Snapper fishing good when weather allows

We got out and enjoyed some excellent winter fishing after a break in the rough weather this past Matariki weekend.

West in the 50-65 metre range fished well with good-sized winter snapper coming on board along with the odd gurnard; the latter enjoyed as a tasty bycatch for most anglers.

Southwest in 32 to 45 meters also fished well. The kahawai were there too in medium size, with anglers having to run the gauntlet in mid-water to get to the more prized and decent-sized snapper below. A few yellowtail mackerel were caught in the mix, making for some excellent fresh baits.

Out wide and deep, the fishing has been productive when you can get there, with good catches of ‘puka reported by those crews managing to utilise the limited weather windows.

Murray Monds