Newbies Corner - New surfcaster in Kapiti

New surfcaster in Kapiti - having limited success

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Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Newbies Corner
Forum Description: If you're new to fishing this is the place to ask any questions about getting started ...
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138581
Printed Date: 26 Jan 2026 at 2:45pm

Topic: New surfcaster in Kapiti - having limited success

Posted By: dfa1987
Subject: New surfcaster in Kapiti - having limited success
Date Posted: 14 May 2024 at 9:15pm

Hey all, picked up surfcasting this year as I'm walking distance to Raumati South beach, and it seemed like a good way to fish after my kids go down to bed at night!

Unfortunately, it hasn't really taken off yet - I've only had a handful of fish all year, with one of them a 10kg+ ray that was sent back - which was a good fight, but didn't fill the freezer!

Not sure if I'm not casting far enough - furthest cast would be around 70m but generally 40-60m.

Possibly I'm using the wrong bait - I've tried pilchard, salted mackerel, prawns, and leftover gurnard. Funnily enough everything I've caught has been on Gulp softbait.

Maybe I'm fishing the wrong spots or times - I've worked from the south end of the rocks up to the steps on the sea path, generally at high tide and 7-10pm. Structure isn't always apparent as it's pretty flat/shallow, but I've tried to cast to quieter areas that appear to be beyond or between the bars.

Anyway, I'm still having plenty of fun (fishing is better than no fishing) but would love to catch a few more fish - I've only caught small kahawai or red cod. Any tips welcomed.

Replies:

Posted By: BotStomper
Date Posted: 14 May 2024 at 11:55pm

What kind of rig are you using and are you cottoning your baits, especially with pilchard?

If you're in Wellington at all go see Felix at Capital Fishing, extremely knowledgeable guy and a very accomplished surfcaster.

Posted By: dfa1987
Date Posted: 15 May 2024 at 10:30am

Hey mate, thanks for the reply.

I've been using a few different rigs - most recently a clipped-down running rig, but also standard dropper rigs with and without long-cast clips. I was using larger hooks on pre-tied rigs eg 5/0, but have switched to tying my own with smaller 3/0 or even 2/0 hooks depending on the baits used.

I'm using bait cotton for anything that needs it, definitely on pilchards, and tying half hitches where I can eg on pillie tails.

I'm never sure where the best spots are to target down my way - ie just in the first trough, which is pretty close and shallow, or further out past the breakers which I'm guessing is no more than chest deep. From scoping at low tide there are definitely a couple channels but so far I've had no luck fishing them.

Thanks for the tip on Capital Fishing - I need to pop in there soon anyway so will have a chat next time I'm in town 👍