Skipjack tuna on light tackle. Commonly referred to in fishing circles as ‘skippies’, the excitement these fish provide anglers when caught on light gear is second to none.

Skipjack tuna are on the rampaging increase, especially out further in the gulf, pure fishing bliss hearing those reels scream at full revs when these fish strike, and then a battle all the way to the boat. Tuna will race across the surface in all directions then dive under the boat, an amazing tussle. Enjoy using your light tackle on these spectacular coloured bullets.

Snapper are still biting albeit inconsistently, the main thing has been to be out there offering well-presented smaller baits most of the time. Even when the feeding switch has been flicked on, be wary of going too big at this time of year, short sharp snacks are what they seem to be interested in. The inner areas are responding to softbaits being grubbed along the sea floor (Rangi and Motuhie channel type areas) without a great deal of movement, just little blips and get ready to set the hook on the take. A second ‘stinger’ hook in the tail is a good idea to avoid bite-offs.

Kingfish still provide the thrill, best bets have been the normal areas around structure like Anchorite Rock, Flat Rock, Channel Island, Gannet Rock. Try topwater when you find them, the kings are into them at the moment.

Upper Firth and Hauraki Gulf areas.

The upper Firth has had a number of kahawai schools venture in, with a few of the big boys in tow, kingfish. Great fun either way, your choice of tactics to catch them. Out in the middle ground has been slow most of the time, more of slow ‘n steady approach to snapper on the drift out there in 40-45m.

Workups have been heartening to observe, they can be fleeting right now out in the middle to outer gulf, so be Johnny-on-the-spot i.e. if they are close enough be there fast, if not, just cruise the area checking your sounder. You should find both bait schools and predators very near-by so stop and drop a genuine Kabura with it’s buoyant skirts and do very little to the rod, very slow movements will get bites. Always have a bigger temptation down there – try a heavier lure with skirts and leave that in the rod holder, something in the 100-200gm range should keep it near the bottom as you drift along (not too much angle of line out the back). A Squidwing is a great example of what works well. Back the drag off a bit, put the clicker on if you wish and get on with other things – let the fish be the judge.

Pro Tip: Always have a bigger temptation down there – try a heavier lure with skirts and leave that in the rod holder as you drift along.

Have fun no matter what fish species you are after, they are out there waiting for you, and with the heat at the moment – less lawns to mow, so go!

Espresso.

Catch Fishing / Wave Dancer / Extreme Boats / Honda Marine New Zealand / Savwinch Drum Winches / Isuzu Utes New Zealand Ltd / Oakley / Musto Australasia / Furuno NZ