However, it does pay to identify some good sign on the sounder, or your day can be rather slow.

Just look for the first nice red lump on your sounder and it will generally be very fast and furious fishing.

You will have to have a look around and be patient, but it is definitely worth it.

In general, not much in the way of bycatch at the moment but still a few gurnard about. Kahawai can be a nuisance in numbers, and one way to help avoid them is by not using flasher rigs or shiny lures.

We have had the odd person cut the bling off their rigs to lesson the kahawai with some success.

Still the best bait for snaps has to be kahawai and barrcoutta, fresh or frozen.

Our summer friends the Mako sharks have turned up, and although always an impressive sight, they can tax quite a bit of gear in a very short time.

The weather over the weekend is looking pretty sharp so get out there, or join us and have a crack.

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Rob Fitzgerald is owner and skipper of Venturer Fishing Charters, operating out of Kawhia.

Venturer fishing charters

Check Venturer Fishing Charters Kawhia out on Facebook or online - www.venturerfishingcharterskawhia.co.nz

For tackle, tips and charter options contact Rob Fitzgerald.

Ph 07 8711717 or 0272544589 or email robjac@xtra.co.nz

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