Fishing Reports
Eastern Bay of Plenty
I think we’ve finally bottomed out and are on the upward swing as far as yellowfin tuna are concerned. We’ve had a tough time with the species to date but there are recent signs of improvement. Otherwise there have been other changes and revelations, but not all good. It still remains a very interesting season we have in progress.
Offshore
Last weekend saw the Tauranga Sportfishing Clubs annual Tuna Tournament. Nearly 100 boats fanned into all parts of the BOP in near perfect conditions to verify what we’ve known for weeks – there are very few yellowfin about. While decent sized (low 40’s), there were only three landed over the two days. However, on monday there were very few boats out and a much improved result. Five YFT were landed by about that many boats and today (15th Jan) some great workups have been seen in close proximity to Whale Island. The weather was nasty but tuna have been seen in abundance only 3-5 NM NE of Whale or about 8NM N of Whakatane. After this short spate of inclement weather it will be interesting to see what transpires with these sought after gamefish. Maybe, with the prestigious Whakatane Tuna Tournament less than a week away, things may come right. Elsewhere to the east, a good number of skippies have moved into residence. Some boats have landed 15-20 in a day with some up to 5kgs in weight – a good sign for sure. At White Island the kingfish continue to please anyone who bothers to fish for them. A Wellington angler onboard the “Ma Cherie” managed a 40-kilo trophy on 15k tackle while “PURSUIT” angler Leon Manuhuia beasted a 41kg specimen – congratulations to both anglers. Trevally have been hard to catch but tarakihi and red snapper have appeased light tackle anglers. The famous Volkner Rocks continue to be a favourite possie. Inshore
Snapper have been slow in the Whakatane region of late. Anglers who are in the know and usually do well have only just scratched up a feed. Te Kaha, while generally slow and sporadic, has seen a number of large (7-10kg) fish succumb to patient anglers. Elsewhere has been fairly lack lustre. Ranfurly Bank
After a long absence of traffic, a lone recreational boat made a recent visit. While only after bottomfish, the skipper did note discoloured, cold water so we haven’t missed out on any tuna/marlin down that way by the sound of things. Of course, this is all subject to change and will presumably do just that. Summary
We could be on the tide of change. While we’ve been content not catching tuna there’s no doubt their absence has been felt. Maybe this is all about to change – watch this space.
Last weekend saw the Tauranga Sportfishing Clubs annual Tuna Tournament. Nearly 100 boats fanned into all parts of the BOP in near perfect conditions to verify what we’ve known for weeks – there are very few yellowfin about. While decent sized (low 40’s), there were only three landed over the two days. However, on monday there were very few boats out and a much improved result. Five YFT were landed by about that many boats and today (15th Jan) some great workups have been seen in close proximity to Whale Island. The weather was nasty but tuna have been seen in abundance only 3-5 NM NE of Whale or about 8NM N of Whakatane. After this short spate of inclement weather it will be interesting to see what transpires with these sought after gamefish. Maybe, with the prestigious Whakatane Tuna Tournament less than a week away, things may come right. Elsewhere to the east, a good number of skippies have moved into residence. Some boats have landed 15-20 in a day with some up to 5kgs in weight – a good sign for sure. At White Island the kingfish continue to please anyone who bothers to fish for them. A Wellington angler onboard the “Ma Cherie” managed a 40-kilo trophy on 15k tackle while “PURSUIT” angler Leon Manuhuia beasted a 41kg specimen – congratulations to both anglers. Trevally have been hard to catch but tarakihi and red snapper have appeased light tackle anglers. The famous Volkner Rocks continue to be a favourite possie. Inshore
Snapper have been slow in the Whakatane region of late. Anglers who are in the know and usually do well have only just scratched up a feed. Te Kaha, while generally slow and sporadic, has seen a number of large (7-10kg) fish succumb to patient anglers. Elsewhere has been fairly lack lustre. Ranfurly Bank
After a long absence of traffic, a lone recreational boat made a recent visit. While only after bottomfish, the skipper did note discoloured, cold water so we haven’t missed out on any tuna/marlin down that way by the sound of things. Of course, this is all subject to change and will presumably do just that. Summary
We could be on the tide of change. While we’ve been content not catching tuna there’s no doubt their absence has been felt. Maybe this is all about to change – watch this space.
From 
Pursuit
PursuitReport type: Saltwater
Report date: 17 January 02
Email to a friend<< BACK
