Hot winter fishing has been the norm for Espresso lately, with solid kingfish, thumping great snapper, monster gurnard, frost fish and more clambering for their right to bite.

And with so many styles lures and jigs available to target each species it pays to ensure your leader is tied to the correct point, maximising its fish catching ability. The video below is an easy guide on where to tie leaders to various jig and lure types – like slow pitch, speed jigs, kabura and microjigs.

The fishing

Out in 50m, the kingfish fishing is excellent; they’ll let you know when they’re ready. Whether topwater, speed jigging, slow pitch or even micro jigs, variety seems to be key when it comes to choosing a method. Experiment with a few until the bite starts and don’t be afraid to switch if it slows down.  

Also out wider the snapper bite has been one to enjoy. Fish after solid fish hitting lures on the drop, well up off the sea floor. With the current bite, it pays to retrieve slowly – big snapper will hit hard 20m off the bottom. These fish are both big and unusually ferocious at the moment.

Monster gurnard, big West Coast-like models, have been a delight to catch out past the 45m mark. These great looking fish are an eye-opening thrill for any young angler and certainly appreciated at home, crumbed, sashimi, crispy battered or whichever is your favourite.

The workup action is still close to the Great Barrier shoreline but also off the top of the Firth of Thames. The whales are also present now and then.

Closer to home the fishing has quietened down to the usual winter levels, however, the transition to Spring has started, so pay attention to the signs and expect to see closer action on the back of any warmer northerly blow. 

If you aren’t out enjoying the winter fishing, you’re missing out, so a plan a trip soon. Worst case, get your at together for  Spring fishing, right!? It’s going to be a goodie!