Fishing Reports
Pursuit - Northland
Far North Update
“PURSUIT” and her crew have relocated to the far north until early June. We will base ourselves at Mangonui and generally be working the area from Cape Karikari to the Three Kings. I’ll endeavour to give weekly reports (the duration of most of our trips) of the above-mentioned areas.
Whangaroa
As of today (31-3) the warmer water, and hence, most action is between Stevenson and Flat Islands out in 140 metres of water. Some boats were getting as many as 6 shots a day on stripes. Some large skipjack (10-14kg) and albacore have also been landed of late. Yellowfin tuna have been seen but seldom landed. This body of water appears to have moved east from the Garden Patch and 505 areas, which were hot last week. The area is now cold (18 degrees) and green. North Cape
This area has been remarkably quiet with the odd marlin seen (and fewer landed) off the Parengarenga Canyon. Rarely does an April go by without a good bite off Tom Bowling Bay/Surville Cliffs area. A good bet for action to come. Squiggles, The Hook and The Fingers
These areas often produce good fishing on their own merit or enroute to the Kings. Little has happened at these traditional hotspots thus far but could very well still happen, watch this space. King Bank
This famed hotspot has been relatively quiet all season, stifled by cold upwellings that often strangles the pelagic fishing in the entire Kings region. Over the past few weeks it has yielded some promising, but very sporadic fishing. Some days several boats will catch 2 or 3 stripees each, the next couple hardly a fish was seen. The water there (as at 30-3) is a nice colour with reasonable temps from the middle to the top of the bank. Middlesex Bank
This bank, after a season of slumber, has suddenly roared into life in a big way. Some fantastic fishing for oversized stripes (some estimated at 180kgs) has occurred there recently with a few blues and large (14kg) mahi mahi for spice. This may signal the start of some exceptional late season fishing for NZ’s premier billfish which may well go into June. The usual kingfish and wide variety of bottomfish offer non-stop action. We’re currently experiencing some strong NE winds for the next few days. While we don’t like the inconvenience it incurs, the after effects may be highly beneficial and promote ideal conditions for a fabulous Indian summer. Time will tell – here’s hoping. Until next week.
As of today (31-3) the warmer water, and hence, most action is between Stevenson and Flat Islands out in 140 metres of water. Some boats were getting as many as 6 shots a day on stripes. Some large skipjack (10-14kg) and albacore have also been landed of late. Yellowfin tuna have been seen but seldom landed. This body of water appears to have moved east from the Garden Patch and 505 areas, which were hot last week. The area is now cold (18 degrees) and green. North Cape
This area has been remarkably quiet with the odd marlin seen (and fewer landed) off the Parengarenga Canyon. Rarely does an April go by without a good bite off Tom Bowling Bay/Surville Cliffs area. A good bet for action to come. Squiggles, The Hook and The Fingers
These areas often produce good fishing on their own merit or enroute to the Kings. Little has happened at these traditional hotspots thus far but could very well still happen, watch this space. King Bank
This famed hotspot has been relatively quiet all season, stifled by cold upwellings that often strangles the pelagic fishing in the entire Kings region. Over the past few weeks it has yielded some promising, but very sporadic fishing. Some days several boats will catch 2 or 3 stripees each, the next couple hardly a fish was seen. The water there (as at 30-3) is a nice colour with reasonable temps from the middle to the top of the bank. Middlesex Bank
This bank, after a season of slumber, has suddenly roared into life in a big way. Some fantastic fishing for oversized stripes (some estimated at 180kgs) has occurred there recently with a few blues and large (14kg) mahi mahi for spice. This may signal the start of some exceptional late season fishing for NZ’s premier billfish which may well go into June. The usual kingfish and wide variety of bottomfish offer non-stop action. We’re currently experiencing some strong NE winds for the next few days. While we don’t like the inconvenience it incurs, the after effects may be highly beneficial and promote ideal conditions for a fabulous Indian summer. Time will tell – here’s hoping. Until next week.
From 
Pursuit
PursuitReport type: Saltwater
Report date: 03 April 01
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