We're heading out to Castle Point for a couple of days next week, and looking for any general tips for the area ...
   I realise this is kinda cheating, as we've been out there before and went fishing off the Lighthouse, about this time last year. The weather was nothing less than an amazing summers day ( except it was the middle of winter ) ... we weren't casting out that far, and all we were getting were spiny dogs, and as much fun as they are and its always great to try to catch the biggest fish, but 30 odd spinies in a 4 hour session goes beyond funny. We noticed a couple of guys further down the rock near ( if you have been there you will know what I'm about to say ) the tidal flow goes over the rocks into the little launching bay. But they didnt really have alot of luck either.

This time I'm taking my dive gear, just incase there is some decent weather to get out and have a paddle at 10-20m down ... and might take a cray pot as according to the locals last time I was talking to them, theres usually a couple wandering here and there.

but I'm also open to ideas on other spots if anyone has any little possies out of the way, PM me and I'll check them out and let you know how they're fishing

Best of luck anyone else heading out in the next two weeks :)

I have fished the ledges nearer the lower points in the "reef" where the wash spills over into the lagoon.

Hey mate when are you heading out? I live in Mastrton and do most of my fishing out their, Sadly my boat is getting new motors put on it currently otherwise I would have offered to take you out for a fish/dive but if you are keen to go for a dive and want company let me know and ill be keen to come along amazing diving off the reef as long as their isnt any swell.

Hi Mate,

Thanks mate,

I will print out these directions and have a gander.

Do you is there a fishing tackle store in the area?

I just picked up a hard case spearing case for my guns which also keeps the rods safe too. Air NZ make you pay for additional luggage even if the other pieces don't make the 23kg limit. It's always been a gripe of mine when flying Air NZ but last trip I did I borrowed a gun off the charter opperator and when I got in the water I was face to face with a school of 30 plus kings all over 15kg. I managed to attract the leader in on me and it was easy the biggest king I have ever seen. I don't know what a 40kg king looks like so I don't know if this one was but it was easy 30kg. Anyway lined him up for a solid stone shot (instant kill or so you hope) and the gun didn't fire. I had to unload and load the gun 4 times because it jammed while the fish swam around me. I managed to get a shot off eventually stoning one at 18kgs.

Had 10 guys on the boat so went in for another and the same thing again, managed a n 18kg fish this time. Both good fish but I shoot these sized fish off Sydney so I was pretty spewing that I missed my chance of a beast.

Long story short (believe it or not) Air NZ will get their $110 off me this trip. I wont let another dudes gear cost me a fish of a lifetime.

If you or anyone is in the area over this time feel free to email me [email protected].

Thanks for the help.

Craig