December

PRESENTED BY OUR FRieND’S AT HUNTING AND FISHING NORTH SHORE

I hope you are all looking forward to getting out on the water during the Christmas break.

Game fish report – where are the fish and how to catch them?

Tuna

The main topic everyone is talking about is what an incredible start to the game fish season. Huge numbers of Yellow fin and a good number of marlin have already been caught. Also Mahi Mahi, short bill and big eye tuna.

The amount of yellowfin being caught is off the scale. The best season for 30 years. Customers are reporting catching up to 12 yellowfin in a day. They are all along the East coast and are ranging in size from 8kg-60KG.

The best method to catch them is being caught diving bibbed lures. The Nomad DTX minnow (165mm and 220mm) are really popular for this as they run deep at speed. I have had good success on these.

The main body of Yellow fin so far have been caught around Cape Brett, however there have been good numbers caught up and down the from the 3 Kings to Bay of Plenty. The 300m deep contours seem to be producing the most bites.

I have had two trips out behind barrier and we have had 4 yellowfin and dropped a marlin. We ran North East of the 155 along the 200m to 500m contours and caught the yellowfin in the 300-450m contours. The Marlin strike was in the 200m near the 155. I have also heard reports that the yellowfin have been caught closer in near the Mokes. This does not surprise me with the amount of bait fish between the Mokes and Great barrier.

On top of that there are good numbers of Marlin being caught again around the bay of islands area.

We have a great deal on a Tiagra 50W reel and 24Kg Xitus rod  combo at the moment for just $999.99 (while stocks last) so if you need a game set up come down to the North Shore store. Also we have the DTX diving minnows in stock.

Sport fish report – where are the fish and how to catch them?

Snapper

The snapper have also been in full flow over the last few weeks. There are lots of snapper all around but be aware they are spawning in localised areas and when that happens they don’t feed. So make sure that if you mark them on your fish finder and they are not biting it’s probably best to keep moving to the next location. They are also moving in and out of the shallows so keep prospecting to find them.

Kingfish

King fish are moving into the Gulf in huge numbers so if you want to target them try jigging and stick baits. I’m finding them in along all the coastal structures and reefs in good numbers right now. Also the harbour bouys are starting to hold small numbers of Kingfish. Live baits usually prove to be an effective method to target Kingis however, they have not been so successful for me lately. For some reason the king fish have either not touched the live bait or simply played with them and knocked them off the hook. Meanwhile the Jigs and stick baits have been doing well. I’m pretty sure that will change and normal service will resume. I guess you just have to keep your options open.

Finally Come down to the store and we will make sure we help you with any advise for all your fishing and boating needs in time for Summer!!

Have a great Christmas from all of the Team at North Shore Hunting and Fishing.

NORTH SHORE HUNTING & FISHING – HERE TO HELP YOU

Please call into North Shore Hunting and Fishing store (1 Holder Place, Rosedale) for any tackle advice, or give me a ring on 0278056056.

If I’m not around, introduce yourself to the fishing staff. The guys have a wealth of Knowledge and decades of experience. The fishing team consists of Mark Kitteridge (famous Kiwi angler and fishing journalist), Justin Russell, Chris Ackerman and Al Mair (who are also very experienced fishermen).

We can also advise you on where to fish and the best techniques to fish for each area. We are always happy to provide you with the latest fishing intel and show you the gear you need to ‘get out there doing it’.