Fishing Reports

Well, something as far as gamefishing is concerned had to change – and it did. With apex gamefish literally surrounding the eastern BOP (but seldom entering) the gates have finally opened a smidgen. More about this later, elsewhere things are quite to very vibrant so there’s something for everyone at the moment.

Inshore

Little change here. Snapper still about but you’ve got to work at it plus get a little lucky to establish a decent catch and/or get a good one. All methods are working but soft plastics do not rule the day currently as they did earlier. Out on the sand in 30-40 metres of water would appear to be as good as anywhere with the Port Ohope to Opotiki region best.

The recent Ladies Tournament showed how hard it was but also there were some nice examples around such as the 10.57kg specimen. Kahawai, some beauts of three kilos, are seemingly everywhere – ready and willing to crash anyone’s party at any time. If you’re using berley expect to see more “sea trout” as well as small makos. A few decent (3 kgs) trevs around to add a little spice as well as the reliable, well trodden terakihi for those desperate for a feed.

Offshore

A basic success story out here, regardless of what you care to target. Starting with the ole reliable, Mr. kingi, all the way through to the various bottom species, there’s plenty of willing recipients out there. Kingis are not consistent but there’s still some excellent fishing to be had. Post spawn has removed some fight and most of their aggression currently. Jigs, except for the ever present “rats”, are off the menu. They want a cheap, easy and larger the better feed to regain condition. Case in point: a 144cm fish landed recently which should/could weigh 40 kilos, went 29!

Fishing is good with a wide variety of bait on the predominantly 15-18 kilo fish. Trevally have stepped up another notch and are now offering some great light tackle sport. These mainly 4-5 kilo fish are taking a variety of small cut baits plus SP’s with the south side of White Island a favourite haunt. Sharp rocks and hungry bronzies can ruin this party however.

Out in the deep, bluenose are going from strength to strength, with more pre spawn females showing up all the while. Again, early and late are imperative for your best chances. Some warm (20-21+ degrees C) and beautiful water here beckon to all, in particular divers.

Ranfurly Bank

In general, this distant outpost is producing excellent results across the board for those few visiting boats and crews. Kingis are biting well with much better conditioned fish although the size is somewhat smaller on average. Unlike their White Island cousins, they are taking jigs with great relish as well as bait. Going against the grain of steady 12-20 kilo fish, “Enchanter” anglers had two in the mid 30’s while loosing a significantly larger one at the boat.

The “shallows”, 30-45 metres, are doing the business at the moment. Bottomfishing, in virtually all depths, is between good and excellent. Large tides and attendant currents generated by the recent full moon, made life a little difficult but didn’t deter any boat making good catches. Aside from the “expected” hapuka and bass, king terakihi have made a bit of a comeback here.

Doubleheaders of the up to 7 kilo fish are now commonplace, a nice bonus which requires only the use of slightly smaller hooks. Otherwise it’s business as usual with plenty of 10-15 kilo puka, some nice bass and a generous sprinkling of trumpeter. Want to fish deep? In 350-400 metres of water the bluenose want to oblige. Most of these fish are XOS with one recent catch having a 15 kilo specimen as the baby! As an aside, if you want to fill a bin with nice gurnard in a hurry the Hick’s Bay is currently for you!

Pelagics

With being literally surrounded by gamefish but few actually being caught, a lot of anglers were really down in the mouth. The reports coming in from Whitianga, Mayor Island, The Aldermans and even Tolaga Bay were too much to handle for many diehards. The recent Ladies Tournament proved we had little to get excited about in local waters, just like the Tuna Tournament before it did.

Then suddenly, as on queue after most boats had given up and departed home, Waihou Bay erupted! Instead of the odd stripee here and there, the few boats on the water had action aplenty on blues, most of which were beauties. The largest to be weighed went 243k’s but many were lost, mainly on 24kg – ugh!!

When more serious anglers realise 24k line will land relatively few blues; the better. 37k tackle is definitely the way to go!! With the temp rising a degree and cobalt water coming enmasse, expect more of these apex pelagics and their smaller cousins to invade local water at last. Indeed, if a 139k blue taken off Opotiki in the proposed mussel farm area (40m of water) is any indication, the good stuff is just starting for us. With the Nationals almost upon there’s never been a case of “watch this space” more than now.

Summary

Maybe, just maybe, game fishermen in the eastern bay will be rewarded for their patience, long suffering and frustration. Time will tell on this scene and soon. Elsewhere things are pretty good, thank you very much. Back again next week.