Some good snapper still around 

The last fortnight has seen more weather windows than usual, and I have managed to get out twice. There are plenty of kahawai schools in the Bay, resulting in our bait being easily caught. Whitebait was what the kahawai were feeding on and so the smaller, narrow, and silver twisty lures worked great. We then preceded to convert that bait into snapper. Drift fishing in 12 meters was productive and we caught fish on sliders, softbaits, and big baits on the strayline setups. 

James (from Sydney) has recently brought a property in Russell and came into the shop enquiring about fishing techniques used locally. So, of course, we invited him out to show him how it’s done… turns out he showed us! Big kahawai strips on a strayline setup producing the goods!

James with the fish of the day caught last Tuesday – it was photographed and released.  

The local tournament of the year is the Yellowtail International being fished June 11-16. Some 35 teams participate and it is in effect a 6kg light tackle event so there are plenty of tales of bust-offs. The weather forecast for this weekend is looking fishable and I’m sure a number of locals will be out on shake-down trips to test their tackle before the tournament! 

Come into the shop to check out the latest in gear, get your bait, ice and berley, and most importantly: some genuine intel! We are currently operating on our winter days, closed Mondays (except Kings Birthday), Tuesdays, and Thursdays, but we are always available after hours to run down to the shop and supply bait or gear. Just give me a call!.  

Check out the Bite Times for your favourite fishing location here.

Garry Townley

www.screamingreels.co.nz