Cheers T

 

Last time fishinabarrel and I went fishing it was to Cable Bay bech a few Sundays ago. Stunning day weather wise but that was it. Lost 2 sets of gear on the rocks but managed to find them when the tide went out plus one ouncer.

Friends of ours went out past the cut last Sunday and only got a red cod

( eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew!!) and a spotty they could fit in a very small Tupperware container and back pocket. Other friends went out to Stephens Island on the Saturday and got several decent groper and a blue cod .... which were delicious on the barbie.

 

We might head out today to the back beach ... need some fresh air.

I've posted what I believe to be the best times for fishing the Back Beach above. I have tried a number of techniques/rigs. I normally fish two rods. I will see which is working on any particular session and stick to that. The best results I have had are using a two hook ledger rig using a breakout sinker. Hook size can be an issue depending on the time of year. I normally go 3 or 4/0 circle hooks (gammys) with glow beads or tubing.

I have fished over the winter for the past two years and although it can be absolutly stunning in regard to the scenery with the snow on the hills and very settled oily water, I haven't caught too much. A few spotty dogs and the like. Personally I prefer to take it a little easier over the winter, build some brownies, and go hard when the weather/water warms up.

Usually starts with a big influx of eagle rays from November and then the odd gurnard followed by the Snapper Jan-April.

In saying this, you never know what might turn up at any time. There are a couple of spots that I might target soon for any big fulltime residents.  . I would be interested to hear what others have done since the start of May as I haven't been out at all this month.

Baitinabucket, just re-read your posts. Are you sure they are Kahawai? I caught some pretty large yellow eyed mullet from the BB last month. They are similar to small K's but lack the spots, are a slightly slimmer and have a different fin pattern. Just wondering .......

Cheers T

 

 

Normally I use about a #4 Ockie hook but yesterday we were using cod hooks. They seem to be drive by hookings  i.e. in the lower jaw, in the side, in the tail  .... mind you I think spotties are just greedy lil buggers and bite at anything! It's more a problem of there seeming to be very few other species of fish around to catch. Very small KY last week from the back beach - but no whoppers!

 

Try something like 6/0 and up...shouldnt catch spottys on those!

Might try Mapua Wharf on the incoming today. Friend of ours got 6 edibles from there the other week.

Still a week and a bit of holiday to go so I hope to get out again once this front passes through.

Anyone else have better luck in Nelson over Easter?