So, I left Bucklands Beach on the 18.03.2020 for a mad dash solo fish after work. Bloody glad I did! I very almost didn't in the predicted wind against tide conditions....
I loaded up on Jack Macs and 30 odd cm Kahawai on the way out on sabikis in short order , which were balling up and feeding on large clusters of Anchovies and tiny Pilchards.
I anchored up about 6pm with the predicted northerly opposing the tide, which obviously is never ideal for straylining... Fortunately the northerly wasn't strong and I anchored from the back of the 5 meter side console (it's perfect for those tricky conditions as you can cast in any direction without obstruction).
I had some ridiculous runs on big baits that stole the bait, or hooked up hard, peeled some good string and then pulled hooks consistently throughout the session. I did manage to land a few less substantial double digit Snaps in the process.
I persevered and managed a PB 26 pound 3 ounce 84cm Snapper on the last whole Kahawai! Very well conditioned fish from the head to tail, and pretty much looked like a big "panny". The Snapper came to the surface in the 6 odd meters of water, about 20 meters from the boat. It was shaking it's big head trying to shake the hooks out, and then remained on the surface to about a meter from the boat! Once at the boat it went on several strong but short line ripping bursts, but never left sight of the boat in the process! It absolutely saturated me with it's big tail surges three times in a row! That's what Kingfish usually do to me!
My phone went flat as I went to take a photo, and the hook was damn near impossible to get out, so I decided to take this fish to get mounted. It will join my 24 pounder on the wall in a year or so time (Paddy from Waiheke busy as usual and this lockdown scenario).
Bloody stoked to get this fish in shallow water and in the inner Gulf, and just before the lockdown!
I actually managed to release another 20 pound plus Snapper from the same spot when I was there two weeks prior. There are still some very big Snapper to be had not far from home in the big smoke....
Cheers fellas, stay safe and sane till this lockdown passes!
Johnny