Spring Reflections

One day a hero, the next – zero? Such is the typical fishing experience for many right now. Hope springs eternal, and never more aptly than in early spring.

Weather patterns continue to frustrate those heading out into deeper water. Forecasts promise to calm a week out, only to shift and surprise us a day early—catching most plans off guard. In the Hauraki Gulf, you might hear from ‘friends’ enjoying glassy seas and fine boating weather, while your patch feels more like kite-flying territory. (Mind you, an offshore wind and a kite can be a clever way to send out a livie…)

Speaking of Outside the Square…

Do you topwater for snapper on ultra-light gear? Even on a windy day, there are always lee-side areas for an adventure. Check out this stunner snapper caught in only 1 m of water, using a topwater pencil bait and PE0.8 (you read that right) by Chris @simple.thrills above.

Fishing literally at your feet has turned exploratory casts into epic battles—especially when trevally are in town. These powerhouse fish are stunning in every way: cunning, fast, and capable of escaping with a flick of their soft mouths. Tight drags and impatient strikes? Trevally will punish you for both.

For light tackle enthusiasts and inshore anglers, it’s a great time to hit the shore and target kahawai and trevally—both thrilling to catch and delicious on the plate. @Harrison Quilter-Clarke has been enjoying successful land-based trevally sessions, with ultra-light tackle ticking all the boxes.

Fast ‘n’ Furious Frustrations

When baitfish like anchovies are on the surface, it can look like jackpot time for boat anglers out in the Gulf. Gannets shallow-dive beside you, gorging on fish with theatrical flair. But drop a jig and… nothing, or hard work for just a few fish—the snapper sparse on the ground.

The workups move faster and dissipate quicker than you can chase them, and the surface frenzy doesn’t always translate to massive action below. Classic early spring.

Still, if you’ve got the time, the boat, and the fuel—Buzz Lightyear’s “to infinity and beyond” approach has filled bins. LB to GB area workups have been pumping with sights, sounds, and snapper. Even out through the Craddock Channel gates has seen action stations. It’s a long haul, but the bite is nudging towards the big city. Anchorite surrounds are hot one day, cold the next—but the inward trend is promising.

Expect more consistency soon around the top of Waiheke, and eventually the Tiri to Kawau line. Water temps are at 16 °C and rising. Patience, grasshopper.

This report might be more like a short black—reflective of the season, the wind-limited fishing days, and the bittersweet taste of near misses. Still, it’s good to know what’s happening and where. Options abound. Try something new—it’s deeply satisfying.

Eco-Tackle: Would You If You Could?

I’ve been losing sleep lately—not from stress, but excitement—exploring ways to reduce the environmental impact of the tackle we use. Small steps, big hopes: lead-free, plastic-free lures and terminal tackle made from more natural, renewable, and degradable materials.

It’s early days. A few basic prototypes are catching some solid fish, and I’m encouraged. I’m not claiming to have the answers—just trying to be part of the solution. One hook, one jig, one idea at a time.

This isn’t knocking conventional gear. I’ve used and appreciated plenty over the years—still do. I’m simply curious: what could we do differently? What might be possible if we rethink a few components for the better?

For now, I’m keeping it small—testing, refining, learning. Maybe it’s a dream. Maybe it’s a start.

Would you try and use eco-friendly terminal tackle if it performed well?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. It’s a fascinating journey.‍

Cheers,

Captain Espresso