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Catching livebaits

Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Destinations
Forum Name: BoP/East Cape
Forum Description: BoP/East Cape Auckland destination info, advice, fishing spots, hints and tips here
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=136280
Printed Date: 28 Jan 2026 at 1:19pm


Topic: Catching livebaits
Posted By: mackjack
Subject: Catching livebaits
Date Posted: 06 Dec 2021 at 3:29pm
Hello, I am planning a trip out to Mayor Island sometime soon targeting primarily snapper and kings but I dont really know the best place to catch livebaits. We will be leaving from Tauranga.
Will be glad of any one willing to share some spots or tips.
Thanks Smile




Replies:
Posted By: Coastbusters
Date Posted: 06 Dec 2021 at 9:33pm
What time are you heading out? I can pm you a spot but it is best before sunrise


Posted By: mackjack
Date Posted: 06 Dec 2021 at 9:51pm
We will be heading out before sunrise most likely. Leave whatever time we need to to get livies.


Posted By: FarmerBrowne
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2021 at 9:35am
#1 find some structure holding bait - Tuhua reef is usually pretty good, generally can see them (koheru) on the surface or pick them up on the sounder.
#2 berley hanging just over the side of the boat - you should get plenty of bait in the berley trail right up to the boat - sweep, maomao & koheru.
#3 very small sharp hooks on 10lb flurocarbon trace attached to light gear with small bits of bait drifted down the berley trail
#4 quite often the bait is that concentrated around the berley bag you can swoop up a load straight into your net by having the net in the water as they are feeding on the berley bag

To keep koheru (kingfish candy) alive they need lots of oxygen - too many in the live bait tank = dead baits

http://www.marinemetal.com/products/12-vt-air-pumps/power-bubbles/item/power-bubbles" rel="nofollow - http://www.marinemetal.com/products/12-vt-air-pumps/power-bubbles/item/power-bubbles



Posted By: mackjack
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2021 at 11:42am
Thanks very much for the info guys.


Posted By: Coastbusters
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2021 at 4:02pm
You can build a cheap and easy live bait tank with a bilge pump, switch and a chilly bin or bucket. I have one that sits in my auxillay outboard bracket. The lid is off so you can see it. My mate has one made from a chilly bin bolted to his swim step. All up cost is less than $50 and better than the bubbling aerator type ones.


Posted By: Coastbusters
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2021 at 4:04pm
The water just pumps in and empties through a hole that is lower than the entry point. Works a treat. I have thought about putting a timer on the pump but I just turn it off and on.



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