We're seeing good sized snapper and in good numbers.  The most productive grounds seem to still be in the 50 - 60 metre mark which we expect will be the case for a few weeks yet..

Both methods seem to be working depending on your preference.  That is, anchoring up and getting dropper rigs down, or drifting and using jigs such as kaburas, inchikus and slow pitch patterns.

The west coast is one place where, contrary to how they are supposed to be fished, jigs can be really effective at anchor.  If there are a few of you fishing and the action starts heating up at bite time, we were out and literally watched the fish build up in a pyramid on the sounder and you could drop anything and hook up immediately.  Big snapper and the odd kingfish, but unbelievable action we've not experienced anywhere else.  Although we were with an experienced charter skipper who had his favourite spots, I see no reason that this would not work wherever you find fish out there currently.  Perhaps the lack of bottom structure and all the flashing lures and fish attracted more predators to the commotion, who knows.

Saturday looks like the best short term option to get out as it's a North east gusting only 12 knots and a high tide for bar crossing at 08.30.

Later in the week the wind turns south west so weekenders get the weather this time.

If you are committed to staying in the harbour there are plenty of good gurnard and trevally to be caught.  Trevally love small shiney jigs so try a bit of micro jig action and you may pick up some kahawai and snapper while you're down there.

As per our report last week, kingfish aren’t far away and you can fish the shallows on an incoming tide to target them.