Snapper, Kingfish and Tarakihi - Hooking a Prize

By Steve Radich

If you’re interested in catching a prize-winning fish or two, a bit of advice on competition fishing for snapper, kingfish and tarakihi might help.

However, I must warn the reader that this writer has not yet won a fishing competition. A few seconds and thirds are about as well as I’ve managed. But I’m pretty interested in how other people catch winning fish. As well as a generous serving of luck, to catch a prize-winning fish you need to be willing to go that extra mile.

Finding a way to employ the three keys to success: right bait, right place and right time is the way to run that extra mile. For snapper, that means getting hold of some good bait. Any of the mackerel family will do. While fresh is always best, frozen is still OK.

For instance: Jack mackerel caught off the Opua Wharf at dusk just might make the difference. Blue bullets from the bait shop are a reasonable option if getting your own bait is just not possible. If you’re on the water, invest in local knowledge so you can get hold of some fresh mackerel. It’s worth the effort.

As for place, moocher snapper are in shallow at this time of the year. Even in full light they’re probably resting in the kelp and enjoying the oxygen produced by nearby waves on rocks. Try between 5-15m. Don’t forget the berley.  In bright light, be ready for action as the tide approaches full. Otherwise, change of light is the best bet for time. Dusk is usually more reliable than dawn.

Kingfish are similar in some ways. The same bait; but live this time. Odds are against you with dead bait. No option on a rising tide this time, though change of light is still worth the effort. Buckets of berley and not too far from the oxygen once again. However, this time we’re near deeper water, adjacent to a major underwater feature such as a pinnacle or drop-off.

The first two keys for tarakihi are tuatua for bait on small hooks at still water, either top or bottom of the tide. Tuatua can often be purchased frozen from the supermarket. And they make great fritters if there’s any left over.

As for location, my own modest success with these delightful fish indicates I’m not too clued up. However, consistent reports from other successful fishos suggest the deep foul between the Pin and Red Head is productive more often than not. Especially the Pin end of the foul.

Berley doesn’t do too much for tarakihi. An exact location so you can lower your dropper rig in the midst of a school is more important. 

Tight lines.