Bay of Islands Fishing Report - 241019

  • General Saltwater, Northland

Starting deep, the hapuku fishing has been good for the last few month's when the weather has allowed. The hapuku seem to be stable around 200 meters and in good condition - we have had some good fish up to around the 30kg coming aboard. Bass and gemfish have also been a welcome bycatch
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In the shallows, snapper have been moving into the bay as the water begins to warm, with some 5-10kg specimens being caught in 10-30 meters of water. The next couple of months will be full on for snapper as they school up for breeding. The big ones are not the best eating, so think about tomorrow and release the breeding fish if they are in good condition! The pan size is still the best for eating, and luckily they are in good numbers! 

In the middle of the bay, there are large schools of slimy and jack mackerel with kingies and sharks in attendance. The kingfish have been surprisingly good. They are both in very good shape and good numbers. Still out on the deeper reefs around the bay.

Finally, do not miss out on the squid fishing! The water is warming up and the time is now! The squid fishing has been fantastic all of October, with the average sizes increasing all the time. Some personal records have been taken with some nice squid up to 1kg. We heard it was yum!

The unsettled weather has made the fishing a little tricky at times, so we are looking forward to the coming season as the weather warms and settles.

Good luck and tight lines,

Captain Hamish
SpotX Fishing Charters, Bay of Islands

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