THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS
1 Fisherman Island Off the green navigation symbol to the south east of the island there is excellent snapper fishing during summer. Snorkelling around the rocks is very scenic. This area offers good spear fishing opportunities with the occasional crayfish.
2 Adele Island A good free diving spot for crayfish all round the coastline and reefs offshore.
It’s worth targeting tarakihi off the north of the island where snapper are also found in summer.
3 Six Foot Rock This rock just north of Adele Island, fishes well year round for tarakihi and the occasional blue cod. Fish late summer for snapper and good results for gurnard have been had further out from the rock over the sand from February onwards.
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4 Hapuku Reef
6 Bark Bay
Situated at the start of what the locals call the Mad Mile, and for very good reason. The currents through here can be quite strong and when the nor’wester comes in it cuts up. The reef drops quickly onto a muddy bottom and fishing close in will produce snapper and a variety of other species.
Access for land based again via the coastal track. Limited rock fishing, so mainly suited to boat access. Borders the marine reserve and produces snapper, kahawai, tarakihi and a few blue moki. Kingfish patrol these waters from mid-summer and are best taken on heavy tackle with medium to large live baits or troliing lures. Paddle crabs are plentiful at low tide.
5 Pitt Head Moderate fishing from the beach late in the evening, but good light tackle fishing from around the rocks. On the main coastline, small blue cod are occasionally caught. Late summer target cruising kingfish. Free diving for crayfish around coastal margin.
Coastal Waters Between 5 and 6
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This stretch of coast is good for kahawai in late summer and early autumn. It’s also proven setline territory for snapper. This area is also well worth checking out for free diving for crayfish and moki. Any of the headlands or drop-offs with currents are known to hold populations of cruising kingfish from spring through to mid autumn. The area also provides great opportunities for the thrill of spear fishing kingfish.
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TONGA ISLAND MARINE RESERVE – No fishing zone. Ensure you make yourself aware of the exact boundaries of the marine reserve, which stretches from Bark Bay in the south to Awaroa Head in the north. This is one of the country’s most spectacular dive sites, both snorkelling and scuba diving. Try scuba diving the rock that lies just north of Tonga Island where you’re likely to see masses of crayfish in excess of 10lb. Note: If you are intending to dive in the marine reserve, ensure you have no fish, including shellfish or crayfish, aboard your boat. Fishery officers regularly patrol this area.
7 Awaroa Bay Access is boat only and this shallow sandy bottom coast is dotted with small reefs worthy of a cast or two. In the estuary you’ll find flounder and paddle crabs. In summer surfcast from the beach for kahawai.
11 Outer Rock South off Totaranui Reef A good summer through to mid autumn snapper, tarakihi and kahawai spot. Flasher rigs have been successful in targeting trevally around rocks with kingfish also known to lurk in areas of current. This is also a popular free dive spot for crayfish and moki.
12 The Brick Search for the two pinnacles where you’ll find snapper during summer and blue cod year round. Drift with slow jigs, softbaits or flasher rigs.
13 South Anatakapua Bay Fish early spring and later in summer for snapper. Target gurnard over the sandy bottom areas in late summer and autumn. Kahawai and kingfish are common around rocky areas in late summer.
14 Separation Point A very popular fishing spot that experiences moderate to heavy pressure through the summer months. Some blue moki can be taken in close, but
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the area is popular for its blue cod fishery. Target snapper late in the spring and again mid-autumn. A standard ledger rig with heavy sinker is the most commonly used terminal tackle for this area. Mechanical slow jigging for kingfish late in the summer. Trevally are also caught here in late spring and again in late autumn: flasher rigs with mix of bait or slow jigs.
15 Separation Point Offshore Blue cod are common here year round but a better winter fishing area. Troll for albacore tuna in mid to late summer.
16 Separation Point West Spring snapper and again in autumn. Kingfish are found around rocky outcrops and areas of current. Live baiting or trolling surface lures is effective. Kahawai, sea perch and trevally are caught in late spring and again in early autumn. Use slow jigs, softbait or flasher rigs. It’s also a good free diving spear fishing site. Make sure you check out the shallower margins before heading into the deeper water.
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8 Ratakura Point Snapper and the occasional tarakihi are found around areas of foul. A good spot for free diving for moki and crayfish.
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9 Rocks Offshore From Goat Bay A good site for summer snapper.
10 Totaranui
Fishing Spot
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Tinnies can be launched from the beach and there is access to some reasonable land based fishing. Change of light, berley and a light tackle approach are what is required here. Paddle crabs are also plentiful. Set lining over the sandy bottom during late spring then again in early autumn has provided good results for snapper and gurnard. These fish are also known to inhabit the drop-off areas.
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