This past week has been quite wintry again, affecting fishing in the inner areas of the gulf and local harbours, which has been slow. That said, we are on the cusp of change; the water temperature hasn't hit the 16°C mark yet, which is when snapper start to become more active and venture into the inner areas. The signs of fish around the islands have been encouraging though, so with a little spring spark, we could be off and running fast. Can you feel the amp-up? Warmer days, pollens, bees, trees budding, flowers starting to bloom—the wonderful unfolding of nature that is spring, including fishing, has started for sure.

Further up the coast north of the Hauraki Gulf, there’s been some good fishing, workups, and good drift fishing without the tumultuous sights and sounds. That feeding intensity is also into the local gulf, southern Little Barrier west of Anchorite Rock (named after the submarine ‘Anchorite’ hit the uncharted rock back in 1960!), and out from the Broken Islands. We just need a few more days of wind drop to get out and enjoy both the general enjoyment of drifting and catching snapper steadily as they graze in open waters, and of course, chasing the dragon.

At a recent fishing coaching session, we focused on three prime ways to fish the gulf’s workups better, here’s a snapshot of the tutorial for you:

1. Exhaust Fishing: If the tide’s going out, start fishing the northern side of the workup—the tidal current will be taking the big burley trail that way if the workup is relatively stationary, or alternatively the southern side if the tide is coming in. You can often be fishing hundreds of metres away very happily, as the snapper in particular sit down and scoff the remnants of the carnage above drifting slowly down in front of their faces.
2. Fast ‘n Furious: Workups being pushed along quickly by kahawai and kings can help produce this, or the baitfish aren’t being corralled by the dolphins, maybe a smaller pod say, so the baitfish are on the move making their escape. Take a wide berth around the action leaving it undisturbed, go 100 metres to where it’s headed and start fishing (inchiku to start or a nice big 200gm slow pitch jig), and fish as the action comes to you.
3. Multiple Hot Spots: Flag the chase, use medium-sized slow pitch jigs but also micro jigs of the tungsten kind. Fish in the open between workups as the snapper, kingfish and others move in and around the area hearing the multiple dinner gongs, throw in a few speed retrieves and get into a nice kingfish as they too hunt the general area. Over the open ground, there’s no need to panic on hookup on your lovely light gear, the kings have nowhere to run to, nothing to bust you off. Have your drag not too tight to overly stress your leader/knots, let the fish tire, be patient, once that mean green machine gets near you—it’ll almost certainly take a sudden bursting dive—so think about LOOSENING your drag rather than tightening it as the fight lingers you’ll land a lot more fish by reducing bust-offs and have the best time of your life doing it.

PWC paradise

The entire Hauraki Gulf is made for them, with aptly named islands like Little Barrier and Great Barrier providing a lot of protection from the open Tasman Sea. Whether island hopping and discovering your own ideal spot or heading out into open waters enjoying the sights and sounds of the gulf, never a dull moment. With Yamaha Day coming right up, last week’s JetFish cup provided a great get-together, with free entry and an $8,750.00 Yamaha Moro 7 E-bike won as first prize! All amongst an amazing lineup of top-notch prizes from Yamaha Marine, Garmin, and Hutchwilco with The Rock, BBQ, food, and refreshments at the OBC Auckland, what a way to spend a day. Fishing was challenging due to the SSW wind, but that didn’t deter the keen anglers one bit. Hunting in close around the inner islands for kahawai, trevally, snapper, and kingfish was go. Epic stuff. No wonder this is one of the fastest-growing categories of recreational fishing.

Kayak fishing

Kayak fishing popularity is becoming ever more so, providing another consistent way to get out on the water and enjoy some sea time getting away from it all, cast a few lures, catch the odd ‘winter’ fish, and with spring knocking on the doorstep, the local waters’ fishing success rate will jump very soon. Keep an eye out for the birds like petrels and terns if you can over this next week or so, their increase in activity should be starting to be noticeable closer in, fingers crossed when they do point the way. It’ll pay to be Jonny-on-the-spot, with your gear all set and ready to get out and in amongst the action. I haven’t seen too much activity down along the North Bays of late, but that must change, perhaps elsewhere? Out by Gardners Gap/Rangitoto?

Is Your Leader Too Old?

Check out the Espresso Pear video here for tips of leader and line assessment.

Off and On Water Fishing Coaching

Same-same this year, or more from your current investment in fishing time and money, with more consistent thrills, and confidence? “Incredible Espresso, thanks so much…what I didn’t know!” another “I can’t believe what I learned in just an hour!”, some wonderful messages received lately for coaching. On-land coaching is the thing to be doing right now, before more time is spent simply ‘hoping’ fish will be biting (yawn) instead of going out and having the confidence to know that fresh fish will be on tonight’s menu. Teaching the techniques, rigs and ways to find fish after 30 years of experience and discovery is our passion. Saving years and getting the true potential out of our gear, boat/ski/kayak, and most importantly the precious time on the water. Less than a day out fishing, contact www.fishingcoachpro.com and let’s make it happen before the calendar dates are all gone. We are considering including on-water fishing tutorials, what do you think? On your boat with your gear sound good? Best put your name down now with the limited spots available, and make a plan that suits you, and your fishing goals. This may sound like an advert, yes and no. Yes, this is to let you know about a service we provide, but it’s about genuinely sharing 30 years of experience and knowledge, giving back to the fishing community and industry so gratefully involved in. You may have gathered the true passion about what we do and what we have discovered, the mission is to pass this knowledge on to others, to help reach their goals and enjoy fishing even more.

Grant Bittle,

www.fishingcoachpro.com

fishingcoachpro@gmail.com