Fishing Reports
Bay of Plenty - "PURSUIT
Eastern Bay of Plenty
Yellowfin Tuna:
This species has got to come first since it attracts centre stage at this time of year. Since the first capture (44kgs – Dec 5th) the pace has been moderate most of the time. Fish have been landed most every day but, with the exception of a three-day period (14 – 16), it’s been sporadic at best. Those three days produced excellent fishing with many boats landing five (5) or more each day. Since then things have slowed down – to a snails pace at the moment. About one in eight (8) is a nice specimen over 50 kilos, otherwise 20 to 30 ks takes in the vast majority. A real disparity exists in the YFT population present thus far. The smallest, a modest 16 to the largest, a magnificent 64 kgs. Cool souwest winds have knocked the edge off both the colour and temperature of local water. Perhaps things will heat up again after Christmas. Ranfurly:
Only limited effort has been expended in that direction of late with good success on both hapuka and bass. Typically this time of year sees the larger kingis become more prevalent but trumpeter disappear. White Island:
After good bottom fishing and inconsistent kingi angling earlier in the month things have completely reversed! Both shallow and deep water fishing within six miles of the volcanic wonderland has become difficult at best. Oversized terakihi are the best bets followed by sporadic fishing for small/medium-sized bluenose. On the other hand kingis have become very productive. While the fish are averaging 13-17 kilos, there are a few beauties mixed in. It’s been so good we recently tagged and released 31 in a day – some good fish (25 kg plus) among them. Inshore:
This has remained fairly good overall but has not come anywhere near the expected crescendo. Snapper remain the focus but aside from the “far east” mainly school size prevail. Some great stories of big fish on the mud off the Motu River entrance are circulating – some of these fish over the magical 20 pound mark, many over 10. Terakihi, kahawai and gurnard readily fill the vacant spots in bag limits. That’s all for now. Hope you’ll all have an excellent holiday period followed by a productive, safe New Year ahead. We’ve rapidly gone from a cold, disappointing spring to what looks like a promising summer season. Time will tell – will write again early in January. All the best Rick
This species has got to come first since it attracts centre stage at this time of year. Since the first capture (44kgs – Dec 5th) the pace has been moderate most of the time. Fish have been landed most every day but, with the exception of a three-day period (14 – 16), it’s been sporadic at best. Those three days produced excellent fishing with many boats landing five (5) or more each day. Since then things have slowed down – to a snails pace at the moment. About one in eight (8) is a nice specimen over 50 kilos, otherwise 20 to 30 ks takes in the vast majority. A real disparity exists in the YFT population present thus far. The smallest, a modest 16 to the largest, a magnificent 64 kgs. Cool souwest winds have knocked the edge off both the colour and temperature of local water. Perhaps things will heat up again after Christmas. Ranfurly:
Only limited effort has been expended in that direction of late with good success on both hapuka and bass. Typically this time of year sees the larger kingis become more prevalent but trumpeter disappear. White Island:
After good bottom fishing and inconsistent kingi angling earlier in the month things have completely reversed! Both shallow and deep water fishing within six miles of the volcanic wonderland has become difficult at best. Oversized terakihi are the best bets followed by sporadic fishing for small/medium-sized bluenose. On the other hand kingis have become very productive. While the fish are averaging 13-17 kilos, there are a few beauties mixed in. It’s been so good we recently tagged and released 31 in a day – some good fish (25 kg plus) among them. Inshore:
This has remained fairly good overall but has not come anywhere near the expected crescendo. Snapper remain the focus but aside from the “far east” mainly school size prevail. Some great stories of big fish on the mud off the Motu River entrance are circulating – some of these fish over the magical 20 pound mark, many over 10. Terakihi, kahawai and gurnard readily fill the vacant spots in bag limits. That’s all for now. Hope you’ll all have an excellent holiday period followed by a productive, safe New Year ahead. We’ve rapidly gone from a cold, disappointing spring to what looks like a promising summer season. Time will tell – will write again early in January. All the best Rick
From 
Pursuit
PursuitReport type: Saltwater
Report date: 25 December 00
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