North Island - West Coast

Fishing North Island's West Coast from Kaipara to New Plymouth

There are plenty of options for fishing around the West Coast. Sea conditions can be rough so often anglers seek calm weather to take advantage of fishing off the coast. Popular target species are snapper, trevally and sometimes marlin in the gamefishing season which runs from January to May.

Common techniqes at the surf beaches include long lining using kontikis and kites as well as surfcasting.

In the harbours, nets are often set to target grey mullet, rig and flounder. Line fishing can be succesful in the deeper channels for snapper and other species such as kahawai.

Spot X - The North Island's West Coast
March 2024

In Part 2 of Export’s Spot X series, Ben Brown covers the angling opportunities that await those who wish to fish the less-travelled side of NZ.... Read More >

Whanganui Fishing Options
July 2021

As you come in to land at Whanganui's coastal airport, you're confronted with the expansive Tasman Sea. For a fisher, it's an undeniably exciting prospect, but... Read More >

Snapper fishing on the Manukau Harbour in Spring
September 2020

Spring is an exciting time for anglers across New Zealand, especially for those targeting snapper in the upper North Island.... Read More >

Destination: Surfcasting at Muriwai
November 2019

Jason Neute recounts two successful fishing trips in Muriwai. ... Read More >

Port Taranaki
October 2017

Many ports have closed access to fishing, but Port Taranaki, in New Plymouth, still has plenty of options available, as writer Peter Langlands was happy to... Read More >

Kaipara Harbour Fishing

The recent tragic loss of lives on the Kaipara Bar brings the people known to have been lost on this bar since Europeans arrived in New... Read More >

Fishing spots on the Kaipara Harbour
March 2017

Jason Neute explores the joy of learning a new fishery... Read More >

Fishing spots on the Manakau
March 2017

Ever wondered what to do on a chilly winter with not a breath of wind, the fog is just lifting, and everyone in the house is... Read More >

West Coast fishing
July 2015

The west coast is a place Editor Grant Dixon holds dear to his heart... Read More >

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