The Espresso Report, 9 February 2023

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Yet another tropical cyclone on the way, really? Sadly yes.

It's only forecast to peak 60 knots next week at this stage, so let's hope the conditions swing and the brunt passes us by with less ferocity than that.

Stay safe, definitely don't risk it if you don't trust mother nature at the moment.

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How has the fishing been?

Well, surprisingly the waters around the edges of the gulf have cleared very well during the last few relatively calmer days, some are crystal clear, the full moon has passed, snapper kingfish and more should be well on the bite!

Yes indeed water clearing after a storm or two often means some excellent fishing to be had, and with yet another wild weather event imminent, the fish will be feeling the need to feed right now.

For those keen on inner areas – that line between and dirty water run-off and clearer waters, within a few hundred metres of shore, some within landbased casting distance is a good place to be casting around a nice little 5” softbait or microjig. Low tide early morning and late evening – a nice time for a discovery style stroll along a shoreline with some lighter landbased approaches – a microjig or small softbait, even a micro-stickbait (25-35gm) can be surprisingly effective.

If you’re wandering along a shoreline with overhanging trees, pohutukawas etc – nice spot to throw out a surface splash (imitating a dropping cicada for instance) lure around that deadly shadow/sunlight zone.

Midday high tides all good for this over the next few days.

Yes those anchovies and other tiny tasty morsels are schooling all over the show now, out deeper, in closer (like Gardners Gap) – and no matter where they are there are usually some bigger fish eyeing any weaklings up, or simply waiting for the magical flick of the switch bite time.

So make the most of Mother Nature’s signs pointing you to the fish – surface birds, surface splashes, a misinterpreted ‘malfunctioning sounder blocking out’ (anchovy school) and cast around your offerings on the drift, troll around for a while and see if kahawai will strike your lure, super fun on light gear with reverse rigged microjig (tie leader to the lure with the hook trailing behind).

If the action seems to be moving along fast, here there, then way over there, here’s few things to try. Don’t chase the leading edge just drift the area as the schools move around you, the bigger predators are often it tow and simply hanging around looking for their opportunity – you’re random lonesome lure, woohoo easy-money for the snapper or king.

Have a bigger lure being looked after by Rod Holder alone while you cast about, something like a big 100-200gm Squidwing semi-dragging along behind (half to one wind up) looking like a spent squid, a soft easy motion = lurking snapper.

Kingfish are ready and waiting, jigs, topwater, livebait, trolled bibbed divers – all highly effective in their own right, it’s only up to what you want to do – and of course what the kings are after at that time, find the fish then tempt them with your best and simply ‘Let The Fish Be The Judge’… and DISCO, hold on tight!

Keen on getting even more out of your bait-free fishing - here’s an opportunity:

The Stables Sports Bar 5/707 Whangaparaoa rd, Arkles Bay

Ph 09-424 2266 STABLES or

FISH CITY ALBANY Ph. 09 476 4282

Tuesday February 21st, 6-7pm

Learn the 2 top techniques, the 2 essentials for fishing success and see what fish actually see as you move different lures and softbaits in the water tank on display.

How to choose lures weights and a whole lot more!

There’ll be jigs, lures and softbaits available on the night too.

Our shout, it’s FREE! See you there.

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Cheers

Captain Espresso and NZ Fishing World

www.catchfishing.pro

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For Wave Dancer Charters: Visit www.wavedancer.co.nz

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