Fishing Reports

Yet another great weekend of weather – think this makes it three in a row – a bit of a record for this year!  Winter chill is certainly here but those frosty nights are always followed by great days at sea.  Those rugging up and braving the elements have generally been rewarded for their efforts.

Inshore

With southerlies prevailing, the nearshore arena has captured the vast majority of effort of late.  Still quite productive overall although most successful snapper crews have been going out to 50, if not 40, metres of water.  Some nice fish in the three to four kilo bracket among the far more prevalent pannies.  One good thing about the deeper water is there are few, if any, fish which are sub legal. 

A berley bomb suspended just off the bottom can help your chances immeasurably and not too much worry about attracting bronzies at this time of year.  Back in shore gurnard fishing fills the gap and, if patient, provides near limits of succulent fillets – small as they are.  Kahawai seem ever present on the bottom but few showing on the surface recently.

Offshore

Again, tarakihi anglers are being hassled by ravenous kingfish.  While most merely make another rig up after the inevitable bustoff, some are starting to capitalize on the situation and land some fine fish up to the mid 20’s.  While itself is pretty quiet on all fronts while the deepwater options have recently tailed away as well.  Some reasonable water if anyone cared to troll smallish lures.  Could be just a trophy albacore or plump southern pacific bluefin in your future with a little luck.

Ranfurly Bank

Steady, if not spectacular, fishing here for the very few visiting boats lately.  As bass conclude their spawning period and hapuka approach theirs, the latter species will continually dominate the catches as the congregate for obvious reasons. 

One fine bass of 58 kilos went always toward dispelling this theory however.  Water chilled right down now with all recent southerlies but still pretty good colour out wide of the shelf.  Won’t be long until we see a cap of snow atop Mount Hikurangi at this rate.  Will make visits here chilly but do nothing to dampen the fishing prospects.

Summary

While it’s tempting these days to remain at home in front of the fireplace, those resisting that temptation have been pleased with their decision!  Should be some good windows of weather right throughout winter.  Choose correctly and you shouldn’t be disappointed.

Spots available on Ranfurly trip

Have got a spare spot (or two) onboard “PURSUIT” for a three (3) day Ranfurly trip later this week if anyone is keen and able to make it.  You would be joining a group of like-minded anglers from the Rotorua area – determined to have a good time and catch a bunch of prime eating (and fighting) fish.