OCTOBER

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

 

Huge numbers of snapper continue to swarm into the gulf prior to spawning, which is happening now!

Possibly the best fishing is currently available around Great Barrier Island, especially over any large patches of sand next to areas of reef in 10-20 metres. These fish average 40-60cm and are in prime condition, often spewing out shellfish, greasy prawns and mantis shrimp when brought boat side. 7” soft-baits in bright colours, such as the Z-Man Atomic Sunrise and the Bait Junkie Banana Split, have been the pick of the bunch, especially when attached to 3/8-1/2oz jig-heads, but large stray-lined baits cast well out to the back of the burley trail are doing the damage too.

Better still, large schools of kingfish, sometimes numbered in their hundreds, have been encountered chasing the pilchards around just 100-150 metres out from the coastline. They have shown a distinct preference for 165-230mm stick-baits, although poppers often prove valuable in bringing the fish closer in to cast to. Slowly trolling along the coastline at around 3 knots while working top-water lures set around 20-30 metres back has been deadly at times, too. Otherwise, the old Rapala Magnum Dive Bait 30 in baitfish colours can be just the ticket when trolled around the type of action or when trevally, kahawai or mackerel are on the surface feeding on krill or whitebait.

Or, if closer spots are preferred, it’s a similar situation around Little Barrier – just the fish numbers are fewer. However, there are some real beauties here; these are best targeted with lightly weighted whole jack mackerel or 7” soft-baits (Motor Oil has been responsible for some rippers over the last couple of weeks).

And, of course, there are consistent work-ups taking place out from the nearby Cable Zone. The fish below the gannets and/or dolphins are mostly modest-sized snapper, which are suckers for orange or pink 100-140g slider-type lures, but occasionally the kings are getting in on the action too. So when the latter are around, try long, slim jigs like Ocean Angler Fish Fingers Shimano Pebble Lights in 100-200g; those incorporating pink or orange are good options here too, but blue can have its moments too.

Other worthwhile places include:

  • Tiritiri Matangi, where bait and burley deployed just off areas of weedy reef in 10-20m can produce stunning fishing, especially at the change of light.
  • Whangaparaoa passage – the sea bird activity around here can help to make fishing with 60-80g slow-jigs or soft-baits very worthwhile.
  • Southern Kawau and Motuora: As usual, the snapper are gathering in the area to spawn, but fishing for them can prove frustrating; your fish finder might show carpets of fish, but not a bite can be enticed!
  • Flat Rock: In addition to some good shallow water fishing, plenty of decent work-ups have been taking place in the area, sometimes just hundreds of metres from the main rock itself. The shallower waters can suit more fluttery jigs. Also, keep an eye out for surface feeding fish and/or fluttering sea birds, as kingfish will often be nearby. Beware the bronzies, though!
  • Eastern Bays: There is some superb squid fishing to be had here at the moment; use 3” squid jigs in natural colours during the day if the water is clear, while those in brighter colours with some lumo incorporated tend to be better if the water is murky or you’re fishing at night.
  • Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands: There are plenty of smallish snapper around; these are best targeted with small jigs or soft-baits to provide maximum fun. The kings are conspicuous by their absence so far…
  • Waiheke: The shallows here have mostly proved to be quite disappointing, but this could change any day. The deeper waters around 20 metres are a better bet.
  • Northern Coromandel coastline: It’s been strangely quiet here, but we were fishing it four days after the full moon in southeast winds, so that may explain why, as we could see plenty of fish sign, especially out from Papa Aruha. However, we went over to investigate a bunch of fluttering terns and found them hovering over a big school of modest-sized kingfish around 20 metres down. What a shame we only had stick-baits; 150-250g jigs would have proved much more effective I suspect!

 

Finally, we have to mention all the tuna excitement taking place up in the Far North, with huge bluefin tuna around 180- to 250-kilo plus swimming around with the kingfish schools in just 20-40 metres of water! There have been quite a few very long battles with sad endings though…

 

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’.