I visited Mangawhai a couple weekends ago.
Went out at dead low tide to collect pipi's, filled my bucket in half an hour and then got the fly rod out for my first time saltwater fly fishing!
There were a bunch of guys fishing the anchor - next to where the channel deepens about here: https://goo.gl/maps/pLFDi9qe9Vx
Due to my SWF inexperience I was unsure of the best spot for me to try, so I decided to just post up next to these guys with their traditional surfcasters etc. I figured their pilchards and mullet might bring a few fish in.
They must have been wondering 'who the hell is this guy fly fishing!' - one guy assured me that there's "no trout around here mate!" all in good banter.
First cast was pretty average, only got about 10m but I started stripping anyway and wham! Picked up a 20cm Kahawai first cast on a small white and yellow clouser fly.
Not big but lot's of fun on the 6wt. Amazing how well those small KY fight for their size.
Over the next hour I was there I caught about 10 KY, all around 15-25cm. While the other guys there didn't catch a single thing which made for some good banter with the guys there.
I actually kept 5 of these little KY because the missus is Danish and I wanted to have a go at a scandinavian pickled herring recipe for her using KY. I will definitely make it again, DELICIOUS on rye bread, or crackers with a little mayo or tartare.
If anyone's interested here is the recipe: http://www.foodtolove.co.nz/recipes/pickled-kahawai-21100 - something different to try, and keeps in the fridge for up to a month. 10/10 would recommend.
I have got the bug for saltwater fly fishing now and I'm itching to get out around AKL and start figuring out what it's all about.