Fishing Reports

Well here we are again ready to spend vast quantites of money  on fuel trying to catch those big fishy things with pointy bits on the front.

Yes it is for us on the West Coast the start of another Game season. While those on the other coast have been into it for a couple of weeks, we have been waiting patiently for things to fire up. Well not really, most of us have been going mad waiting for the weather to settle down so we can get over the bar. Add to that I have spent the last two months getting a new boat ship shape what a mission. Well enough about me you say what is going on.

Water Temperature has finally climbed above 20^o after being nearly 2^o lower than last year all December. Colour is good gradually blueing up out past 50m

As you have probably read the first Striped Marlin has been weighed at the MSFC scales at Little Huia 117Kg. This fish and some YFT were taken up the coast off Muriwai at about 80m in a hot spot of water in the cabels area. This area seems to be holding large mid water bait schools. By yesterday the hot water had dispersed and the SE wind seemed to turn off the bite. However the bait is still there in big deep meat balls which is being preyed on by a whole heap of Makos. There are a lot of Dolphins just South of this area so who knows the bite might last but at 25Kn miles from the bar its a bit of a hike.

Closer to the Manukau Albies and Skippies have been caught off Piha inside the 50m mark. If you can get those skippies don't put them all in the bait box. Use a couple as live bait. Put them over the side where you catch them and slow troll, even if you only give it 20 mins. Hookups in under 5 mins are not uncommon. It is a great way to catch Marlin and the action is always close to the boat.

But if you want close action, 50m off the North side of the bar is holding a large area of Albies. Some of these are horses smashing bungies off the back of the boat. They seem to be biting most colours including Pink, Zuccini and Blue/ Silver. Add to this 2-3 hundred gannets and the place is quite a sight.

Having action this close to the coast early in the season is a treat so make the most of it. I will see you on the water in the new "Pescado"  if you want you can contact me at j.hmillichamp@orcon.net.nz