Windy conditions have kept us inshore over the past weekend but that wasn't such a bad thing as snapper fishing was red hot around Motuora Island.

We did have one slower day in very windy conditions but generally it has been great. This is pretty typical for the time of season...I nearly said time of year but this is a later season and the fish don't rely on a calendar like we do. The area is rich with feed and along with the abundance of bait fish there are worm beds and shellfish beds for the snapper to feast on. But the primary reason they are here now is to spawn.

Other areas that have been fishing well is around the coast of Tiritiri Matangi Island and in the Whangaparoa Passage. Both closer in and in the deeper parts of the channel have been producing good fish. South of the island too and down towards Motutapu and the Noises has also been producing good catches of snapper and also offers some protection from the wind.

Out wider in the Hauraki Gulf large pods of dolphins are happily marauding the bait baits schools and the snapper are never far behind. Around Anchorite Rock is a good place to start looking and the line between Little barrier and Coromandel in about 46-50m is producing great catches.

Lure fishing is red hot with orange still being the predominant colour and we are using both Jitterbugs and Sliders for the best results. It's such a fast and effective way to fish! Other colours to pack would greens and pinks as these too have been great.

Softbaiters will be enjoying the results from ZMans bruised banana and the motor-oil shades along with Gulp Crazy Legs. The Zman paddle tails in pink have also been a go to and I think the thumping "noise" of the lure descending is getting the fish excited and they have been smashing this style of softie.

In the wind on a recent trip this photo came from where were anchored and bait fishing. The snapper were scoffing NZ Pilchards that we source from Fishing Direct in Silverdale and fresh frozen NZ squid also from FD.

If you are holidaying in the region or want to get out over the Christmas period we do have trips to offer.