Hauraki Gulf
fishing report
January 10, 2025
Summer fishing in the Hauraki Gulf is heating up with abundant snapper, thrilling workups, and reports of yellowfin tuna and marlin on the horizon.
Summer Snapper
Snapper fishing is prolific and they’re feeding well, although there’s been a noticeable summer slowdown—possibly due to the strong winds or even the moon’s influence. The latest issue of NZ Fishing News includes a detailed article about targeting good-sized snapper in Auckland’s inner areas without having to go far, which is particularly handy with the persistent winds. Hot spots include Rakino, Motuihe, Sargeants, Tamaki Strait, and even around the Harbour Bridge.
Try targeting snapper over the mud flats and shallows at high tide with a small 3-5” soft bait, such as an imitation crab or shrimp on a 1/4oz jighead. Alternatively, mix it up with a 5-10gm micro jig for a bit of fun. Slowly drag your lure along the mud, then wind it just above the sea floor—perfect for tempting snapper looking for an easy meal. If you’re fishing along the northern North Shore Bays, keep an eye out for birds working just a couple of hundred metres offshore—they’ve been leading to excellent fishing recently.
Workup Action in the Gulf
Further out in the Hauraki Gulf, epic workups are lighting up the mid-gulf and closer to northern Tiritiri Matangi. The famous Tiri-to-Kawau area has seen excellent action, including multiple Bryde’s whales—a wonderful sight. These whales may be calving, so exercise caution and respect when near them.
Workups in 35-40 metres have been productive for snapper using 80-150gm inchiku lures—perfect for both pros and those relying on the good old Rod Holder technique. Alternatively, try "big micros" in the 30-50gm range with slow pitch or slow jig techniques. Keep your bigger setups handy in case you spot a bait ball on your sounder, which could be ideal for dropping a 150-250gm jig to target both snapper and kingfish.
Kahawai are plentiful right now, making for great sashimi or smoked treats. However, if you’re targeting snapper or kingfish, use a bare assist hook instead of skirts or tassels, which tend to attract kahawai instead. When jigging, slow pitch for snapper by working the jig up a few winds off the bottom. For kingfish, use smooth, mechanical jigging from the bottom all the way up. Out by Channel Island is currently a hot spot for this action.
Kingfish Close to Shore
Kingfish are active both offshore and near the shorelines, such as Waiheke and Coromandel. If you’re heading to the Coromandel, consider targeting kingfish from land, kayak, or boat—not just snapper. Live bait mackerel, topwater lures, and jigging in 15m+ are all effective techniques. But be ready for a tough fight if you hook one near the mussel farms!
Tuna and Marlin in the Gulf?
Reports suggest yellowfin tuna (YFT) are in the gulf, and marlin aren’t far behind. If you’re heading to Great Barrier Island for a few days, try this:
- On the way out, drop a 25-50gm tungsten micro or 100gm kabura for snapper to secure dinner.
- Then, troll for tuna or kingfish as you head further out.
- Explore areas near Little Barrier, Horn Rock, or between LB/GB/Mokes.
On the way back, a quick snapper drop will ensure fresh dinner, while trolling through open waters offers the chance of landing kingfish, tuna, or marlin chasing the bait schools. A reliable source even reported seeing YFT near Little Barrier and a striped marlin caught in under 60m straight out from Omaha Beach.
What better way to enjoy a glorious summer day than with a reel-screaming surprise? Bliss!
The 1st Fishing School is Here – Get Ready to Transform Your Fishing Game!
This is your chance to make 2025 a year to remember. We've designed The Fishing School to help you and your mates (do them a favour!) get the most out of every fishing trip.
What to Expect:
- Five interactive classes in small groups with expert guidance.
- Tailored setup advice – whether you’re using your current gear or upgrading to specialised equipment.
- Exclusive underwater footage revealing snapper and kingfish secrets – learn to read their behaviours and consistently catch bigger, better fish.
- Attend individual classes or maximise your experience by completing the full series – with a special offer for those who book all five!
Key Details:
- Limited spots: Only 30 seats available. First in, first served.
- For everyone: Whether you fish from a PWC, boat, or kayak, this school will help you improve your fishing success with lures, jigs, and soft baits.
- Hands-on expertise: This isn’t just theory – it’s about real, practical skills that you’ll use every day.
Got questions? Just ask – I'm here to help.
Let’s get ready to rumble in 2025! See you at The Fishing School.
Cheers
Espresso!
Free online dive training for all!
Have you played Survive the Dive? The free online diver training and certification platform is live today for all divers, spearfishermen and recreational skippers of diving boats.