Starting small, the snapper fishing in close has really improved in the last month, to the point where just about any good efforts off the beaches anywhere, in 20 – 30 metres, can yield good catches of snapper.  Getting there by kon-tiki, kayak, or boat can be productive when the bite time and moon phases are cooperative.

Recently there has been a huge tidal flow thanks to a big full moon phase, and that has meant big high tides and strong currents, which can work in a fisherman’s favour as much as providing challenges.

Fishing a couple of hours either side of a tide, and at either side of the day, ie change of light, seems to be the best option for getting onto the snapper.

This year we have found the numbers to be good, but we’ve seen fewer really big fish out over the sand.  The smaller fish are great eating size though, and can be fairly clearly identified on the sounder passing through as you drift.

They seem to be holding in zone, so once you drift off the bite get back to where you started again for another run.

Method of choice has been soft baits, and smaller, lighter jig heads around ¼ to 3/8 oz with 4-5 inch natural colours proving more effective in the 20 – 30 metre zone.  The smaller heads hang in the water a little longer and seem to attract fish on the way down more effectively when casting and letting the lure sink.  Use your lightest gear over the sand, especially if it’s a clear day.  On occasion using GULP rather than other more ‘rubbery’ brands seems to have been more effective on picky nibblers.  Peppered Prawn, and Barbeque Chicken 5 inch jerk shads have been the most productive colour/patterns.

Often the bite will disappear completely between 10.30am and late afternoon off the beach, but you may still pick up fish closer to foul, or where foul meets the sand.

There are good kingfish prowling the beaches, and it’s often very easy to pick up a small kahawai trolling or spinning a small lure in close to the breakers.  Trolling a live kahawai up and down the coast is a great way to target these brutes, and over the sand, the odds are more in your favour of landing them even on light gear.

Kingies love current, and although it can mean a bit more work is required to stay over the sign and structure when in 70 metres or so, dropping live baits or jigs are both very effective at the moment, over just about any of the popular pins from north of Cuvier, around the Merc’s, and down to the Aldermans.

The game fishing season is well underway with albacore, yellowfin, striped and blue marlin fishing really well out wide in the popular game fishing zones out past the Alderman Islands and south towards Mayor Island.  There are plenty of big boats with outriggers waving around out there to show you you’re in the right place if in doubt.   Good blue water, but wind from the east has been a bit of a pain.  There is, however, a great spell coming this week so get your gear ready.

As you troll, keep an eye on the sounder for any sign of structure or sign if you are in less than 400 metres, as the bluenose fishing is pretty good at the moment too.  Mark any good looking features you come across then come back to them on your way in once the game lures are all back on deck and you are looking for a change of pace.

If you want a few tips on what to look for and how to get the best info from your sounder to target these fish, here’s a good video from the guys at Ultimate Fishing

https://www.nzfishingworld.co.nz/posts/how-to-target-bluenose-with-ultimate-fishing

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West is best?

A solid run of easterlies has made the west side of the Coromandel a great spot to be, and it’s fishing very well at times.  This weekend the mussel farms were covered in boats that were doing very well binning up on snapper pretty much straight out from the Waikawau boat ramp.  A lot of boats heading back in lake-like conditions with a full catch on board before it’s even lunch time.

With the full moon passed, and some sensational light easterly winds predicted for the rest of the week, this coastline will see some awesome fishing.

It’s not limited to the mussel farms either, there’s good school snapper fishing to be found right up past the Happy Jacks using traditional bait and berley methods or drifting with soft baits and kabura-style lures.

It’s also an option, if the fishing by chance is not happening, to head across to look around the lower Firth for signs of bird life or dolphin, or to target in snapper schools feeding in the shallows.

It’s a great time to be fishing in the Coro.

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Take care and tight lines

NZ Fishing World

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