It is interesting how much has changed in the kahawai fishery over the years. I started fishing independently in the late 70's and was thrilled by the huge dense schools of massive kahawai that were around in those days. During periods of westerly wind they seemed to hug the Northland coast and could be found in a number of different locations hard against the shore.
In the 80's and early 90's there seemed to be an abundance of kahawai in all sizes. They were often a plague and would prevent any chance of snapper being caught.
In those days the kingfish were getting slammed by box nets and snapper were under attack by longliners and trawlers. Quota regulation was only just starting.
These days both the kingfish and snapper fisheries are in pretty good shape, but I rarely see a big kahawai. Summertime work-ups in this area are often rat kings rather than kahawai. All the big kahawai seem to be down around the South Island.
I'm left wondering if it is a result of fisheries management or climate change? Possibly it is a combination of both. I hear there are plenty of kahawai in the Hauraki Gulf, but we don't see that many up here in the BOI's . The offshore reefs hold the biggest congregations.
All I know is that it would be nice to see larger numbers of them. Especially when you consider they are such a vital resource for coastal anglers.
Pleased to hear you're enjoying those smaller tasty kahawai KG