Another successful trip – tired anglers and stories to tell

Raewyn Ensor
Blue Ocean Fishing Charters

This isn’t traditionally a busy time of year on the charter fishing scene. Not many locals venture out but we’ve noticed a surge in the number of overseas tourists keen to try their luck.

For many, the day out on the ocean is a first; and we relish taking them out, teaching them new skills and providing a unique experience.

Generally they’re only keen on taking enough fish for one meal as they’re travelling, so most are returned to the ocean. It’s all about creating memories with great scenery, local stories and the taste of fresh fish as sashimi or barbecue-cooked.

Most are amazed at the variety of species we’re able to catch here in the Bay.

Tony and Kellie Hayworth from Memphis, Tennessee, US, chose a great day to go for a fish. The weather was due to calm down about midday so we planned a late leave of 10am and the skipper fished inshore spots. There were plenty of small snapper but as darkness fell the size definitely improved. Tony caught a nice Kingfish, which gave him a bit of a run around but was just undersize so was released. They got back at 8pm and were planning to go out for dinner. They ended up sitting in the engine room with Andy, which is nice and warm on a cold night, and chatting for an hour or so before heading back to their accommodation and straight to bed. They assured him they will be back!

Tyler Luo brought his family out for a day of fishing. Conditions were perfect and the fish biting. A photo tells a thousand words.

Meanwhile, for the more adventurous, an overnight trip was in order. Gathering a crew at this time of the year can be a challenge with most people preferring to stay snug and warm at home. But we did manage to get a few people prepared to brave the elements, so Te Kuia headed on out. The weather report was for 10 knot winds and slight seas but as often can happen, conditions further offshore around Mayor Island were more like 25 knots with rough seas.

The evening fishing in 80m was good for snapper, tarakihi, porae; they caught a few Kingfish, one weighed 25kg. As conditions worsened around midnight they moved to Crater Bay for shelter and some sleep.

Lifting the anchor and heading off at 6.30am they targeted one of the favourite spots in 300m. Working hard they pulled up five bluenose in two drifts, all around 5kg-6kg. Shallower spots weren’t producing so they decided to try deeper. The next spot of 400m-plus produced nine bluenose around 8kg-10kg each.
Three alfonsinos were caught – the largest the skipper had seen. They’re an unusual catch on our boats but are very good to eat. They’re bright orange-red in colour and live in depths of 200m-800m. Because of low light conditions at that depth they have disproportionately large eyes.

By 2pm the chilly bins were full so they pulled the pin and headed home. Another successful trip, tired anglers and stories to tell.

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