Fishing Reports

What a wonderful patch of weather we’ve had, in particular the long Easter weekend. Indeed, two nights running there were in excess of 30 boats anchored in Tom Bowling Bay with many taking advantage of the situation. In general, fishing has been between good and excellent. Not only have the gamefish obliged but good reports coming thick and fast on a variety of other species but none more than everyone’s favourite, the crimson snapper. With little or easterly winds, the water has remained a beautiful colour throughout with all the vestiges of summer remaining intact.

Doubtless Bay – Cape Karikari

Not a bad place to be fishing, regardless of what you’re after. Most boats are returning to their respective ports with limits of snapper if that is the species they chase. Also some kingis, John Dory, kahawai and trevally for some inshore spice. Out wider, and not too much further out, there have been some pretty decent marlin fishing.

The 130-160 metre mark has been the most productive. Some exciting fishing centred around late afternoon meatballs of mackerel in the middle of Doubtless Bay produced some stripeys on live bait. Further along the face of the Cape, there has been some decent fishing at times, highlighted by “Enchanters” three marlin before lunch one day. Still, skippies are hard to come by and small.

505 – Garden Patch - Pins

Increased interest in this area over Easter with some interesting catches. A few stripees came out of the “Patch” but far the most outstanding catch was that of a 213kg blue marlin by 12 year old Daniel Hamilton onboard “Vanessa”. This splendid capture just misses a national record for young Daniel – well done to him and the crew. As an aside they also tagged a decent spearfish in the same area. Another fine catch was the 154k stripey taken by “U Wanna Go” – splendid catch which heralds some larger fish filtering back into the area to sweeten the deal. A few mahis remain here with some excellent bluenose fishing available in the “Pins” (12kg average) if the killer whales are not in attendance.

North Cape – Surville Cliffs

Not a lot of boats working the area but some marlin taken by passers by. Doesn’t pay to go much deeper than 150 metres – plenty of bait in the area is attracting some huge pods of dolphin to the delight of onlookers.

“The Hook”

Well worth a look with 150-180 metres of water seemingly the prime depth. Again, few boats actually working the area but a fair few stripees coming out of this spot as well as the off mahi mahi and shortbill. Easily the warmest water anywhere here but little bait to entice gamefish.

“Compass Rose”

Easily the best marlin fishing in the country and has been for a while with no signs of abating. With beautiful warm water and copious amounts of bait this area has taken over prominence from the nearby King Bank. While somewhat inhospitable in location (30 miles from Tom Bowling Bay, 25 miles from the Kings) it makes the long haul worthwhile for most visitors on a daily basis. Some fortunate ones have witnessed true meatball fishing with the schools of mackerel pushed to the surface every few days.

Although this doesn’t have to occur for some great fishing (some boats have registered up to 20 shots a day, most in excess of 5) the visuals just add to the experience. Aside from the prevalent stripees, there are other bonus fish there such as the blues that “Lady Jess” (187kgs) and “Hook n bull” (133) landed recently.

Of course, Ross Jamison’s fabulous catch onboard “Harlequin” surpasses all previous in New Zealand. His 483 kilo stunner is not only the largest marlin ever captured in this country, it may be the largest fish! To see this type of quality at this stage of the season is very significant and speaks volumes for expectations from here on out. No question the previous marlin virgin’s capture made in an hour 20 minutes has put NZ gamefishing on high alert just what is possible, even this late.

“Te Ariki Nui” and “Pacific Monarch” each registered daily hauls of 5 marlin but couldn’t compare with “Shiraz” three day total of 17 stripeys, one shortbill spearfish and a nice mahi to top proceedings off! As you can see, some very classy fishing. Although most of the fish are on the smallish (75-90kgs) side there are some beauts on tap such as “Oracles” 139k specimen. Although the fishing has been pretty good most days, there have been some excellent late bites, even well after the sun has set! Both bait and lures are of interest to the fish although livies incur a much higher success rate – long may it last.

Three Kings / Princess Group

Some pleasant nights had there of late for the few visiting boats, as long as you’ve got plenty of spare blood – the mossies are brutal! Koheru are not easy to come by but can be had by the lucky few. Early fishing is not necessarily the go with some better fishing coming well after daylight. Although not red hot in numbers, the nearby Princess Group has produced some real quality kingfish witnessed by “enchanters” recent haul of three over 30 kilos topped by a whopper of 41. Also some very nice trevs to 7 kilos taking all manner of offerings. This in spite of some very cold (16-17 degrees C) water.

King Bank

Continues to remain cold but showing slow signs of improvement on the water quality stakes. For some reason the water has remained cool and green here for weeks with water not too far to the east a sizzling 22 degrees! If (when) this water reaches the bank it should be all go. In the meantime the green soup hasn’t deterred the kingis or bottomfishing with both biting well. Many nice (25-30k’s) kingis have succumbed here recently on both bait and long jigs. Bass are thick is as shallow as 80 metres with kingi terakihi blanketing the entire bank! This area holds the key to the future of gamefishing this autumn.

Middlesex Bank

A ditto for its above cousin but perhaps less likely to recover due to its more westerly location. Could also hold some great quantities of fish given an improvement of conditions. Similar on the other species except a few more resident bronze whalers to make life difficult.

Summary

A pretty vibrant outlook – you bet! With a steady diet of upcoming easterlies the fishing shouldn’t suffer at all, perhaps become enhanced with fresh vigour and a new bunch of fish. With plenty of blue bottles, sunfish and hammerheads, one could be excused for thinking its still March. If you’ve got the opportunity it’s time for a serious bash. Till next week ………………