Our very short winter season for giant Bluefin Tuna is ending and, although, numbers were slightly down on previous years (though one boat still managed 25+ fish), there was still plenty of excitement & some notable captures.
Most fish are now tagged & released but extra large fish & record claims are being taken. Fish as large as 700lb were released and one nearer 800lb was also let go, as a second angler took over the battle to relieve his exhausted mate!
To date, there are claims in for a junior world record, ladies world record & a line class record.
We are trying to protect this amazing fishery but, with the unpredictability of such things, the advice has to be… try it sooner than later.
Our Marlin season seems to be extending over recent seasons and this winter has yielded some extraordinary news. Mid January to May has been the recognised period for as long as anyone can remember. More recently Stripeys have been taken into June, when anglers stop trying. A reliable sighting of a fish on the surface in July and offshore commercial boats taking Stripeys along with Big Eye Tuna, as I write, begs the question that a few eyebrows would be raised if greater angling effort were made in these unseasonable months.
With water temperatures already up for the time of year & Snapper in roe already, we are hoping for some early inshore action from the pelagics.
Tight lines,
John Kimberley.
http://www.fishingpro.co.nz.
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