Early start this morning - headed out past Waiheke/ Tiri towards the 40m+ in hope of finding some work-ups.
Stopped at various spots on the way drifting over the middle ground, picking up a few small snapper and a gurnard. Saw a few birds flying but they seemed to be heading further out towards Barrier.
Persisted and started to get into a few better models around the 45m mark at about 10am just drifting along with the wind covering lots of ground. On and off through pockets of fish.
Hooked something that felt like a decent Pannie until it started to run like a freight train. Lots of calls for kingfish as was running and holding down deep. After 25 minutes on light gear, this surfaced out behind the drogue.
Didn't have scales but it went 77cm and was really thick around the middle and head - like to think it was over that 20 pound mark, but not sure. Great fish and swam back healthy to produce more stock. Online conversions have it at around 18.5lbs.
Another great specimen of the day.
Another few in the bin went around late 40's early 50's. Epic day and great to be out on the water!
Time for a brew.
Jason