A healthy Mokohinau Islands Snapper caught and released while softbaiting the shallows.
A healthy Mokohinau Islands Snapper caught and released while softbaiting the shallows.
Whether I’m fishing from the rocks in the mighty Manukau Harbour or off my kayak several miles out chasing snapper and kingfish workups I enjoy every part of it. Over the years ive picked up new techniques, more recently being the use of jigs and lures from the shore catching Yellowtail Mackerel or out on the kayak targeting species such as Snapper, Trevally and Kingfish. Softbaiting using 7” baits and light jig heads would have to be my favorite technique giving me the ability to target multiple species at once.
This is an easy one. Snapper. Hard fighting fish that put your gear to the test when you have a good one on the end of your line whether it be on lure or taking interest in a nicely presented fresh bait on the bottom. I’ve lost many big Snapper battles over the years but have been fortunate enough to grip some large specimens before sending them back down to the depths to grow and hopefully breed. This would be closely followed by the heavy tail beats of a Trevally.
Born and raised in West Auckland, the Manukau Harbour has provided me with some great fishing memories over the years. From fishing the black sands of Karekare beach to stray lining big baits around the Cornwallis Peninsula, taking in the spectacular sights of the terrain and swell. My favorite fishing location would have to be Coromandel’s west coast. The pristine waters and abundant sea life makes it an ideal place to escape the rat race. Finding the perfect size Kahawai to sit under a balloon while I cast stickbaits from the shore or paddling out on the kayak to nearby islands to entice Snapper. This is my favourite place to fish.
Being outside and being active helps to make you feel better and encourages a healthier way of life. The same goes for fishing. It helps me zero out all the day to day challenges I may face during a busy week of work. I also enjoy the social bonding that comes with fishing here in New Zealand. I have met a lot of great people I can call mates. I have always been I am a big advocate for sustainable fishing and in most cases I only take what I need for a meal. I enjoy tagging fish using a research tag kit and I get a kick out of releasing big specimens to live another day.
