Current Lines 23rd May 2014

Keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel, a timely reminder to be safe out there. Another timely tune and play it loud if you have it, “Smoke on the water, fire in the sky” in memory of a mate.

These following snippets come from legendary “Pursuit Skipper, Rick Pollock” who is up north at present

Garden Patch - Some very nice water out here and over 19 degrees C.  A lone mahimahi was apprehended recently and that in 18 degrees – go figure!  Bottom fishing for bluenose has hung in well – as long as the killer whales fail to show! A fair amount of day dropping for swords, but to little avail.

King Bank - Still the darling in every regard, particularly for marlin and kingfish.  Water temp and colour are exceptional with just on 20 degrees some days.  Stripeys abound at the top of the bank with the Magnet through to the 153 a focal point.  Some larger fish are now showing up with a few pushing 150 kilos among the more prevalent 90-110k models. 

Trolling lures (lumo is a real favourite currently), skipbaiting and slow trolling bridled skippies have all been successful techniques. Kingi fishing just hit new heights with both quality and quantity. Two over 40k’s were taken (and released) this week with many more over 30 and most in the mid 20’s – great line of fish.  Great to see jigs re-enter the fray with a vengeance to become nearly as effective as live and dead bait. 

Summary - How long can the Indian summer hang in?  Seems well entrenched and showing little sign of moving on.  A few more southerlies won’t help but, in the meantime, things are pretty damn good.

Furthermore - John Gregory on “Primetime” continues his outstanding solo effort with no less than 15 billfish in four days – remarkable and shows the potential of the place, perhaps better than at any other time of the season to date!!

From Whakatane the home of “Pursuit” – Andrew, and neighbour Brian, left Whakatane bar at 7.00 am one morning, returning to the weigh station by 1.30 pm with his neighbour’s first sword, 2nd for the boat in 3 weeks. Not huge at 129 kg but a good starter for Brian and tasted delicious!

And just to prove Tauranga is still fishing - Cory Davies knocked one off his bucket list also, with his 117 kg broadbill caught out by Mayor Island recently. Another couple of young fellows were out looking around, caught nothing so decided to head in, then spotted a feeding marlin so dropped over a live bait and hooked up their first and the boats maiden marlin. They put out a call for assistance as they had no gaff. Just as well the “Insane” crew were out snapper fishing, heard the call and offered advice and a gaff, now was John just prepared by having his flying Gaff on-board (not forgotten to take it off) or is he getting ready for next season already? Also hot off Facebook, another striped marlin was tagged this week out by the Penguins”.

At the recent Hutchwilco Boatshow – the “United Future Party” released their Party’s Fisheries Policy. As there is an election coming up in mid-September it is only fitting to have a read and see who is offering what. An interesting read http://www.unitedfuture.org.nz/policy/rec-fishing

It is with sorrow we record the passing of one of “Tutukaka’s” finest, a mate, a neighbour, a former Committee man and Club Captain, a Charter Boat skipper, and fish smoker.  R.I.P Steve Currie 18-05-2014

Regards,

NZSFC