The lunar eclipse slid by without a hitch, and generally speaking the fishing remained in good form.
Shoreline workups have been extremely captivating when encountered in full swing, with kingfish and/or dolphins chasing pilchards right into the shallows, they have been a spectacle and a half. Northern Waiheke and southern Gt Barrier have mirrored each other across the seemingly rather barren expanse of the gulf, however due to the time of year the bigger kingfish and snapper have been hanging out more the wider you go. There have been a few days lately however when the fish are thick on the sounder yet not keen to bite, even if you have travelled a long way.
The quiet times are the realm of kaburas and small soft baits, as light and gently presented as possible makes a big difference. If you want to catch gurnard they can be readily targeted when the snapper bite just isnโt happening. Using lures well behind when drifting, or by cast and slow retrieve when anchored โ both let the lures grub along the sea floor which is ideal for catching gurnard. Most of the Hauraki Gulf has gurnard and theyโre definitely worth targeting.
West and SW winds predominate, so fishing with the outgoing tide makes for much calmer fishing conditions than on the incoming, whether in close or out wide.
Have a look at this weeks Where’s The Fish video ‘How to Catch gurnard with lures’ for a few more tips on how to target and catch gurnard.
Enjoy your winter fishing, the days are getting longer now which means more fishing time.
Espresso.
Catch Fishing / Wave Dancer / Extreme Boats / Honda Marine New Zealand / Isuzu Utes New Zealand Ltd
