Straylining with live baits producing big snapper

The snapper fishing has remained very good throughout the winter period, despite the challenging conditions, with the shallows producing some nice fish in good numbers.

Stray lining with live baits has been the best way to target the better fish. However, the live baits have sometimes been difficult to catch, with only small schools being scattered in the bay.

Kingfish are in prime condition at the moment, fattening up in preparation for spawning. They have been scarce in the bay, but there’s been good fishing out on the coast with places like Cape Brett and Wairere Rock producing some solid kings, when the weather has allowed.

Snapper and kingfish have been on the chew in the Bay of Islands and its coastal areas.

Hāpuku are also fattening up, and are full of roe prior to spawning. The next couple of months is the best time of the year to get into these fish as they aggregate to do their wild thing!

May the weather be kind so we can get out there.

SpotX Fishing Charters