Whales full-on feeding are having an epic time both in the Hauraki gulf and
the outer regions, gorging on baitfish too which is great news for us! Spring can be an intense time out there, workups are hammering in out in 50m, small to medium, and thereโs been a few big snapper (over 20lb) caught out by the gates, the channels of Jellicoe, Craddock and Colville are fishing well and not necessarily where the surface action is. These gates are the aquatic equivalent of a classic Western movieโs bar โ swing doors, and now itโs Happy Hour with the doors pushed wide open with an influx of fish patrons, all arriving for a good time.
It can be easy to over fish by getting too excited when the going is good, just know the various limits and no-fishing cable zones, and hopefully a few of the ways and techniques to avoid catching undersize fish over previous Espresso Reports. Ever tried the magic monster 200gm or 500gm Giant Squidwings for snapper!? Target those really big snapper down below when theyโre hot on the chew โ let the fish be the judge.
Snapper catch nearing limit or you have enough for your requirements? Try a big Slow Pitch or Mechanical jig. Drop your jig to just over half depth to avoid the snapper and target kingfish in the top half, 2/3rds only of the water column ๐, and hang on tight! If you tow a diving bibbed vibrating lure targeting kingiโs whether open ground or near structure, try adding that trolling 200gm trolling Squidwings further back. The Squidwing be skimming the surface sending up itโs fish attracting spray, but with an easy-eat stable running option, makes good use of a rest from snapper fishing workups say. A bite to eat and a coffee as you troll along at a smooth pace, with the clicker on, ready for that strike – sounds ideal. Mix up your approach out there, it is the time to experience new things.
Do you want to fish like a pro, or simply catch better fish? Keen on Softbaits and Slow Pitch jigging? Save yourself a LOT of time, money and effort finding out the hard way โ coaching seminars on how to, where and why are onโฆthis very weekend in Taupo โ The Encore Softbaits and Slow Pitch Saturday 22nd 10:00-11am Trev Terry Marine, also the North Shore Kayak Fishing Club Softbait and Slow Pitch seminar 26th October 19:30-20:30, one in Tauranga in November (details TBA). Make this summerโs fishing THE ONE TO REMEMBER! ๐
Water temps are climbing and so are the snapper numbers keen to feed โ it is time to go fish hunting with big expectations from bigger lures and more aggressive fishing styles and actions, helping to attract the big reds, with a few big green machines (kingis) thrown in for good measure. Tidal current is calming well down โ making for calmer surface conditions with any given wind. Enjoy.
Espresso.
