Fishing Reports

Our lousy July and late June weather continues, after such a mild autumn.

Snapper/Terakihi

When we can get out, which hasn't been that often, snapper has continued to be patchy as it has been this last 3 months.There a few good days, now and then, and everyone will be talking about great catches, then most of the time its very spotty, with a few people doing well, and most struggling.

Many of our most reliable big snapper producing spots have been lacklustre of late. A trip a few days ago produced a best fish of 3.5 kilos, but otherwise it was hard going. & weak tides earlier this week didnt help matters.

Its still a case of  a few good snapper spread everywhere, and not many anywhere in particular. Some good results of the reef at Kuaotunu boat ramp by locals, and outer islands like Double, Middle and Stanley/ Red Merc showing more promise than most.

There are still snapper out in 100m too, which is where they should be with water  temps like 13.5-13.7 now, and of course big moochers along the inner depths of the coast, wintering up.If you really want one of these , take plenty of berley and put in the time, as the fishes metabolisms have slowed right up and they don't have to feed often.

Terakihi are out on the low foul  near sand in 20 metres plus, and also out on pins around 100m deep, if you want to put a rod down with smaller baits, whilst hapuka fishing.

Kingfish and Hapuka

Not a lot of Hapuka action to report, due to the weather, but a fish of nearly 50 kgs was caught a little while ago on a local boat called Breakaway.

Kingfish have still been giving us good sport when other things are tough, but they are out on 80 plus metres now on rises and pins, so pick your days.On our trip the other day, there was only a 45 min window between the fish coming on the bite and the wind being too strong , even for 400 grm jigs, with the boat backing up.!!

 Barracouta showing up in large numbers now with the 13 degree temps, so check your trace after EVERY fish, or buy lots of new jigs. 100lb or 120 lb flouro carbon is the best setup, or 200lb mono for those on a budget for your trace material.

Local Kingfish fanatic Justin"Fluff" Wilson nailed a great kingi of 27+kilos just in the last couple of days, on a jig , proving that the bigger ones are amongst those midsize fish, but rarely take the jig. He was using his new Shimano Trinidad 40 N, in my opinion the best reel currently available for the job , until the Shimano  Ocea Jigger is released here later in the year. He matched it with Shimanos new Jigrex Carbon rod, a top package, and  another reminder that if you want the best fish, you need the best gear- or plan on being lucky!!!! The Toruim from Shimano is still good value for money, but if you do a lot of jigging you will kill it!! Buy the best you can afford.

Good Fishing

Andy Kerr-Stingray Fishing Charters - Whitianga