Catch Fishing talks to Cam Allen on the current state of play in the Hauraki Gulf, apparently it’s all about kingfish.

For Cam Allen, skipper of Wave Dancer Charters’ Extreme 850 Centre-Console, the last couple of weeks have been all about kingfish.

The sheer abundance of these fish in the small to mid-sized range underlines how well the species is recovering.

With the inner Gulf full of large, yellowtail mackerel schools, supplying the boat’s livewell tank has been easy. These perfect baits are proving key to the kingfish fishing further north towards Flat Rock.

The best fishing has been on the change of tide, with guests of the charter boat enjoying solid action most days. In Cam’s words, the kingi fishing’s been so consistent it’s pretty hard to justify chasing much else.

In addition to the hot kingi action, a few snapper can be found under the bait schools, usually further out in water up to 48-metres. The most productive line has been adjacent to Kawau Island but this will shift as water continues to warm.

In terms of gannet work-ups, the entrance to the Firth of Thames around Gannet Rock at the top of Waiheke Island has been the most consistent. That said, this action has been short and sporadic.

Cam expects much of the same for the two or three weeks.  Once we get closer to Autumn, when the serious work-ups start, the snapper fishing should fire up again.

NOTE: Since we spoke to Cam he’s caught a striped marlin (see gallery below). We look forward to hearing more from that story.