Fishing Reports

 

Bay of Plenty – Update The eight day Nationals “marathon” has come and gone and with it some spectacular fishing. If ever there was a reason to go east this has certainly been the case recently. As exciting as the Waihou Bay region has been, further west the “Bay of Empty” continues to offer little substance. As the easterly flow pumps beautiful warm water shoreward, with it comes some unique opportunities. In many ways the season started only weeks ago, lets hope it will continue well into autumn. Waihou Bay – Cape Runaway
This region is certainly one of New Zealand’s predominate sportfishing destinations the last three seasons – the secret is out. During the Nationals it was under more pressure than it had ever seen previously. Some days saw over 60 boats plying nearby waters with local infrastructure stretched to the limits. Many of the visiting anglers were treated to catches of a lifetime, with billfish action split evenly between blues and striped marlin. Many of the blues are over 200 kilos, some estimated over 300 but predictably these were lost – some after long, well documented battles. Additionally there have been token catches of black marlin, shortbilled spearfish, yellowfin tuna (up to 52 kgs) and mahi mahi. Sounds exciting? You bet and best still it all takes place within 15 miles of the ramp. With a little luck this should carry on well into March and probably April. Ranfurly Bank
Aside from the resident bottom species plus ever-present kingis the big news at the bank has been yellowfin tuna and plenty of them. The northern end of the bank has been very productive on 30 – 40kg fish which have not been bashful – hitting large marlin lures with a vengeance. A few marlin have also been landed, predominately blues. There’s a large body of cool (18-19 degree) green water between Ranfurly and Lottin Point but the mother lode on either side. White Island
Sporadic good kingi fishing has punctuated slow conditions overall. The kingis haven’t been large (13-20kgs) and bronzies continue to abbreviate many – they are numerous and aggressive. Bluenose are starting their spawning run now and this should produce good fishing over the next two months. Trevally have been very coy – perhaps the bronzies have got them justifiably scared. Inshore
A few skippies and small albies are all there seems to be to reward inshore trollers inshore with snapper sporadic in most areas. Te Kaha seems to be the pick of the snap possies at present. That’s all for now folks. Enjoy this, the heart of summer potential is certainly upon us. Will bet back to you again soon. Cheers Rick

 

From Pursuit

Report type: Saltwater

Report date: 28 February 01