Surfcasting North Island's Westcoast

Photography from surfcasting the west coast of New Zealand...

When I hark back to some of my fondest fishing memories, at the forefront is heading down the eastern Bay of Plenty coast for a surfcast. In my childhood days, I would regularly jump into the back of a tan 90s Hilux with my old man Rod Styles and renowned surfcaster Vaughan Craven. The scenes from these adventures are ingrained in my memory: the crackling beach fires, our rabbit-hounding Jack Russell, and the Lion Red spilling from the cup holders of the bouncing truck.

Chasing fish from the beach is not only a great thing to do with family but also a rewarding form of fishing. Every fish you catch is well-earned, which makes it incredibly satisfying when you pull a gleaming snapper or gurnard out from the breakers.

Perhaps that’s why I have such a soft spot for the Taranaki coast. From the rugged rocks of Opunake to the wind-swept, black iron-sand beaches of the Mokau, this coast is a surfcaster’s playground. I always find this beautiful part of New Zealand inspiring – the rugged coastline, beautiful sunsets, and earthy tones make me feel at home. When fishing the ‘naki coast, you’re never far from the foaming green water, dark iron sand, and backdrop of scrubby green hills.

It’s also an entertaining part of the world, largely due to the salty characters you are bound to encounter along the beach or at the local pub. And when you encounter these characters, brace yourself for some outrageous (and sometimes sordid) yarns. The stories will likely jump between rugby club binge drinking, amorous encounters, fishing mishaps, and general mischief.

Once you’re in with the locals, you’ll find yourself accessing remote beaches through farm gates and exploring the coastline on quad bikes. Oh, and you’ll also have to get your head around using crayfish as snapper bait. But when you see a trophy beach moocher sliding up the iron sand, it all makes sense. Because that’s the objective: finding that perfect green west coast water holding a snapper over the magic 20lb mark. Or 30lb mark. They catch more trophy snapper from the surf here than anywhere else in New Zealand.

With this style of fishing, you are often travelling, trying to scope out the best spot while battling the incessant swells and wind. It goes without saying that the fishing here is governed by the tide, wind and swell. Although you’re battling the elements, it’s a raw and satisfying fishing experience.

Once you’ve found the right spot, morale is often sustained with a beer or two next to a roaring driftwood fire. Optimism is also regularly kindled by a jiggling, bending surf rod. As the sun begins to set, the moochers venture closer to shore, taking advantage of the low-light conditions to sniff out prey – offering the very real chance of hooking a fish of a lifetime. 

July 2023 - Matt Queree
New Zealand Fishing News Magazine.
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