Fishing Reports

The fishing has been very erratic, one day its all go the next very tough going. Areas all around the gulf are now holding good numbers of snapper, with plenty of full-sized fish in amongst them.

The problem seems to be not finding the fish, but finding fish that are on the bite. Areas around the middle of the firth and the worm beds out between Rangitoto Island and Tiri Island have some amazing sign on them at present, the bite one day will be ballistic, with most boats taking limits of nice snapper in very quick time. The following days to the same areas, same sign, but the rewards will be a feed but a lot of patience and perseverance needed.

Best rig when the fishing has gone hard is a Black magic bleeding pillie rig. A lighter than usual sinker on the bottom so you are almost stray lining the rig has seen some excellent results. This is probably due to being able to stay in contact with the bait; as the fish seem to be biting very softly on these slow days.

When the bite is on though just try a single hook with a small ball sinker on top of the hook. Small cut baits will result in a mixed variety of sizes, with most baits only just hitting the bottom before being crashed.

The 19 meter mark of Rangi and around Whangaparoa seems to be the best areas at present, a good burley trail and away you go. The middle of the firth is now showing plenty of sign, again plenty of burley will keep the fish interested.

The main trick seems to be patience, when the bite is hot its easy! When its not, a little perseverance will still show rewards in a good feed of fresh fish for the table.

Remember take what you need and no more, and lets fish for the future

Till next time

Tight lines bent rods

Terry Williams King

“Helping you catch fish”