Go north young man!

Snapper fishing is warming up, it is a process with both epic days and temporary setbacks – however the early signs are superb.

Several whales in the outer gulf are feeding on krill but others and larger pods of common dolphins are hunting high-energy baitfish – an absolute bonanza for Spring fishing when the big hunt is on.

These epic workups move around a lot, so one day here, the next over there, maybe 20nm away in any direction.

Expectations are high for continued action around the outer channels, the Colville, Craddock and Jellicoe where there has been some very perky fishing scenes this past week, a good place to be and keep an eye on.

Out over the open grazing snapper fields closer in, the middle ground, there have been some temporary gulf inhabitants like the amazing looking frost fish.

It’s a slower bite fishing the middle ground right now, but still good pannies are to be caught with a slow drift and a slow steady retrieve.

The pale, white almost mushy flesh of some snapper compared to others is generally a sign of poor nutrition and subsequent condition, nothing wrong with eating them.

Bigger slow pitch jigs will come even more into their own as Spring progresses, more fish and more competition for food can mean very aggressive fish feeding. So when the bite is on, forget about the mild mannered Freestyle Kaburas (ideal for when it’s a slow bite but can be counter-productive when the amp is turned up) go for good hard metal lures, and well designed slow pitch jigs like the BOSS , Double Trouble or Deep-V  the strikes are intense and the fish size impressive.

Combined with either the Kensei150g or the new upsized Kensei250g Slow Pitch rod the next level of fishing adventure and enjoyment is here.

Tick tock the Spring clock and with it the thrills and adventures of fine weather fishing are upon us, sure not every day but the good ones are increasing, preparation is key.

Whanganui Hot Spot! If you’re if the area on Sept 30 – great news, a 100% lure fishing seminar is ON! Marine Services Whanganui, Sept 30th, 6pm.

Whether you are a novice or experienced angler – there’s always plenty to add to your fishing knowledge about how and where to use slow pitch jigs and softbaits for kingfish, ‘puka, snapper, cod.

Come along and see for yourself what the different jigs and lures look like when you move them in the jig tank i.e. what the fish actually see, and 50m down as well – a real gamechanger! It’s free too. Half a chance – see you there.

Cheers

Espresso

This report is supplied by Grant 'Espresso' Bittle from Catch and Wave Dancer Charters.

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

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