Fishing Reports

 

As we progress into Indian summer there are still some excellent opportunities available to anglers – particularly gamefishers. Without question east is still the way to go with the pelagics in mind. The centre of the Bay continues to be quite barren, especially if you’re after tuna. The days are cooling down but don’t be fooled, some red-hot fishing will continue to be on tap for some weeks yet. Waihou Bay
Continues to be the bastion of marlin fishing in the BOP. Things have cooled considerably from the fabulous angling of a fortnight ago but it’s still pretty good on the right day. The extensive belt of warm, indigo water that extended from Waikawa Point to Lottin Point has shrunk considerably. The best water is now from Orete Point to Cape Runaway, a scant third of where it used to extend. Regardless there have been strikes throughout the region on a daily basis. The ratio of striped to blue marlin seems to be growing. The magic size of retained blues seems to be 180kgs, although the odd “horse” is still being lost. Multiples of stripies are nearly an everyday event with many other singles – most of these seem to be around the 110kg mark. The odd yellowfin completes the scene there. Should still be the place to be in the BOP for 2-3 weeks to come. Ranfurly Bank
This distant outpost continues to deliver the goods, weather permitting. A lot of stroppy south easterlies has made life pretty miserable there, off and on over the past fortnight. In spite of the discomfort aspect, those braving the elements are striking gold. Whatever you want to target chances are you’ll succeed. Hapuka and bass are responding well but are deeper (140-250 metres) than one would expect. Kingfish oblige well with enough quality fish over 25 kilos to make it interesting. With such huge hordes of rats to get through, only big baits are getting through. Yellowfin are still patrolling the northern end of the bank with many over 40 kilos. They are feeding on large sauries so accept the largest of trolling lures without hesitation. A few marlin round out a very productive and exciting option. White Island
The most worthwhile fishing within a few miles radius of White is currently bluenose. They are in full spawning mode with many large (20 kilo plus) females in the catch. The preferred depth is 250 metres to over 300 – perfect situation for the super braids. These fish are delicious eating (the largest of the warehou family) and should deliver for the next six weeks. Otherwise kingfish continue their sporadic ways with some very good fishing at times and very dull others. The fish are thin after spawning but still extract a toll on their would be captors!Trevally are still inexplicably off the menu but a few billfish are there, with a 221.6kg blue landed yesterday (16/03/01) just south of the island. Inshore
Snapper are still the flavour of the day with some nice catches throughout the eastern bay. Te Kaha, in about 30 metres of water, continues to be the most consistent for quality fish – especially in the evening. Terakihi have shown well off the northwestern corner of Whale Island in just under 50 metres of water – unseasonable but welcome. That’s all for now. Hope you haven’t put the gear away yet – there’s lots of this season left, especially on the game scene. Enjoy

 

From Pursuit

Report type: Saltwater

Report date: 18 March 01