Fishing Reports

Wind from the South, fish shut their Mouth?
It’s been a cold and very patchy week in the Hauraki Gulf fishing-wise, not surprising really. However many mad keen fishos have been out there pursuing their prey, me included, chasing the hard charging, highly healthy, fat winter Snapper! The cold wind from south of the South Island has made its way north with a vengeance and turned the temperature controller down even further. This temperature drop has put a bit of a dampener on the Snapper activity, but a sharp eye on a few things helps a great deal when it comes to ‘bringing home the bacon’ as it where.

Man in the Moon
Yes, while you may not believe in him anymore the moons influence is often a strong determinant on when and how long the fish feed for. The fishing calendar here is an excellent indicator and I recommend it as a good guide. But in saying this even with a ‘bad moon rising’ this week, when the weather calms enough or you find a nice sheltered bay on the northern side of land – the fish can be keen to oblige. Stimulation is the key.

Stirring things up a bit
Using burley while at anchor and using Soft Baits just like the smaller pieces of fresh cut baits while winter straylining is worth a crack  – long cast out back, little or zero weight and just with a little bit of limp wrested action (no ones watching) can get the disinterested, lethargic winter Snapper back into bite mode.
Good strong current flows help and all the while keep your eyes open for the birds working further out on the calmer days. Also try using burley on the drift in shallower areas – like a small sheltered rocky bay – spending a few hours gently drifting around dispersing the burley and casting Soft Baits around can end up in some aggressive pannies coming on the bite in amongst the baitfish. Another technique I enjoy is throwing a Soft Bait around reefy structures in close, maybe hooking a single fish, then moving on. A bit of stealth, good SB technique and the first bait down can get an aggressive Snapper to charge in and bite – be alert, catch the first one, then be prepared to move on.

Best eating
Sashimi made from winter Snapper is simply outstanding, their condition, texture and taste is absolute heaven for those into this form of eating Snapper. If raw fish is not your thing – a few hours fishing and catching just a few rather than trying for the limit, then home in time for a family night of plain ol’ fish-n-chips is a hearty winter warm up all the family enjoy, and a great excuse to get another fishing ‘pass’ from the other half!

Enjoy!