After a few hiccups with skin treatment due to prolonged sun exposure, we are now back and busy whenever the weather permits.

Our recent charters have been a mix, with some average and others fantastic, featuring plenty of tarakihi action on certain days, though not consistently. While the snapper fishing out wide hasn't yielded many large fish, with many small ones being returned, Motiti Island has been productive, offering nice pannie fish in the 18 to 20-metre areas on the edge of the kelp. The water temperature is gradually increasing, now at 17.5 degrees, and we're starting to see some clearer, bluer water.

In the Rangatira areas, we've encountered some nice albacore and bluenose, as well as a couple of yellowfin tuna around the fifty-kilogram mark, which bodes well for the upcoming summer season. Additionally, there have been a few schools of kahawai drifting through, starting to congregate around reef areas that, regrettably, we are unable to fish due to Marine Protected Areas covering significant reef zones like Schooner Rock, Astrolabe, Plate Island, and the Okaparu Reef, spanning over 63 square kilometres. Our only options are The Pinnacles, Penguin Shoals, and Mayor Island, weather permitting.

Bronze whaler sharks have returned to the harbour, with groups of up to seven spotted near the boat on the edge of the main shipping channel, much to the excitement of our clients. The harbour continues to fish well, especially during tides either side of high or low, with some very nice trevally even right at the harbour entrance.

Please be mindful of shipping, especially during tide changes. I recently observed a diver without a dive flag, even though their support boat was nearby. Situations can change rapidly, so caution is advised.

That's all for now, but wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy the ocean whenever you can.

Cheers,

Russ Hawkins

Facebook Fat Boy Charters Ltd