Gurnard are undoubtedly one of the best eating fish we can catch in NZ inshore waters.

Granted, they are not amazing fighters, and they don't even get that big, they are pretty to look at, make you feel guilty with their grunting complaints, and can be bloody hard to kill with their bony head, so you might want to put them to 'sleep' in some salt ice slurry.

What they do offer, is a damn fine fillet that stays well in the fridge for several days, freezes and thaws in great shape, and can be cooked in the pan just about any which way and taste sensational.

Targeting gurnard on stray line rigs is perhaps the best way to target them in the Manukau Harbour, especially if the water is murky and they are relying on smell rather than sight.

Here is our renown gurnard guru Mr 'Smudge' Parker himself, with a video explanation of his go-to rig.

For a further insight, you can check out a full article on targeting gurnard by Smudge HERE:

Gurnard season approaching!

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Good luck out there and stay safe.

Smudge.

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This Manukau / Auckland west coast report is supplied by Michael "Smudge" Parker and supports the Counties Sportfishing Club​

For more information on the Counties Sportfishing Club visit its website here.

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