Fishing Reports

The recent spate of northerly winds we’ve experienced has been responsible for a variety of changes.  Plenty of associated rain has put a lot of water down the BOP’s rivers and with it evoked some discolored inshore grounds. 

The seas have been very jobbly with the chop, wind and swell all adding up to choppy seas – the kind that sees a lot of anglers give up their last meal, especially after dark.  Still, most feel the effort is worthwhile, especially when they see the warm and pretty water that has now been pushed into the Bay!

Inshore

Virtually no change from the last report with the addition of some news from the enclosed water in Ohiwa Harbour.  This body of water which lies inland from Ohope Beach can be quite productive.  It’s not an easy place to fish as local knowledge goes a long way but the rewards can be well worthwhile. 

Plenty of snapper (albeit smaller fish), trevally, kingis and stingrays are the target species here unless you incorporate nets, then mullet and flounder are prolific.  Some reasonable catches of snapper (to 2 kilos) and trevally have been landed as well as sightings of decent (20 kilo plus) kingfish around the wharf.  Fun place on an otherwise fishless day at sea in strong conditions.

Offshore

Big changes here of late or just major extensions of what was already in progress.  As previously mentioned, the northerly winds have done their magic by propelling some great water southwards.  While we have been catching copious amounts of albacore (3-8 kilos) for weeks, you and now add skippies to the list as the water has wormed more.  Also suddenly seeing a lot of mixed sized mako sharks patrolling the surface in many areas. 

Kingis appear to have entered their spawning period with much more consistent angling to be had just recently.  While no monsters have been landed lately (28 the largest) the average size of 20-22kgs has been very pleasing with many in the mid 20’s.  Makes up for smaller ones we’ve had to put up with until now.  Bait is working a treat with jigs continuing to be off their menu.  While shallow water reef fishing is languishing, the deepwater counterpart certainly is not!  Been some exceptional deep fishing with all species coming to the party in a variety of areas and depths.  Generally it’s just good fishing, a renaissance if you will!  Bluenose, hapuka, bass and gemfish are all cooperating nicely – sometimes all four landed on the same drift! 

Depths as shallow as 180 metres and well over 300 are all producing.  While most are of an average size (5-12 kilos) some have turned a few heads.  One bass approaching 40k’s was landed by Rotorua solicitor Dave Rendall using his bait of choice – rainbow trout of course!  Other bass over 30k’s and puka approaching this mark have also surfaced to intrepid anglers.  Can’t remember this Ranfurly style of bottomfishing here for years. 

Where they have been and where they have come from remains a mystery but we’re certainly not looking this gift horse in the mouth!  On the downside the island is still emitting its foul and very corrosive gases.  Spending the night there may (will) change parts of your boat and gear forever!

Ranfurly Bank

While still excellent, it’s come off the boil somewhat.  Rather than being an indictment on the fishing itself, it points to just how spoiled we’ve been down there all season!  Bottomfishing for hapuka, bass and trumpeter remains very good although nothing monstrous has surfaced this week. 

While the largest bass was just on 40k’s, many fine hapuka over 30 were apprehended – still great fishing which doesn’t require a lot of time to satisfy even the greatest of needs.  Kingis are still going well and of good size (largest this week was a very nice 36k’s) but the numbers are suddenly not there.  A lot more work and moves required to get decent fishing.  As previously stated – we’ve been spoiled!  Beauty water here, well worth a troll.

Summary

While game season is still a ways off, one can certainly sense the excitement and anticipation in the air.  The first one, whether it be tuna of some description or a marlin can’t be too far away – it’s imminent!