Hauraki Gulf Fishing Report - July 2nd, 2020

  • Game Fishing, General Saltwater, Auckland and The Hauraki Gulf

Tuna time! The bluefin tuna run up the northern coast is well underway with some stunning fish being caug­­ht recreationally. And why is right now most excellent for tuna taming? That full moon, well known for the best tuna bite in town when’s it’s around. Given half a chance, this could be your best opportunity.

As for what gear, that’s a good question and answers are as many as there are anglers. Multiple strikes and hook ups can make for the ultimate in hectic, adrenaline-fuelled panic and excitement so trolling with good gear is essential. From a tuna’s perspective, however, the only thing that matters is your lure and there’s lots to choose from. A couple of good straight running lures, small to medium size (like the 200gm Squidwings – a demo with trolling setup is in link below), are ideal on the riggers. It’s handy to have a no fuss, no hassle lure out that’ll run well in all sorts of conditions from smooth seas to gnarly, choppy water – all of which can be expected in the same  day. Whatever weapons and ammunition you choose, make sure it’s in tip top order – this is big fish hunting and they can test everything to the limit. Enjoy the entire adventure if you do.

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Further north in the Hauraki Gulf there have been fish and bird eruptions taking place within eyesight of Rangitoto and other bays like Kawakawa. This week, just when it looked like the winter doldrums would set in – BOOM! Thousands of birds, uncountable fish in various concentrated mosh pits of action. Everything from cormorants to terns, petrels to gulls, inshore gannets joining in as well after the various fish species like snapper, kahawai, mackerel and anchovies boiling the surface upwards.

The area west of Rangitoto right up to Long Bay have been buzzing in bursts the past few days with some action around the Kawakawa Bay area too – lots of big kahawai and many more of the beautiful ‘Coke bottle’ sized models flashing around at high speed. Even when the furore hasn’t been visible there has been fish patrolling all around the edges and in the shallows – it’s fun watching kingfish lurking literally at your feet while many Aucklanders enjoy walking their dogs along the walkways and paths. If you’re into landbased or kayak fishing then targeting them is too easy.

The southerly wind and rising tidal current has put a dampener on workup chasing lately, but with the air temp and sea temps dropping fast like a cellphone over the side, the workups will be aggressive and intense out there, dolphins need to keep their body temp up, same as ours! Workups are on for sure, so when that wind drops enough it’ll be typical full moon winter stuff, boom or bust, fast and furious no doubt.

Daylight hours are getting longer, lots of fishing that can be done in all sorts of ways and it’s always appreciated by friends and family, freshly caught fish on the table.

Have a great week and enjoy your fishing adventures whatever they may be,

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