Snapper had a well-deserved break from front line action, although most of the better sized fish came from inner shallow areas – Rangitoto for instance, yes just off the America’s Cup course! The activity both human and otherwise was quite evident the western side of the volcano, hilarious fun catching prime snapper with all the adrenaline-fuelled yachting close by.

The smaller softbaits like a Glowing Gurnard curly tail or microjig (lead or alloy) working their magic on some very good pannies. Inner areas – just check for the terns, and don’t necessarily chase them, fish the area for both kahawai and snapper, place like western Rangitoto and just out from the no go zones along the North Shore Bays up to nearly Long Bay.

Snapper are of course just generally hanging out right now, a bit neither here nor there attitude. Other species are fair game, big game to little game, marlin and tuna out by Barrier, Cuvier, Mokes, or closer to home with trevally, gurnard, kingfish and John Dory out there waiting for your lure temptation to appear before them.

Midground fishing is ideal for a steady variety, gurnard, trevally and snapper.

Smaller faster workups have been just SSW of Anchorite, and even when they are not evident, the baitfish are, fish on the drift and you should be getting a nice steady mixed bag of fish, use a variety of good lures when more than one fishing from the same boat.

Further afield between Flat Rock and Little Barrier is a lot of baitfish, mostly unattended by predators last week, that will change – so expect some workups in the area and skipjack to make their presence known.

So what does 50m deep out in the Hauraki Gulf look like, with a softbait? Well here it is - exactly what a curly tail LIVIE softbait looks like, mounted on the renowned Stingaz jighead - check out the real deal for yourself! https://youtu.be/QjThFBw6QBo

Along the southern side of Gt Barrier there has been some fascinating surface activity with whales feeding on krill, lots of terns working the surface – but not much underneath in terms of what we’re after.

I suspect that will also change very shortly with kingfish especially making the most of other baitfish balls seen on the sounder along that southern coast.

The kingfish even had a some sleep-ins last week, but that tidal increase should fire them up more, time to get your tackle primed and ready for these big green machines.

Overall go small – smaller offerings, less lure movement – just teasing tempting the inquisitive bite a lot of the time and you’ll end up with some beautifully fresh fish.

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

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For Wave Dancer Charters: Visit www.wavedancer.co.nz to make a booking

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