Workups erupting in full force in the Hauraki Gulf and the arrival of bluefin tuna at Waihau Bay. It’s glorious winter fishing!

Inshore areas have been showing off at times this week. The welcome surprise of seeing the sea surface appearing alive, and alive it has been with plenty of workups.

North Shore bays, Whangaparaoa peninsula, Whangaparaoa bay and many other shorelines around the coastline have been absolutely alive. Thousands of terns and petrels in low flying squadrons with incredible scenes of sea life. Yet at other times you wonder how and where they have ‘disappeared’ to. Mackerel and kahawai in these areas can be prolific. Providing a welcome fishing fix for land based and small boat fishing, all so close to shore. Fish schools tend to move along quickly. But they circle back around the areas as the baitfish do their best to avoid the predators from both above and below. Therefore, one great idea is to do an anchor session in the general area. Time the tide and wind and you’ll be kept busy with fish of all sorts. Who knows but potentially kahawai, snapper, gurnard, mackerel and John Dory (great on a live mackerel just caught).

Further afield the fishing has been truly exciting.

With eye popping workups erupting in full force, consequently you know there is plenty of action happening under the surface. The big mammals have been on the rampage and keeping fed for the winter chill. After all their blood temperature is the same as ours, so they need to burn fuel to stay warm out there. Whales and dolphins have been in a full-on fishing mode of their own. Bailing up pilchard schools into baitballs and feasting. Northern Tiri, Eastern Kawau, around Anchorite Rock, southern Barrier/Pigeons have all had their share of excitement with solid sized kingfish and snapper.

The sights, the anticipation, the tension building as the lures drop, the birds in the air making that beautiful fish-found sound….SMACK, and you’re on. The line strains, the drag burns and your eyes widen…. Nothing like the thrills of hooking up, the first sight of the fish as ‘colour’ is seen and the elation of landing your fish. No matter what the species, where you fish, or what you fish off. Exciting times.

Here’s something to help you keep your fish hooked so you lose less fish. The first and second runs are usually quite fast. Let them run with the drag if you can. When you’re retrieving the fish lift your rod, but not too high. Wind on the way down. But don’t drop your rod too fast, which can cause slack line. This is when you’ll tend to drop the fish. Avoid slack line and keep a bend in your rod at all times.

So whether you’re off down to Waihau Bay chasing Bluefin Tuna, or staying local, the scene has certainly been set for some glorious winter fishing times. You just need to get the right gear and be out there doing it!

Cheers,

Espresso.