Fishing Reports

 

Our charter schedule has finally allowed some time for a return to Russell, some much needed maintenance, and a chance to write this long overdue report. Like most of the charter fleet we have been spending most of our fishing effort North of the Cavallis, with marlin hotspots at 150M off the Cavallis, 200M off Bargens Point, and on a line from Knuckle Point out to the Garden Patch. There has also been some hot action up on the Middlesex Bank with one boat reporting 30 shots for the day, though they could only catch 2. The low hook up to strike ratio seems to be a feature of this years fishing, with the first day of the Houhora Tournament reporting 120 shots for just 20 fish caught. With the weather finally settling, we are off up to the garden Patch for our first broadbill expedition of the year. Quite a few have been seen sunning at the surface, but there has been little catch action by either the recreation or commercial fleet up until now. One commercial boat has reported back with 24 big eye, and quite a few long liners have therefore started to target our coast much earlier than is usual. Snapper action in the Bay is a bit mixed. On the few calm days, some good-sized fish have been caught on deep reefs in 60 to 70M, but most of the close in action has been with small fish. Our own limited fishing had been at Onslow rocks, and Howe Point, with a respectable catch of pan snapper, and the occasional larger fish, but sweep (grey mau mau) have been a pest in this area. Keep big bait ready with some wire, as lots of makos are hanging around the best snapper spots. Kingfish have been steady at Rocky Point, with some big fish taken at Cape Brett, and also on the deep foul area off Redhead. As always, drop me an email at MAJOR.TOM@xtra.co.nz if you have any questions, but please be patient for replies as we are spending a lot of time away from Russell at the moment.

 

From Major Tom II

Report type: Saltwater

Report date: 19 March 02