Birds, natures fish finders.

Look for the birds, those little white terns flitting about often barely given a glance. You can see them easily from so many shorelines at the moment. Even though the wind has been very strong, small flocks of these birds are still around. These strong winds have been keeping many anglers mooching around the house the last several days. But as always, things change and fine weather beckons after some torrential downpours.

White terns are also commonly known as kahawai birds as they are generally over tiny baitfish that kahawai are after. A great way to target these fish, some of which are true monsters. And lurking close by, more often than not, are the kingfish.

Troll a top water lure e.g. Squidwings at the end of the bubble trail of your prop, or slow troll a mackerel live-bait. Or why not throw a top-water stickbait or Squidwing. All are good techniques, and the best thing is that this fishing is often NOT necessarily weather dependent. Even when at first (grumpy) glance the forecast is too windy, perhaps think again. These little white terns are close enough to shore. In and around the gulf and so many places around NZ there is a leeside to an island or peninsula or similar. This provides smooth enough water even for small boats, kayaks etc to quietly nudge out and target our world renowned yellow tailed kingfish.

Good snapper are being caught out between Anchorite and Great Barrier, as well as some skipjack when the weather does allow. By the lack of gannets in their nests, they’re out and about doing their thing for those workup addicted.

Even the marlin are closer in, closer in than many would let on…so I hear.

The water is clearing fast after the recent rainy season (?!), and this can be a great time for fishing. The air is cooling but the sea isn’t. A favourite time of year for mackerel to marlin, skipjack, kingfish, snapper, and kahawai.

Right that’s enough, let’s just go!

Espresso.