Bay of Islands

fishing report

April 27, 2023

October 27, 2022

Supplied by

Darren Knapping

Days Out Fishing Charters

Note: If map is showing it is created by LINZ / New Zealand Hydrographic Authority and made available by Creative Commons 3.0. Maps should not be used for navigation

At last, we are seeing some great gannet action over some huge bait schools which are holding everything from anchovies, pillies, jack mackerel and slimmeys, attracting kingfish and trophy snapper, and who knows what else?

This week was a cracker, and lots of boats were out over the long weekend enjoying some spectacular fishing action.

Mitas Foul off Roberton Island in the zone around 25 to 38 metres has got fish all around it, but definitely look for the birds as they are the true indication on the day.

Starting anywhere from 30 to 55 metres and drifting with live baits and casting softbaits out the front has proven most successful.

Also fishing small sliders and tungsten micro jigs has been really productive.

If you’re not into a crowd, which can be sometimes be a problem out where all the birds are calling, the inner islands still hold plenty of very good-sized fish this time of year.

I tend to avoid over use of berly, which can attract sharks, and just cube (toss out a 2 inch ‘cube’ or segment of pilchard etc every 30/60 secs or so) trying to get the fish within casting range out the back of the boat.

There are a lot of sharks starting to head up the harbours getting ready to drop their pups and you don't want the smell to go too far or you will be hammered by them.

With cubing you can be a bit more precise on where you throw it 😉 and it will not get carried out of your target area.

Success is all about where you anchor or drift your boat. Spend time, have a good look around, and then you can choose what you want to fish with strayline/live baits/jigs/softbaits/there is always one that will work.

This month will likely be full-on with lots of bird action out in the middle, and there are some really big kingfish and school snapper around. This is prime softbait time so get out your favourite lures and get casting.

Often drifting along after the birds have gone, dragging a lure along the bottom has been the way to go, just remember that the line from Ninepin to cape Brett is a full mammal sanctuary and the 300 metre rule will apply.

Be safe, tight lines

Darren

Regards Darren

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This report provided by Darren Knapping, Days Out Fishing Charters

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