There has been a bit of a glitch in the weather recently resulting in the cancellation of a few trips but prior to that, we would have to say it has been the best summer for years.

A five-day charter last week had mixed conditions but managed to do a range of fishing from harbour, inshore and offshore reef fishing and enjoyed a day bluenose fishing trip near Mayor Island as well. They caught 14 bluenose over a three hour period plus five gemfish. The rest of the afternoon was spent at Mayor Island successfully fishing for snapper.

The crew were from various places around New Zealand. Most of them have been doing this yearly trip together for the last 34 years and have experienced fishing all over the country. 

Generally, we have had consistent fishing with good hauls of snapper and kahawai. Anchoring on the sand in about 25 metres of water has been working well. With the darker, cooler mornings we have also been going out further to Motiti, fishing on the edge of the kelp for snapper. The results have been nice size, excellent condition fish.

Trevally have been pan sized in the 35-40 cm range. They fight really well for their size and add some excitement to the day.

Kingis have been caught as well, rats have been the norm up till recently when the size has increased. Lately we have been getting some really good specimens. Barnaby Cooper had never been fishing before and even though he was feeling a bit seasick, he managed to catch a 10 kg kingfish and wind it in by himself!