If it’s sporting action you’re looking for, there’s no shortage at the moment. And out on New Zealand’s waters, workups are providing some great action.

Rugby, golf, sailing –  the list of fanatically enjoyed sports is a long one with amazingly passionate participants and followers alike worldwide. And so it is with fishing, we just can’t ever seem to get enough. The current weather here in New Zealand certainly isn’t helping to ease the need for a fishing fix. However there is always a silver lining. 

When the winds abate the fishing is good, mostly very good. Sea temperatures are still clinging on to 16c in many parts of the Hauraki Gulf. As with elsewhere around the North Island. Early winter activity has been simply superb. Not every time but on most days it has been a thrill and a half to be out there in amongst exciting fishing scenes.

Workups are still providing some thumping great action for the adrenaline junkies.

Whether out there chasing down the action on power boats, jet skis and suchlike, action can be found in 45-50m mostly. Productive workups have been of several kinds. Some indicated by widespread gannets moving around a wide area diving here and there. This has been both out wider and incredibly close to several shorelines. Kingfish are hounding pilchards making for fast moving workups. Anglers require the associated speed to stay in touch with the kingfish schools as they move around after their prey incredibly fast. Hooking into these kingfish schools whether using jigs or top water lures is a guaranteed thrill. Arms and tackle at full stretch!

While there may be snapper around this style of workup, the more productive workups for the red brigade are with dolphins and/or whales feeding on baitfish. These workups tend to attract and congregate snapper in greater numbers. Either underneath or even better, down current. Down current is often where more snapper and less kahawai hang out, feeding on the massive burley trail created by the feeding mammals above. 

Inshore fishing around the Waitemata has calmed down a fair bit in terms of snapper. However gurnard, kahawai and some monster mackerel are in good numbers. All are well worth targeting from whatever size water craft you have access to (yours or your mates!). Two options here – anchoring and bring fish to you with lots of burley, or have a look around for seabirds and drift the area. Both methods are turning up good fish, including the very desirable John Dory.

A few days of windy weather does provide the necessary time to make sure you have the right stuff ready to go. Gas the boat up, sort fishing gear so it’s ready and to be able to drop a line straight away. Make sure you are 100% primed and ready for your next fishin’ mission. You never know how soon it could be, be prepared – then just go and do it!

Cheers

Espresso.

Extreme Boats   Catch Fishing   Honda Marine New Zealand    Furuno New Zealand    Savwinch Drum Winches    Isuzu Utes New Zealand Ltd