foul is 30-40 metres seems to be the best.

Offshore

While worsening water clarity and temperature (nearly 16 degrees C three weeks ago but only 14 now) are doing nothing for potential albacore trollers, it’s not doing anything to put off the determined kingfish.  They are biting well with the main area of interest being the countries newest marine reserve.  The Volkners were officially opened on Thursday the 12th by a group of dignitaries in appalling conditions – only fitting.  The good ole incredibly reliable “south ridge” is really the only game in town at the moment so just as well it’s not off limits.  The kingis there are of good quality with the average size up a couple notches from the 14-17 kilo bracket.  Many over 20 have provided anglers with all they can handle with several pushing 30.  Long time ports of Auckland employee Peter Graham pulled out the “whopper of the week” with his 31 kilo beauty.  Well done Peter.  Their current condition is a mixed bag with some quite lean and others seemingly ready to spawn.  In the weeks ahead they will only become more plump and fit – itching to test their would be captors.  That’s the good news with not a lot else to go along with this story.  Shallow water reef fishing around White Island is abysmal at the moment, at a time when it’s usually booming.  Terakihi, red snapper, etc have become very scarce, not the usual “trip saver” status.  Deep water is enjoying better success but also patchy and lots of work.  If you’re under 400 metres you’re basically wasting your time.  Some anglers have even gone to 500, a depth never dreamt of pre-braid.  The good news is that at this depth the fish a) bite all day not just change of light and b) they are somewhat larger, averaging 10-14 kilos in weight.

Ranfurly Bank

With relatively little pressure down here the reports have been sketchy.  Soon there will be considerably more boats plying this area which will produce a more comprehensive picture.  Reasonably hard fishing with a lot of moving around seems to be the order of late although perseverance has been paying off in reasonable catches of predominantly hapuka and bass.  Weather has been an issue as well.  Next report should paint a better picture.

Summary

With the southern oscillation index increasing it appears we are sliding into a classic “El Nino” situation.  Not really what any of us want to know about but seemingly inevitable.  With cool, dry weather and westerly winds in our future we can’t get overly excited about the upcoming game season.  First things first since those prospects are at least a couple months away.  Getting early starts is one way to beat west winds which typically die down overnight and rise again mid to late morning.  While weather prospects look a little bleak, fishing is anything but at the moment.  The spoils are available to those hardy souls willing to get out amongst it and, with Labour Day upon us, there should be a lot more of those this weekend.