Hi fellow Wellington anglers,
I'm not sure what the status of this post is - there seemed to be a lot of interest in it initially, but nothing posted for a while. I thought I'd give a short update of my recent experiences, and resurrect this discussion for anyone who's interested in it.
I've started fishing for squid around Welly, doing short daytime sessions from the shore because of family commitments. I've been out 3 times in the last 2 weeks, and caught broad squid each time. They haven't been huge - the largest was maybe 20cm mantle length - but they've been enthusiastic about taking jigs.
I've used a Harimitsu Sumizoku 3.5 in the clear/pink EPC colour, a Gancraft Uo-Jya in the silver/blue baitfish colour, and a Daiwa Emeraldas Nude 3.0 in brown ebi colour.
I've had success at Lyall Bay and Moa Point.
I used to do a lot of squid fishing back home in Australia, but the squid fishing in Welly is proving to be quite difficult. I haven't been able to find squid in the same numbers (or sizes) as back home. The terrain is also a bit different, with much shallower water and lots of thick kelp.
In Australia I usually fish open, seaward-facing ledges and rock platforms facing deeper water, and avoid calmer bays and estuaries. In my experience, squid really hate rough conditions, so Wellington's weather makes it difficult (and sometimes dangerous) to fish those kinds of locations (e.g. Moa Point) unless the weather's been settled for a while.
I might have to change my approach here in Welly, given the wind/storms, as well as the abundance of sheltered areas (e.g. Shelly Bay). I'd also lie to check out some of the wharves and boat marinas that have lights on at night, but I just haven't had time yet.
So, I guess it's a start, and proves that it can be done around here.
Anyone else had any luck since the earlier posts and discussion?