Whitianga Fishing Report
26th of July
There were a lot of boats out last weekend and during the week and whilst yesterday seemed a bit slow the previous days were very productive.
Of special note was the fish caught by Johnny Monrad last weekend. A 13.97 kg snapper on 15 kg caught in FISHGRID.com (in the general vicinity of the Twins). The second heaviest snapper recorded at the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club was caught on 15kg line and weighed in at 13.97 kg. It was caught in the general vicinity of the Twins (FISHGRID.com). The heaviest snapper was a 14.1kg monster caught by John Ellwood on 15kg in 2001.
From all accounts there are plenty of good fish lurking around most of the reef structures but some time drifting or berleying up on the sand might well see you attached to something full sized.
By Samantha McPherson
31st May
Many people will be welcoming the rain but for those fishing in the river and out in the Bay will no doubt see their activities slow down as the result of the effects of fresh water. Those fishing close to home will no doubt be looking for the tide lines and setting their lines, nets and hooks alongside.
The commercial boys have been going great when they can get out, with some good catches out on the 140 metre line. There has been a lot of snapper caught on the sand and along the edges of reef structures so a trip through Wigmores and a fish in the open water might be worth a try. Hot Water beach has been holding plenty of gurnard so there are a few options close to home providing the weather breaks for long enough to get out.
By Samantha McPherson.
28th May
There has been plenty of success this week in Whitianga and once conditions improve early next week we should hopefully see more of the same.
The Kuoatunu Reef and Blackjack areas have been fishing extra well at last light. Whilst there have been no reports of trophy snapper there is no shortage of prime eaters. This side of Centre Island, out in the bay the fishing has been very productive.
Again, first and last light has been the time to get a fish bin full of snapper but for those who like to do things in a more leisurely way a midday-ish fish will see you with a few snapper, gurnard and john dory. A long line will certainly see you with enough fish for tea.
There has been a continuation of good reports from those fishing the river. Anywhere from the harbour entrance up to Hodges Bay will see you with a bend in your rod. Out on the Pins, the kingies are about in good numbers with plenty of 30kg modules to keep you honest. They are not as keen on the jigs as they are on live baits. For those fishing along the reef edges or on the sand, baby squid, fresh cut baits and pillies are all attracting the fish.
Bay of Plenty Fly Fishing Report
31st December
Welcome to my first column. In each I will try and give you current and advanced conditions where and when. Hopefully I can cover the big two Taupo and Rotorua plus my local area, Western Bay of Plenty.
Taupo is moving into summer smelting season also the green beetles are on the move, trollers and jiggers will be catered for over the summer with the Western Bays, Horomatangi reef area plus Tokaanu and Stump bay are all popular areas.
The stream mouths are coming into there own mainly at night with lumo or dark flies. The Kuratau Spit fished during the day with boobies can produce at times, although other uses may complicate things.
Try the Tongariro morning and evening fishing dry or caddis flys, also the traditional rig with a small natural below your bomb.
Rotorua is starting its warm weather phase, as the big lake heats up the cold stream mouths, Hamurana, Awahou, Wai-titi and Ngongataha start to fire with the big browns making there appearance. Try smelt flys at the mouths, grey ghost, silicon smelt and the like, and at night big dark wooly buggers for traditionals craigs night time scotch poacher, or red setter. The Ngongataha is the major brown fishery but you will have the pleasure of heaps of company. Look for undisturbered pools and fish all the dark deep corners. Heavy trace 10lb plus and large nymphs (size 8 or 10) hare and copper or the like.
Locally the Ohinemuri and Waitawheta fish well although local knowledge plays it part. A dropping river fished down and across with wee wets or smallish olive wolly bugger can be interesting. During the day fish will come up to a adams or royal wulff fished with a lightly weighted nymph about one mitre below. There can also be a good evening rise on the lower Ohinemuri.
Ian Gibbs.
The writer Ian Gibbs lives in katikati and operates Guiding Service in the area's mentioned. Can be found on his web page http://www.bayofplentyfishingguide.co.nz
Coromandel Sugar Loaf Report
1st December
Well it's nearly Xmas. Where has the year gone? It's tackel box time and time to give your boat a good going over.
1 - Check motor, if not used for a while get it serviced as i have seen so many boatys at the ramp and motor won't go. Why spoil a good day? Check it before you leave home (it only takes a minute or two) and while you are at it check the steering as the grease goes hard over time.
2 - Make sure you have enough life jackets for every passenger as you will be checked at the ramp (new law).
3 - Flares & radio VHF or mobile phone, and first aid kit.
4 - Sun hat and sun lotion. Put it on if you dont want to look like a beetroot. Make sure you have enough fuel for the day!
Now down to the real stuff - fishing.
At Coromandel Ramp (the sugar loaf) there has been alot of good size Snapper coming in, from 10lb up to 20lb which we were lucky to bring aboard last Saturday. Very good condition fish this time of year as they are all fat getting ready to spawn.
At present the fish are up near Deadmans point in the mussels farms but also out at the 40m drop off, and respond to a good berly trail.
Baits. Mullet takes alot of beating as it stays on but you have to work your line as they will suck it and you wont feel the bite. Therefore just wind in slowly and if you feel a little weight strike it and you will have him in the bin.
The water is slowly warming up and the Snapper will be in the harbour very soon. Don't motor past them as its only a few minutes to the first mussel farm. By the way, DON'T use your anchor to hook up on the mussel ropes, use a rope or a special clip on hook as the mussel farmers will come down on you like a pile of bricks. Please respect their business as one can spoil it for others.
Ramp Fees for 2010: yearly $65, day ticket $6.
If you want up to date info ask Allan (ramp warden) or myself when I am on duty as we are only too pleased to help.
Tight lines boys and good luck!
Bill Nohopa.
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