Fishing Reports
Eastern Bay of Plenty
Overall, and once again, with the exception of yellowfin tuna, fishing in this region is very productive. Weather, while looking poor on the forecasts, has been great for a week. Regardless of what you seek, you should be enjoying some luck at the moment.
Offshore
While a yellowfin hasn’t crossed the Whakatane weigh station in nearly two weeks; there is some promise in that direction. In a localised area off Omaio Bay – Motu River mouth (70-80 metres) some great workups have taken place over the past 4 days. These workups have produced a handful of YFT in the mid 40-kilo range for a few boats fishing that area from Waihou Bay. Elsewhere, visiting Wellington angler David Pye had a hard time subduing a surprise blue marlin hooked just south of White Island. The estimated 260-kilo beauty was tagged after a rugged 3 hour 10 minute slugfest. She swam away strongly right on dark – a hearty congratulations, Dave! The fishing around White Island is nothing short of brilliant. Kingis are biting most everywhere around the island but nowhere better than the famous Volkner Rocks. While most of the fish are 14 to 18 kilos, there have been several trophies over 30kgs of late, with the vast majority being released. With this philosophy in vogue, this world-class fishery should last forever. Deepwater fishing has been quite productive with mainly small bass and decent sized bluenose the main bill of fare. Shallower environs seem full of golden snapper, tarakihi and trevally. Plenty of “coke” size albacore (2-3kg) NW of Whale Island. Inshore
Snapper continue to be the most sought after species without question (aren’t they always?). While sporadic, on again – off again action, Pub Point of Te Kaha has had several great afternoon/evening sessions of late. In 30-35 metres of water from the Motu River to Opape, has also been hot stuff. Back at Whakatane, the Rurimas through to Matata has been ok for those in the know and/or lucky. Whale Island has also been reasonable at times, especially in the afternoon/evenings. Ranfurly
No reports – would be interesting to see what gamefishing potential might be untapped along with the expected kingis and bottomfish. Summary
This season, while interesting, is still unpredictable and could go in any direction. Nice blue/clean water has now come right inshore, displacing the green stuff that’s been there this entire year. While awaiting the pelagics, what better way to while away the days, except on the great fishing we’ve got at present. Remember to put out a lure from A toB, you might get a great surprise!
While a yellowfin hasn’t crossed the Whakatane weigh station in nearly two weeks; there is some promise in that direction. In a localised area off Omaio Bay – Motu River mouth (70-80 metres) some great workups have taken place over the past 4 days. These workups have produced a handful of YFT in the mid 40-kilo range for a few boats fishing that area from Waihou Bay. Elsewhere, visiting Wellington angler David Pye had a hard time subduing a surprise blue marlin hooked just south of White Island. The estimated 260-kilo beauty was tagged after a rugged 3 hour 10 minute slugfest. She swam away strongly right on dark – a hearty congratulations, Dave! The fishing around White Island is nothing short of brilliant. Kingis are biting most everywhere around the island but nowhere better than the famous Volkner Rocks. While most of the fish are 14 to 18 kilos, there have been several trophies over 30kgs of late, with the vast majority being released. With this philosophy in vogue, this world-class fishery should last forever. Deepwater fishing has been quite productive with mainly small bass and decent sized bluenose the main bill of fare. Shallower environs seem full of golden snapper, tarakihi and trevally. Plenty of “coke” size albacore (2-3kg) NW of Whale Island. Inshore
Snapper continue to be the most sought after species without question (aren’t they always?). While sporadic, on again – off again action, Pub Point of Te Kaha has had several great afternoon/evening sessions of late. In 30-35 metres of water from the Motu River to Opape, has also been hot stuff. Back at Whakatane, the Rurimas through to Matata has been ok for those in the know and/or lucky. Whale Island has also been reasonable at times, especially in the afternoon/evenings. Ranfurly
No reports – would be interesting to see what gamefishing potential might be untapped along with the expected kingis and bottomfish. Summary
This season, while interesting, is still unpredictable and could go in any direction. Nice blue/clean water has now come right inshore, displacing the green stuff that’s been there this entire year. While awaiting the pelagics, what better way to while away the days, except on the great fishing we’ve got at present. Remember to put out a lure from A toB, you might get a great surprise!
From 
Pursuit
PursuitReport type: Saltwater
Report date: 12 January 02
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