Fishing Reports

 

Even though we’re well and truly in the grip of winter, the fishing here is still reasonably exciting and productive. We haven’t felt cool temperatures (both sea and air) like these in July for at least two and probably more years. The effects of the La Nina seem diffused if not gone all together. Still there are some redeeming qualities of cooler water – read on……………… Inshore
Regardless of what you’re chasing in the inshore environs, “patchy” is the key word here. Kahawai are undoubtedly the most consistent with big bird works off Kohi Point most every day – sometimes all day. A light tackle angler’s dream, and so close to home. Some of these “sea trout” are eclipsing 3 kilos, but most are around 1-2kg. Baitfish (both pilchards and anchovies) are prolific east of Whale Island and all along the coast to Opotiki. When dolphin move in the resultant workups look just like summer and YFT! Tarakihi are coming on line but most anglers are still pursuing snapper. Some good catches of predominately 3-4 kilo fish at the Rurima Rocks have been reported of late, near the Tasman Reef. Lean times have also been documented by others. In spite of utilising long lines while line fishing, some parties barely scraped up a feed. True to form a good percentage of fish have moved out into the depths (up to 150 metres) only to return to the shallows closer to spawning time in the spring. Gurnard have put on a good show and indeed stolen some days when snapper are about. Offshore
While not robust, the waters around White Island have been productive. You’ll need to work, hard some days, but most are productive. The deepwater species (bluenose, bass, hapuka) are pretty thin on the ground but all are there to be had. Nice days with little wind are imperative to be able to pinpoint reef systems. A few large albacore are near White, but few are trying for them. Shallow species (tarakihi, red snapper, pink moa mao, porae, trevally etc) have yielded alot of sport in close proximity to the island. Rat kingis are in good supply but the larger of the species, which White Island is famous for, are in short supply. Again, a few have been caught in the depths while fishing for hapuka. Ranfurly Bank
This is where the real action has been. Aside from the bottom fishing, which one almost tends to take for granted, some interesting developments have come about. Large albacore (to 24kgs) have obliged with some good catches had by boats patrolling the northern end of the Bank. After hearing about sheets of sauries with jumping bluefin tuna in chase over the last week, one was finally landed. While only 40 kilos in weight it’s the first recreationally caught bluefin to cross the scales at Whakatane for many years. With favourable conditions this could signal a great winter trolling fishery – time will tell on this one. Other, more traditional, species have been a little elusive at times. The shallows have kicked out smallish hapuka, kingis, trevally and trumpeter while the deeper possies (120-200m) are producing larger versions plus some nice bass. East Cape and East Island harbour the usual bounty of snapper with a 21 pounder the largest of recent catches. Summary
There is obviously plenty to keep any anglers interests on high. I’ll be signing off for a few weeks. Holiday plus annual survey/maintenance of “PURSUIT” will be occupying my time until next spring. Enjoy the rest of winter and catch up with again in September.

 

From Pursuit

Report type: Saltwater

Report date: 07 July 01