As Grant Bittle points out, the weather’s been far from conducive for the usual Hauraki Gulf drift-fish techniques. That said, it is the perfect time of year for experimenting closer to shore with smaller kaburas and micro-jigs.

In his own words, the advantage goes to small boats and kayaks from their stealth factor or even the land-based fishers, who’ve enjoyed some very favourable morning and evening tides.

Beat the easterly

When it’s blowing from the east, Grant recommends considering the western side of Kawau, Rangitoto and the downtown area of the CBD. If conditions don’t suit drifting, try anchoring and berleying up a storm. Working a few micro-jigs around the boat will catch you plenty of fish, if they are around.

It’s worth remembering that the inner harbour areas will only hold fish for a few more weeks, so now’s your chance to target a tasty feed 2-minutes from the boat ramp.

Kingfish should bite

One upside of this week’s passing tropical depression is likely to be a very significant swell. When treated with a seafarer’s care, these swells often bring the bigger kingfish on the bite in any location producing plenty of white-water. From a safety point of view, there’s no need to get right into it, just work the edges from a safe distance with castable lures or livebaits.

As for the rest of the April and early May? Anchovy schools are likely to remain an important part of the food chain so get the micro-jigs out at every reasonable opportunity. We certainly will be with the weather looking up next week.