Fishing Reports

A lot of boating activity has taken place over the past week with the vast majority being of the inshore variety.  Consistent southerly breezes have made the near shore arena very accessible and comfortable interrupted only by a large nor east swell for a couple days.  Very little effort has gone into more distant areas.

Inshore

Yes, most boaties/fishers have certainly feet this was the place to be.  And who could blame them; ideal setting with an easy access and plenty of reward.  Snapper still rule the scene and, appropriately so, offering best bets for a good feed of tasty fish.  While few are anything that resemble XOS, the average size and condition are pleasing.  They should be moving, en masse, out into deeper water at this time of year but have thus far have resisted the annual migration.  Water temps are still warmer than normal, still well above 15 degrees C.  While there has been little attention to other species, gurnard, terakihi and kahawai are all keen to please.  Some of the latter are beauts of our three kilos.  If the southerly winds continue and swell stays down this vibrant fishery accessible to all will remain so.

Offshore

Not much pressure with not very good results for those heading out.  Kingis, while numerous, are not large or in good condition. The “slabs” are biting well but hardly worth taking at this stage.  The odd fish is over 12 kilos but most are smaller, falling into the skinny rat category.  Bottomfishing is also not vibrant, anything but.  While most venturing forth are scraping up a feed, it’s only just.  Nothing great or large here.  Best bet would be to shun the possibility of larger fish in preference of some good terakihi fishing.  The delicious slab sided fish are in good numbers in a variety (50 to well over 100 metres) of depths.  No one trolling which is a shame but understandable.  Chasing a “wild goose” with the cost of fuel and likelihood of success is very dicey at this time.  If you do hit the jackpot the fishing could be great with size (10 kilos plus) not a problem for some exciting light tackle sport.

Ranfurly Bank

No further reports as the Bank returns to its nearly marine reserve status.  Other than commercial boats, this distant hotspot should reserve its bounty for spring incursions.

Summary

If you haven’t already figured it out, this will be my last report for awhile.  We will soon be hauling “PURSUIT” out for her annual survey and maintenance period, effectively taking her out of action over the next two months.  Will enjoy to the time off but look forward to getting back on the water which will also lead to the resumption of this report.  Until then enjoy the winter and, if you don’t like cold weather, stay by the fire or head overseas!