Snapper spreading far and wide

With the peak of the spring spawning season having passed, the fishing is getting harder, with tides and weather starting to play their part a bit more.

Most anglers are catching fish, and good bin-ups are being had by many, but they are becoming harder to complete day-in-day-out. The water temperature is getting up around the eighteen-degrees-plus mark, so the gamefish are not far away, and tuna have been reported out wider.

With the spring spawn fading, the fish are spreading wider. The 45-metre mark has still produced good fish, but a trip out deeper into 65 metres and beyond can also be required to find the good fish on the bite to make an effort worthwhile. Gurnard are making a nice addition to the catch, especially when the snapper fishing is slow.

Bait preference is currently squid as we head into the summer season, but some oily baits should also be onboard should the fish decide squid is off the menu (as experienced on a couple of recent trips). At the same time, if the bite stops on the oily baits, get some squid back down too. Fresh baits, such as jack mackerel, kahawai, and mullet, continue to fish well.

Tight lines,

Murray Monds
Reel Action Raglan Charters
Ph  027 903 0312