Kahawai can be a little bit keen on the baits some days, but there is some great snapper fishing to be had, along with the odd kingfish in the mix.

We are generally catching a few of these most days, which is great fun to spice up the action and make anglers wonder if they have a trophy snapper on the line :-).

The trusty fresh kahawai or barracoutta baits are doing the business, with longer strips seemingly the best.

This decent fishing should last until early May based on previous experience, and it's been nice to enjoy a bit of settled weather.

Snapper up to 20lb are there to be caught. If you fished with a few mates rather than a full charter operation on dropper rigs, I'm sure straylining would see some magic results on the big fish.

Game fishing is still very hot south of the Mokau trench in 90-130 metres, with some boats catching multiple fish daily.

Not a lot gamefish-wise is happening in close this year, even albacore are pretty absent. There are a few skippy out in 50 metres plus.

Weather looking pretty average for the weekend, Sunday, maybe Monday looks ok, then the following weekend looks mint.

Rob Fitzgerald is owner and skipper of Venturer Fishing Charters, operating out of Kawhia.

Venturer fishing charters

Check Venturer Fishing Charters Kawhia out on Facebook or online - www.venturerfishingcharterskawhia.co.nz

For tackle, tips and charter options contact Rob Fitzgerald.

Ph 07 8711717 or 0272544589 or email robjac@xtra.co.nz

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