Kahawai galore! The thrill of those powerful hook-ups and runs from mega kahawai is super fun, especially when they are thick in the water and hungry; however, even kahawai can be one eyed and ‘just say no’ at times. Trolling a little lure like a Lil’ Squidwings or reverse rigged micro jig (trailing hook) is usually very effective but this week trolling was a no go – lots of followers but few takers, frustrating stuff. So, we started working the micro jigs vertically in the water column and then it was fish on! These prime fish (some well in roe are huge) are perfect for a big smoke-up over this ANZAC weekend. In the end of Whangaparaoa Peninsula/Tiri Channel you could near walk on them, and many other areas around the inner gulf are similar. Simply awesome stuff.

The snapper bite has returned as planned/hoped, and there are good solid specimens out in the mid gulf workups. There are also lots of quiet open areas as well though. However, when the need to feed is on, inchikus can be the outstanding lure. Hook-ups on the drop are common, especially on inchikus with extended hang time. This allows the bottom feeding fish like snapper to feel and see it descending, then rise and strike the panicked morsel. It’s a highly effective, economic and thoroughly enjoyable way to catch fish that’s perfect for bother professional and novice anglers. Tie your leader to the correct point and your lure can work like magic. Inchikus are one of the few lures where you tie the leader to the jig itself, NOT the solid ring of the hook like most jigs. The Catch range of inchikus have the eye of the lure naturally placed at the head of the lure, so you should tie the leader to that end – then, as you gradually wind the lure up, the eyes are at the top. You should also try a few different colours. And when you’re having a cuppa just drifting along somewhere, have one out being looked after by Rod Holder. Drop the inchiku to the sea floor and bring it up just one or two winds off the bottom (this is 1-2 metres up). As you drift along bobbing on the sea surface, a beautiful fluid motion will be imparted to the lure, and a well-designed inchiku will falter, flutter and waiver along, inducing strikes from all sorts of species that after a quick feed. The design features make these two style of inchiku stand-out successes: the Boss Squid - Catch Fishing and Beta Bug inchiku jig by Catch Fishing - Fish like a pro.

Kingfish have upped their game too and are keen on some arm stretching. They are holding at the usual pinnacles and reefy hangouts around the gulf – but don’t forget those inner channel markers and buoys. Quietly drift past and throw a stickbait or soft-bait first thing in the morning – beautiful.

In the inshore areas, some rather nice snapper and trevally are around, and targeting them near anchovy schools can be effective. For example, the Waiheke/Rakino channels have them at the moment, and there are also kahawai schools off northern Waiheke, the Noises and Whangaparaoa – all are worth a look this weekend. Throw out a micro jig like the tungsten Pocket Rocket for some superb shallow water fishing.

Have a GREAT time over this long weekend whether landbased, inshore or offshore; April is simply superb for showing us how truly lucky we are.

Espresso.