Good early gamefishing results

A shortbill spearfish, two T&R striped marlin, and a yellowfin – all in one day, all on one boat!

Just before the end of 2022, Mark on Resolution had a cracker day, getting among the billfish and the tuna, which are here in reasonable numbers, and earlier than in previous seasons.

The game season is well and truly underway, with fish being caught in the 120-130 metre area, a short trip out from the Bay.

When the weather finally settled leading up to New Year, the snapper/kingfish have sometimes been hard to find, but perseverance usually pays off. The larger snapper have typically been taken on a drifting soft-bait, but slow jigs and conventional bait have also produced the goods. Being the holiday period with increased boat traffic, anglers who’ve made an effort to get out early, or who stay till dark, have had good success.

The writer’s  ‘Number Two’ son Sean with a stonker snapper caught on a Bait Junkie soft-bait,  using his dad’s kingfish jigging setup!

My son and his mates borrowed the boat for a week, and that, coupled with some strong easterly conditions, has curtailed my own fishing. The boys have had a great time and nailed a few good specimens. Unfortunately, the weather forecast is not looking great for early on in the New Year, so it might be a while before I – and the rest trailer boat brigade – can get amongst the gamefish!

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 open every day throughout the holidays.

Garry Townley

www.screamingreels.co.nz