Fishing Reports

 

Sorry the report is a little later than usual. We have had the MATANGI out of the water for her annual survey, which she passed with flying colours. To celebrate this event I took a group of 5 to Flat Rock yesterday, in what could only be described as near perfect conditions. The moon however was not as well behaved as the weather and the Maori calendar predicted a poor days fishing. Things were a bit slow for the most part in the morning, with a drift under diving gannets and feeding dolphins being unsuccessful. We moved on to the outer reefs, south east of the main rock. In the next hour or so we returned a few small snapper and kept some large john dory, then when our patience ran out we relocated a few more times. The tide was in full swing and we were trying to find some larger specimens of the snapper variety. We tried a few of the shallower areas of foul but finally settled in about 35m and proceeded to increase our tally with tarakihi, john dory, snapper, red snapper and octopus. The tarakihi were a good pan size with about 8-10 being landed along with about 12-13 pan size snapper to about 5lb. One of the john dory landed by our female crew member was an excellent size and would have pulled the scales down to about 6lb or so. We also caught a few of the red reef species like butterfly perch and grandaddy hapuka, which were returned. After our slow start I was quite relieved to have done this well for the time of year and moon phase. Thanks to angler concentration and patience. Northerly winds are forecast so we may not be able to get back up there for a few days and may have to fish the foul around Tiri and the southern side of the Peninsula. The outgoing tide seems to be best from what colleagues have told me, although incoming at dusk has always been a favourite of mine. We are doing evening trips at present and also have a mid week special for day trips. Book a group of 6 for $45 pp and the 7th goes for free. I can even take you to Flat Rock for that price! Give us bell and come get a line wet! Damian THE CHARTER CONNECTION LTD

 

From A Charter Connection...

Report type: Saltwater

Report date: 06 August 01