Fishing Reports
Northland Report
Far North
We’re in the final throes (as at 14th April) of our second major storm in as many weeks with little idea as to what the effects might be at its conclusion. The long range forecast has us pegged for two weeks of good weather to come – please let them be right! Bouncing up against Mangonui wharf playing waiting games in atrocious weather has not been much fun.
Marlin
This will continue to be the focal point for all gamefishers for at least another month yet. Luckily, there are quite a few around to satiate this craving. While the Three Kings are undoubtedly the place to be for the most opportunities, there is a good body of striped marlin along the coast from the Cavallis through to North Cape. The 150 metre depth seems to be popular at the moment although 50 metres on either side of that contour also holds fish. While reverting to a striped marlin fishery exclusively, a good blue of 191 kgs was landed from “Lady Lola on April 11 near BOI. With water temps plumeting, this could be one of the last remaining of this species seen for the season. A recent productive area has been at 140-200 metres of water on either side of Stevenson’s Island at the entrance to the Whangaroa Harbour. Sizes have been mixed although the 100 kilo mark seems about average. Further up the coast the canyon off Parengarenga Harbour is holding a few fish with strikes coming to passing boats. Would be interesting for someone to put in a day there! Elsewhere, there has been a good bite up off Tom Bowling Bay in 100-200 metres. Annually this region delivers the goods and with a large quantity of bait (pilchards, sauries, mackerel – you name it) present, it should produce well soon. The voyage to the Three Kings has been disappointing with little action in the predominately cold (17-18 degree) green water. Both Middlesex and Kings Banks have been great, depending on the day. Sometimes boats are getting upwards of 10 shots, usually three to five. Bait has worked well but lure better thus far – look for that to reverse itself later on. After some very big stripies previously, the size range is very mixed now. Some small fish, down to 60-70 kilos are joining their larger siblings of 120k plus. These banks look set to yield good catches of marlin for many weeks to come, the only remaining question is the consistency with which they will do so. Snapper
While there have been decent catches of NZ’s favourite fish up and down the coast, the top end seems to have the best results of late. The fowl in the middle of Tom Bowling Bay has been hot, anywhere from 15-25 metres. Spirits Bay has also been good but nowhere as consistent at the former mentioned spot. While mornings have been so so, the evenings have been great on the 3-6 kilo fish. Largest I’ve heard of recently was 12 kgs, but quite a few around 7-8 are pleasing anglers no end at the conclusion of their day. Odds and Sods
Sharks seem to be among the missing, but who really cares much! Seriously though, hope their numbers aren’t suffering too much from our increasing surface long line fleet! A few mahi mahi remain, sometimes seen feeding on sheets of leaping sauries. Lowering water temps will undoubtedly send them scurrying north soon. A few yellowfin tuna have been seen but only a handful landed, all these around the 30k mark. A small amount of effort has been put forward on night drifting for broadbill. Only one has been landed of late (congratulations to angler Andy Kerr) but several lost after lengthy fights. Weather permitting, more of this type fishing will proceed over the next month. A few nice kingis (to 40k) have been landed along with the king tarakihi and bass over 50kgs. Lots of bluenose for those wanting to probe the depths. All in all, things look good for the late season push. If we can get the settled weather that autumn and duck season usually yield, I’m sure the fish will co-operate. Just because Easter has passed, don’t put the gear away quite yet. Remember, in these parts, the fishermen always quit before the fish throw in the towel! See ya in a week – good fishing.
This will continue to be the focal point for all gamefishers for at least another month yet. Luckily, there are quite a few around to satiate this craving. While the Three Kings are undoubtedly the place to be for the most opportunities, there is a good body of striped marlin along the coast from the Cavallis through to North Cape. The 150 metre depth seems to be popular at the moment although 50 metres on either side of that contour also holds fish. While reverting to a striped marlin fishery exclusively, a good blue of 191 kgs was landed from “Lady Lola on April 11 near BOI. With water temps plumeting, this could be one of the last remaining of this species seen for the season. A recent productive area has been at 140-200 metres of water on either side of Stevenson’s Island at the entrance to the Whangaroa Harbour. Sizes have been mixed although the 100 kilo mark seems about average. Further up the coast the canyon off Parengarenga Harbour is holding a few fish with strikes coming to passing boats. Would be interesting for someone to put in a day there! Elsewhere, there has been a good bite up off Tom Bowling Bay in 100-200 metres. Annually this region delivers the goods and with a large quantity of bait (pilchards, sauries, mackerel – you name it) present, it should produce well soon. The voyage to the Three Kings has been disappointing with little action in the predominately cold (17-18 degree) green water. Both Middlesex and Kings Banks have been great, depending on the day. Sometimes boats are getting upwards of 10 shots, usually three to five. Bait has worked well but lure better thus far – look for that to reverse itself later on. After some very big stripies previously, the size range is very mixed now. Some small fish, down to 60-70 kilos are joining their larger siblings of 120k plus. These banks look set to yield good catches of marlin for many weeks to come, the only remaining question is the consistency with which they will do so. Snapper
While there have been decent catches of NZ’s favourite fish up and down the coast, the top end seems to have the best results of late. The fowl in the middle of Tom Bowling Bay has been hot, anywhere from 15-25 metres. Spirits Bay has also been good but nowhere as consistent at the former mentioned spot. While mornings have been so so, the evenings have been great on the 3-6 kilo fish. Largest I’ve heard of recently was 12 kgs, but quite a few around 7-8 are pleasing anglers no end at the conclusion of their day. Odds and Sods
Sharks seem to be among the missing, but who really cares much! Seriously though, hope their numbers aren’t suffering too much from our increasing surface long line fleet! A few mahi mahi remain, sometimes seen feeding on sheets of leaping sauries. Lowering water temps will undoubtedly send them scurrying north soon. A few yellowfin tuna have been seen but only a handful landed, all these around the 30k mark. A small amount of effort has been put forward on night drifting for broadbill. Only one has been landed of late (congratulations to angler Andy Kerr) but several lost after lengthy fights. Weather permitting, more of this type fishing will proceed over the next month. A few nice kingis (to 40k) have been landed along with the king tarakihi and bass over 50kgs. Lots of bluenose for those wanting to probe the depths. All in all, things look good for the late season push. If we can get the settled weather that autumn and duck season usually yield, I’m sure the fish will co-operate. Just because Easter has passed, don’t put the gear away quite yet. Remember, in these parts, the fishermen always quit before the fish throw in the towel! See ya in a week – good fishing.
From 
Pursuit
PursuitReport type: Saltwater
Report date: 20 April 01
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