Fishing Reports

Fishing report for Whangamata

At last the weather is improving and with the forecast for some high's heading in, prospects for fishing over the next few weeks looks very promising. Recently the snapper fishing up and down the coast from Whangamata has been exceptional especially in the evenings on the change of light. Best bait has been fresh bonito, albacore and especially trevally plus pichards. Sizes are ranging from pannies to 3 kg.

Tarakihi fishing is still reasonable especially on pipi, tuatuas and fresh barracouta. There are plenty of skipjack and albacore tuna to be caught while trolling and there have been some good strikes on the big lures while trolling between Whangamata and Tuhua (Mayor Island). In 30 metres there are numerous work-ups with huge schools of kahawai being chased by kingis and marlin.

There are lots of baitfish at Tuhua especially flying fish in the evening. Live-baiting there in the last couple of days produced good sized kingis, one weighed in at the Ocean Sports Club at 18 kg on 6 kg line.

Sharks are present in large numbers this year causing problems for bottom line fishermen with lost gear, but plenty of entertainment when hooked on heavy tackle.

 Russell Ensor, Skipper, Blue Ocean Charters