Fishing Reports
Far North
Far North
The weather still continues to impact every few days but that’s been the case this entire season – some things remain constant! As I write this (25 May) we are expecting yet another low coming our way from Brisbane. That’s the bad news – but there’s plenty of good news – read on.
Northland
After some brilliant fishing for stripies between Whangaroa and Cape Karikari over the last few weeks, things have now waned considerably. Water temps and quality have slipped, and with it have gone the pelagics. A marlin or two are seen or hooked most days but it’s quiet compared to earlier times. The bulk of the remaining action continues to be in 160-200 metres of water of Cape Karikari. While action may rekindle somewhat it looks like the winter doldrums may be setting in. Skippies are still about in pockets with most on the small side. Bluenose have finished spawning on the outer reefs but some nice hapuka and bass await those who care to ply the depths. Snapper still await on a myriad of inshore reefs with some good sized specimens among the schoolies. Three Kings Islands
When weather allows, this is where gamefishermen will want to be, both now and in the foreseeable future. The King Bank continues with cold (18 degrees), albiet blue water. Where this bank falls down the Middlesex more than makes up for. It would undoubtedly be the last bastion of warm water available at this point of the season. This was evidenced recently with the catch of not only a mahimahi but also a blue marlin (17 May). 20 degrees plus is the sea temp over a fairly wide area. Otherwise a steady diet of missed size (80-140kgs) striped marlin await intrepid anglers. Over the past week the bite has conformed nicely into the “every other day” syndrome. One day it’s red hot (6-10 bite per boat), the next you struggle to get a single bite. Bottomfishing (hapuka, bass, bluenose, king terakihi and yellowtail kingfish) is always on tap during the lean days. On the exceptional nights (one per week if you’re lucky) the broadbill swordfish have been very obliging. The new method of slow trolling has been particularly productive with as many as five shots per session per boat – hot stuff! While most are lost or never hooked properly, a fair few around the 150 kilo mark were landed last week. Congratulations to those hardy anglers and crews willing to brave the elements and put in the hard yards in the dark. Summary
This season, while ever so troubled with weather problems, is far from over. Granted, you’ll need to travel the prescribed distance but there should be no shortage of fish when you arrive – if it’s on the right day! If you’ve got a trip booked over the next month, lucky you. If you don’t maybe you should. June should be a very good month for billfish at the distant outposts. Don’t give it away just yet.
After some brilliant fishing for stripies between Whangaroa and Cape Karikari over the last few weeks, things have now waned considerably. Water temps and quality have slipped, and with it have gone the pelagics. A marlin or two are seen or hooked most days but it’s quiet compared to earlier times. The bulk of the remaining action continues to be in 160-200 metres of water of Cape Karikari. While action may rekindle somewhat it looks like the winter doldrums may be setting in. Skippies are still about in pockets with most on the small side. Bluenose have finished spawning on the outer reefs but some nice hapuka and bass await those who care to ply the depths. Snapper still await on a myriad of inshore reefs with some good sized specimens among the schoolies. Three Kings Islands
When weather allows, this is where gamefishermen will want to be, both now and in the foreseeable future. The King Bank continues with cold (18 degrees), albiet blue water. Where this bank falls down the Middlesex more than makes up for. It would undoubtedly be the last bastion of warm water available at this point of the season. This was evidenced recently with the catch of not only a mahimahi but also a blue marlin (17 May). 20 degrees plus is the sea temp over a fairly wide area. Otherwise a steady diet of missed size (80-140kgs) striped marlin await intrepid anglers. Over the past week the bite has conformed nicely into the “every other day” syndrome. One day it’s red hot (6-10 bite per boat), the next you struggle to get a single bite. Bottomfishing (hapuka, bass, bluenose, king terakihi and yellowtail kingfish) is always on tap during the lean days. On the exceptional nights (one per week if you’re lucky) the broadbill swordfish have been very obliging. The new method of slow trolling has been particularly productive with as many as five shots per session per boat – hot stuff! While most are lost or never hooked properly, a fair few around the 150 kilo mark were landed last week. Congratulations to those hardy anglers and crews willing to brave the elements and put in the hard yards in the dark. Summary
This season, while ever so troubled with weather problems, is far from over. Granted, you’ll need to travel the prescribed distance but there should be no shortage of fish when you arrive – if it’s on the right day! If you’ve got a trip booked over the next month, lucky you. If you don’t maybe you should. June should be a very good month for billfish at the distant outposts. Don’t give it away just yet.
From 
Pursuit
PursuitReport type: Saltwater
Report date: 28 May 01
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