The chase is on. Above the surface fishermen are in search of the fish, following the tell-tale signs of working birds and dolphins. While underneath, havoc reigns as bait schools are smashed from all directions.

Kingfish

Sharks have a regular diet of kingfish at Anchorite rock. Most bite-sized kings (for a Bronze Whaler) are presented on the end of a thin tether for them. Yes lots of schooling kingfish there and the sharks seem to be waiting for anglers to arrive and provide lunch. Better luck at landing a struggling kingfish may be had elsewhere like Channel or Horn or even Flat Rock. The inner islands around Davids/Noises are a good place to have a look at. If there are flurries of terns concentrated there may well be a school of kingfish on the hunt. This is top water bliss as they move in and around the rocky terrain. Similarly along the Whangaparaoa coastline, mainly southside which has helped during the recent northerlies. A lot of baitfish with attention from mackerel, kahawai and in tow some reasonable snapper too. It will take a bit of hunting around though as the bait schools pop up several hundred metres away from where they last were. The big chase is on underneath the serene surface.

What type of lure to use in this situation?

A little darting softbait, perhaps the baby kahawai coloured ‘Livie’ softbait for instance. Or a Lil’ Squidwing either trolled, blipped/dragged along near the bottom. Or a micro-jig (zinc alloy Baby Boss for lighter longer drops?). Fun times, close and challenging fun particularly on light tackle.

Snapper

The workup scene has seen a lot of splinter groups. Smaller attack pods of dolphins spread out over wider areas, rather than big congregations. Which can often mean moving goalposts in terms of snapper presence underneath. The 40-44m depth is doing well. Lots of attention from north of Tiri right across to mid Waiheke, spread out fast ‘n furious eruptions. Further out more by Anchorite some of the little hot-spots can hold for a longer bringing in bigger models of snapper. So it’s a bit of a dice roll, stay in closer, or head out for a bigger pot-o-gold? When it’s on the snapper are feeding ferociously so a big, fluttering meal is ideal.

Which  lure to use?

The new Deep-V slow pitch jig is ideal in situations when the snapper are feeding ferociously. Target those extra-big red snapper and kings at the same time with it’s sideways wafting faltering fall.  Or if it’s quieter, a steady drift fish with the famous Whitewarrior Kabura. The slow drift the smaller sizes been the stand-out winner making the difference between heading home grumbling about stupid fish, or heading home planning the fresh fish dinner. Whether you prefer the original Freestyle Kabura or the new Beady Eye Kabura. Easy.

Bite times?

The change of tide in the morning and evening has been great for fishing at those times, however during the day there can be long waits or short sharp bursts of bite. With the high tide more towards midday coming up – this should make for some even more rewarding fishing for many, particularly the workups. Check out the bite times on our website.

It’s action a plenty… False Killer whales leaping around (no small feat!) enthralling lucky onlookers in the Hauraki Gulf. Black marlin spied scything through the Gulf’s water with the striped variety not far from Gt. Barrier outer shores as well! And then there’s a jelly-fish bloom happening around various inner Auckland shorelines and bays, the summer heat is turned to ‘High’.

Enjoy!

Espresso.

 

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