Changeable weather and changeable bite times. The weather with it’s massive swings in mood – several in the same day at times, along with aggressive and subtle bite times. Being prepared with a variety in lures ensures that no matter what time you happen to be there, you can come home with some beautiful fresh fish.
Land, sea and air activities are all in full Spring swing. Wildlife of all kinds are making their shift to Spring mode and this usually means good things!
Where’s The Fish?
Snapper seem to be well into the early stages of spawning, early this year by a number of weeks.ย Wide areas of workup style furore stretching from Whangaparaoa Bay right across the top of Waiheke on some days. This surface commotion highlights the wonderful sights and sounds of Spring fishing. Naturally there will be times of rest, siesta and digestion. Previously the morning was the time to be out there as afternoon siestas by all concerned was the norm. This feeding and fish catching timing will no doubt will change. However most days there will be several hours of good feeding going on.
Kingfish are always a thrill, expected or not. Feeding on pilchard schools they can get really worked up themselves, yet a bit finicky on the bite. Best thing is to try very different lures to see what catches their eye enough to strike, even when not actively feeding. Speed or mechanical jigs, top water, slow pitch, inchiku and even Kabura can tip the scales in your favour. Be prepared with a variety of offerings before heading out.
Dory, gurnard and some surprisingly large snapper around the 60cm mark are also being caught in close, along the North Shore Bays for instance. Early morning being the key here. Other shorelines no doubt have their hot spots. However it’s more of a case of being there and presenting a life-like softbait, too much temptation for a hungry fish.
And while many workup hunters are doing their thing, it is still a good idea simply to anchor or drift in the 35-40m zones. Simply present various menu items and enjoy both a steady flow of fish, and variety of species too.ย The inner channels are starting to hold some very good snapper specimens, softbait and micro jig heaven.
It is such a great time of year to be fishing!
With both aggressive and subtle bite times, a variety in lures ensures that no matter what time you happen to be there and what catches the fishes eye, you can come home with some beautiful fresh fish.
Enjoy, Espresso.
