There’s a bounty of bumper fishing spots off the capital’s coast
THE WEATHER might still be changeable, but in between the windy, wet days have been some pearlers, just the sort to get you thinking about hooking into some quality fishing.
As we get closer to Christmas the opportunities to get out on the waters around Wellington will only increase as the weather begins to settle. The key is to be ready when those days arrive.
We are fortunate in Wellington that our fishing opportunities are many and varied. Deep water fishing in the Cook Strait for species like hapuku (groper) and delectable bluenose is well known, but inshore fishing for species like gurnard is also very good, and for those who like to keep their feet on dry land, the surfcasting is also excellent.
When the water is at its warmest in late summer and autumn even fishing for game species like kingfish and albacore tuna is possible.
The reason for such a diverse fishery is that Wellington lies at the convergence of warm and cold currents where both northern and southern species can thrive. Imagine being able to catch a bag of snapper and blue cod on the same day – you can’t do it everywhere in New Zealand but you can do it in Wellington.
Our reputation for wild, windy weather is deserved but every cloud has a silver lining. The weather and heavy seas act as a natural conservator, reducing commercial and recreational fishing pressure. This means that when you can get out fishing there is every chance the fish will be biting boldly and you’ll go home with a feed.
Our position at the southern end of the North Island has also gifted us three coasts and two harbours and so, except on the very worst of days, there is normally somewhere to tuck away from the worst of the weather and sea conditions to go and whet your fishing appetite.
The magnificent Wellington Harbour is a great fishing option when heavy swells rule out fishing on the coast, and despite being right on the doorstep of the city it hosts a productive fishery with species like gurnard and elephantfish present, and snapper, trevally and kingfish seasonally available. Just make sure you use some berley to draw the fish to your position.
The local south coast is a good option when those frequent, blustery northwest winds blow. Here these winds blow offshore, flattening the sea, cleaning the water and bringing the fish on the bite. Smart boat fishermen park up in sheltered positions out of the worst of the wind and catch species like blue cod and tarakihi, while surfcasters do the same and target blue moki, a top notch species to catch from the beach.
Over the coming weeks I will explore some of the amazing fishing available around the stunning Wellington coast in more detail. In the meantime, make sure your reels are greased and fully spooled and your bait and berley supply is topped up.
Tight lines!