Good fishing mid-week, both near and far!

Near: Just off the North Shore Bays, the Rangi channel, and many more mid-inner areas around the Gulf, there have been good snapper to 50cm, good tidal flow and good surface/bird action, particularly those easily spotted terns for at least a temporary Spot X.

Kayak, ski, tiny tinny, trailer boat, launch, you name it – they’ll all work for a short trip before, during or after work.

Far: Workups with whales, gannets, dolphins, baitfish, and bigger fish are very good too, and offer intense fishing. You can also do some general farming over the open paddocks of the Gulf, i.e. drift fishing nowhere in particular. There’s no one Spot X, but there are plentiful pannies out grazing the open sea floor, which means good times and good looking fish bins at the end of the day (or sooner).

There’s good shallow/landbased fishing right now, especially when terns are working over the anchovies in in the general area. The turn of tide on daybreak has been magic to watch. Most things will work: saltwater fly, light spinners, micros (like a 7gm Pocket Rocket), drone fishing… it is definitely all good.

Need a good excuse to go fishing? How about this!? In the stunning Bay of Islands, the G.J. Gardner Homes 48hr Summer Classic is happening on June 3-5 with the @PioneerFishingClub – good company, good fishing, a good venue and lots of sponsor goodies too!

Colder southerly quarter winds may not be conducive to early morning fishing enthusiasm, but the water temps trending down is very good for fishing. Making good tackle choices is easy – start with your sizeable ‘baits’ in terms of slow pitch and inchiku jigs, particularly when targeting snapper. Their extra action and extra flap equates to extra good fishing for the extra-big reds.

There’s been good news for the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show! It’s time to get reacquainted – people, tackle, boats, practical stuff and all things bling. See you there!