Fishing Reports

 

Wow – what a start to winter! We’ve certainly had our fair share of snow and ice so far…but it’s good to see there are still a dedicated bunch that are keen to get out fishing when the day is reasonable. Those who have been out sea fishing have had fantastic catches of big blue cod, particularly off Oamaru, Moeraki and from the Cape south. A Dunedin crew have been getting their bag limit on each trip, usually down to Tow Rock – plenty of blue cod, along with the odd trumpeter and red cod. They are finding the green flasher rigs are working brilliantly, along with pilchards and of course squid. They are also VERY impressed with the effectiveness of the “Paihia bomb” – a seasick preventative obtained from the Paihia Pharmacy. After a couple of trips of constant vomiting they tried the two tablet formula. It really works - as so many seasick pills don’t work for everyone or they can make you very drowsy. As these fishermen are mostly Doctors, they checked out what the pills are made of, and found the ingredients to be user friendly as well. Those who have been fishing for groper have also been doing well. Plenty of school groper in shallower waters – with some real beauties being landed in the deep. About three weeks ago we had a young fellow in the shop who had caught several small salmon with his mates off the causeway bridge near Anderson’s Bay – it has been a terrible season though – here’s hoping next year is better! Winter trout fishing has been successful for those fishing up around the canals in North Otago. I have just heard of a 23lb Rainbow caught this week. The Lakes such as Benmore have also been fishing very well. Fishing is mostly restricted to the tidal reaches of our local rivers – the Waitaki, Shag, Waikouaiti, Taieri and Clutha. From now on there should be the odd sea run trout caught. Try feathered lures such as lamprey imitations – a bright blue feather with a silver body. Some of my friends have been over in Dusky Sound for the last week on a “huntin’, shootin’, divin’” (and no doubt the odd beer drinkin’…) trip – if the met service forecasts are anything to go by they will have had a terrible week, with a full storm warning in force for most of the time they were away. However, I am looking forward to hearing as to whether they got out off the coast to chase the tuna! I’m sure whatever the weather, they will have had a few good feeds of crayfish by now. Tight lines everyone!

 

From Jeremy Taylor

Report type: Saltwater and Freshwater

Report date: 19 June 01