Fishing Reports

The long awaited fishing finally arrived after the elongated wind and rain experienced here for over a week. As expected, the water was warm and blue with a decent size fleet heading out over the horizon to see what was about. Most were not disappointed although the gamefishing wasn’t as vibrant as hoped for.

Doubtless Bay – Cape Karikari

Still the odd marlin about, sometimes more than one, for those working here on the right day. The fish have been in attendance in 130-180 metres of water for some weeks now and show no sign of leaving anytime soon. Plenty of bait plus good water should see them maintain position for a while yet. Just to the nor east of Matai Bay has been a favourite haunt.

If this doesn’t appeal then the islands off the end of the Cape back toward Houhora has been especially productive on snapper and kingis, with some very nice specimens of each landed daily. While most everyone is getting into them, local knowledge always pays off. Murray Roe onboard “Te Wairoa” has had some productive trips for his clients of late and the engine hardly gets up to operating temperature to get them in position!

Garden Patch - Pins

Not a lot of traffic out here but some success had by those that venture forth. One boat had 5 shots one day and failed to keep one connected but ended up with a 14kg mahi mahi as a consolation prize. This obviously speaks volumes about the water quality remaining out there. For those so inclined, there’s plenty of bluenose residing on the “Pins” if you can avoid the killer whales!

North Cape

A few marlin near the trenches but far from thick and fast. If boats choose to work the area they could expect two or three shots. A few skippies with frigate or “bullet” tuna joining their miniscule mates on the end of the bungey cords.

Surville Cliffs - “The Hook”

No reports of fish through here despite a lot of recent traffic and good looking water.

Compass Rose

Question marks surround this once prolific hotspot. Despite the warmest and nicest looking water around plus columns of bait the area has largely lost favour as far as marlin are concerned. Still the odd fish being taken such as “Enchanters” one out of a treble. Also paying testament to the water quality was recent sightings of large numbers of mahi mahi feeding on saury plus a double strike of shortbill spearfish for “Immigrant” as they passed through the area. Water temp falls off dramatically to the west and south by only a few miles.

King Bank

Despite less than brilliant fishing, it would have to be the best of a diminished deal. Water temps are all over the place, varying but over two full degrees depending upon tide, time of day and location. Everyday there is a lucky boat which has a good day while the others there mainly watch. “Azrac” caught marlin for birthday boy Bill Hall (86) and former All Black halfback Steve Devine while “Immigrant” was there for six days without a fish!

“Te Ariki Nui” went two for three one recent afternoon while the other five boats there couldn’t connect – get my drift? If you are the “chosen one” you’re in for a good day. Kingis, bass and kingi terakihi continue to please if you are so inclined.

Middlesex Bank

No direct reports but poor water quality heading in that direction.

Three Kings Islands – Princess Group

Some nice sized kingfish (many in the mid 20’s, some well into the 30’s) taken recently but both hook and spear. Koheru continue to be aloof, mainly proving to be hard and frustrating work to secure.

Summary

While there are seemingly marlin most everywhere, there isn’t the concentration we had hoped for. This could still take place, every reason to look for this welcome happening yet. In the meantime we aren’t being too hard done by with improving weather (could it have gotten any worse?) patterns and plenty of opportunity and potential yet.