Hot snapper fishing and big kings on the chase

Baitfish buffets are providing spectacular local feasts, and it’s kingfish time, too!

This week's Espresso Report brings exciting news for anglers and nature lovers alike. The massive and majestic whales have been spotted closer in again to the hubbub of Auckland, more than one of the big Brydes whales pictured below moving in from the Jellicoe Channel following the bait schools on offer. 

As these gentle giants feast on the frantic baitfish like pilchards, they create an incredible spectacle, reminding us of the rich marine life that can thrive in our waters.These closer sightings east of Flat Rock and straight out from Omaha offer an opportunity for intense sights, sounds and smells while readily hooking up on well-conditioned snapper (very few milky fleshed ones lately btw). Watch out for fishing in the no-go cable zone though!

Brydes whales offer an incredible spectacle for those lucky enough to encounter them.

It has quickly become prime time for catching our prized kingfish as well, whether you’re a regular, or looking for your first green machine hookup, battle and successful landing. The waters are rippling with these prized fish in some places, particularly around Great Barrier, making it an excellent time for kingfish enthusiasts to get their gear in order and head out with high expectations, and with good reason. 

Some solid kingfish have come in for a piece of the workup pie with the highly nutritious pilchards on offer. Targeting these green 'n gold monsters by the workups is a good plan with the right approach, and there has been a good supply of even bigger kings at Great Barrier, particularly the inside of Arid Island, absolutely primed for topwater thrills. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice looking to try your hand at the king of fish, now is an excellent time to do it with speed jigs, topwater and live-baiting jack mackerel - which are all working well. Make sure you are 100% ready before hookup though, they don’t fight fair.

Being a step ahead of big game this season (both for the current early tuna run and marlin oh so close now) was made even easier with the TK Offshore fishing information night with the well proven and scientific Spot X approach to catching big game at Farnley’s Yamaha last week. This was along with the release of new, stunning-looking Extreme Boats which simply looked the business! 

It is the knowledge and information age, so here’s how you can be at the top of your big or small fishing game. The Fishing School is coming - a limited series of educational workshops for you and a fishing friend, or perhaps a wonderful and 100% appreciated Christmas present, whether you enjoy being out on a boat, kayak or PWC (like these twin black-beauties heading out this week to a lucky couple).

How good can your fishing be? There’s only one way to find out with more confirmed dates and details to be announced very shortly. First class is 1-2pm Saturday February 2nd, at Farnley’s Yamaha North Shore Auckland, so please stay in touch, seats are limited, bookings are essential,
email: [email protected]

The inshore Waitemata areas are starting to show the promising signs of the annual snapper influx, and it’s really good to see more consistent surface and sounder activity around the Noises/Ahaas/Northern Waiheke. There are some front running snapper heading in along the annual fish highways and channels of Motuihe and Rangitoto with many making their way right into the Tamaki strait downtown area. 

Kahawai and some solid snapper are already showing themselves along the downtown area with good catches; softbaits are the go. Start your fishing using smaller, lightly weighted soft baits - the top pick right now and not just early morning or late afternoon, midday or even night fishing can be surprisingly good fishing, too. Let your softbait touch down on the sea floor as you drift, a few short sharp twitches of the rod making your softbait rise just a foot or two, then let the softbait dive back down to the sea floor, mud puffs ‘n all. Feel a tap-tap, then it’s strike time! Your 7ft+ lightweight rod, a 2000-3000 size spin reel, 20lb braid (max.), 15-20lb leader, a ½ oz jig head with a 3-5inch softbait… oh happy summer snapper hookups!

Not a lot of inshore birds/bait school activity noticed this past week or two out from the North Shore, southern Whangaparaoa peninsula and similar shallow areas, however a few landbased anglers have caught some beauty snapper off the rocks. The general activity and increase in snapper numbers should happen any day now, fingers crossed.

The pilchards shown here are crowding around the boat, some leaping out onto the transom itself seeking refuge.

This festive season and celebrations on land with Diwali, Christmas, Chinese New Year and so much more is upon us now, warmer weather, more boating and fishing, and memory-making family time to make the most of.

For more detailed insights and fishing tips, visit www.fishingcoachpro.com for expert advice options and updates, ensuring that you make the most of your fishing experience. Happy fishing and enjoy the wonderful sea world we have on our doorstep. See you out there.

Cheers!

Captain Espresso

www.catchfishing.pro