Fishing Reports

The juggernaught continues with most every day another “groundhog” day – little discernable change for days on end.  The recent Sou' east snap we had, usually dreaded, was almost welcome since it was different – and gave us a little relief from hot, humid conditions.  Been very little change in this part of the Bay, yet worth reporting on.

Inshore fishing

Despite a lot of effort, mainly aimed at snapper, little quality surfacing.  The odd fish between three and five kilos, otherwise a (very) steady procession of pannies.  In fact there are so many sub legal fish (must have been a great recruitment year in 2009) that many are being killed by using small hooks.  Be sure to use at least 5/0 hooks to lessen this happening – preferably larger. 

Snapper remain in a wide range of depths and terrain.  For example both the ultra foul shallows around the Rurimas (15-20m) and the sandy environs (45-50m) at the Opotiki mussel farm are producing equally well.  Otherwise its business as usual with good numbers of terakihi, gurnard and kahawai to supplant the catch.  Also a few kingis about to up the ante.  Although fish to 15 kilos have been landed, considerably larger models have been lost – some immediately after hookup and some after agonizingly long battles.

Offshore

If you are interested in seeing White Island kingi fishing at it’s finest, this is a good time to venture out to the volcanic isle.  Fish must be in full spawn now, perhaps toward the latter end of proceedings.  Regardless, the fishing is full on with a decent number of trophy fish among them.  Almost every spot, whether it be a commonly recognized one or a “fringe” possie is firing at the moment. 

Not only is the action torrid but there are good numbers of trophy fish available as well.  Fish are taking most everything.  Offering including jigs (300 gram the best), live bait, stick baits and poppers are all finding favour currently.  Visiting American angler Dave Fender exceeded his dreams and expectations with his fabulous 41 kilo specimen.  After being sling weighed, the fish was tagged and set free to torment another angler one day!  While this beast far eclipsed any other kingi landed this week, there were numerous others in the 30’s boated and released.  Jigging guru Mogi and group had a field day with “Gambler” over a three day period. 

The Japanese jigging specialists caught some large fish (138cm) and plenty – all released after capture and photo session.  Although not weighed, would appear they had at least three kingis in the 30’s and many over 25 – great fishing.  Great to see a definite revival in the effectiveness of jigs.  After a downturn in their productivity over the past two seasons it’s good to witness their resurgence.  Just please remember, nothing less than 37 kilo line.  This resource is far too precious to waste. 

Another young angler fishing onboard his own boat also had a success story.  Zane Roderick on his “Weapon” had two good days at White but the topping on his cake was his personal best.  Using a stick bait from his anchored boat in a mere 10 metres of water he was able to subdue a beaut of around 32 kilos – also released after the photo session.  Elsewhere deepwater, what little effort has been expended has been reasonable on smallish bluenose, decent puka plus token bass and gemfish.  The shallows have slowed considerably with terakihi becoming quite hard as well as the other reef species.  But who cares?  The kingis are biting their heads off!!  Beautiful water abounds here.

Ranfurly Bank

Good solid fishing here for the few boats making the trip.  A nice mix, nearly even between hapuka and bass.  Although there have been many fine fish between 20-30 kilos, no “monsters” have been taken out of the depths.  “Whopper of the Week” was taken by “Enchanter” angler Freeman Pirata with his 38 kilo bass.  Kingis have bit well on a variety of dead baits and jigs.  While the average is hovering around a very healthy 20 kilos, not many larger ones just lately.  A 28 kilo fish was tops – sure to be larger ones there.  Lots of nice looking water just north of the bank which leads us to….

Pelagics

Put simply – disappointing and frustrating thus far.  Despite a) fabulous looking cobalt warm water b) plenty of bait c) good reports from nearby surface longliners and d) a lot of effort put in by talented skippers/crews the end result has been the same – slim pickens.  Waihou Bay, in particular, has had little result for major effort except for one beauty – a 316kg blue marlin – hopefully a sign of things to come.

A few small mahis, albacore and a lone spearfish and a few other unsuccessful shots on marlin equates to a couple thousand litres of fuel.  As of February 13^th back toward the centre of the Bay there has been a stripee or two show up most days just to the north of Whale Island.  Otherwise the Eastern Bay has been inexplicably barren.  With the current three (3) day Tauranga Tuna Tournament on now we may get some insight into just what’s around with a saturation of boats.  Will be interesting. 

Small albies (3-7kgs) and large skippies (4-6kgs) in a lot of the Bay at present.

Summary

While gamefish remain surprisingly aloof, there is plenty to keep any angler entertained and challenged at the moment.  We are expecting a “wave” of gamefish to enter our waters at any time but, as yet, is just a hope.  Upcoming tournaments should tell us a lot of what we want to know.