Sorry crew, it’s been a while since the last report—it's been pretty busy on the fishing front, and the year is slipping past quickly. March already!

Summer has been quite different for snapper, with fish not in their usual spots and moving around a lot. We've really had to work for great results this season. On the other hand, game fishing has been crazy, and there should be plenty more good action through to mid-April, I’d guess.

Currently, snapper fishing has been going great, especially in shallow water—just 10 metres deep—provided the swell isn’t too big. The schools are very spread out, so you just have to scout around to find them. Most fish coming up are 30–50 cm, just good pannies, but there are a few big boys hanging around as well. They seem to be feeding on crabs and snapper biscuits, with green lips from eating them—and it's coming out the other end too!

Not much in the way of bycatch, as the snapper, once found, are biting like crazy, with limits reached within a few hours. They’re not too fussy on bait flavour, but barracouta and fresh kahawai seem to be working best. This type of fishing should hang around for the next month or so. Kawhia Harbour has also been fishing well from what I’ve heard, with a few snapper even being caught off the wharf.

Game fishing is still going strong. Marlin seem to be spread out across all depths, from 30 to 100-plus metres, with deeper water probably being more consistent, but they’re turning up everywhere. Yellowfin and bluefin tuna are hanging around 30–50 metres, with regular sightings in these areas—most weighing around 20–30 kg.

Good luck out there—cheers!

Kind regards,
Rob & Jacqui Fitzgerald
Venturer Fishing Charters

www.venturerfishingcharterskawhia.co.nz
07 871 1717 | 027 254 4589