PIERRE TROLLIP knows his way around a fishing rod and line. He’s keen to share his knowledge with Times readers in his new regular column.
Winter fishing is back. The snapper are big, healthy and plentiful!
Everyone is telling me that the experts are heading to deep water to land a catch.
However, I’ve spent most of my recent outings around the Tamaki Straight and Sergeant Channel areas.
I can report that eight to 15-metres deep is where it’s at. The water is 15 degrees in temperature, so not too cold.
The recent prolonged weather high pressure brought flat seas, windless days and quite a few pea soup fogs.
Steaming out with zero visibility and the frequent blast of a ferry foghorn was, let’s say, interesting.
I’ve sailed in these waters for more than 25 years and know my way round here like the back of my hand.
However, when moving slowly, one must keep a sharp eye out for any other boats.
Using the GPS, I hugged the right-hand side of the channel as close to the line of moored boats as possible.
Once through “the sticks” off Musick Point, I pointed slightly north-east to Motuihe Island, again, sailing dead slow and with not a single boat anywhere nearby, except for the foghorn from the ferry!
It’s quite uncanny how the body compass works – taking eyes off the GPS for a minute and I’ve veered 20 degrees to starboard!
We eventually neared the island and sneaked into Sergeant Channel, dropping the anchor in 12m.
I was convinced we were the only boat there. As the fog lifted, half a dozen other boats were seen anchored around us.
Within a few hours, the Top Catch pilchards produced results. Jacob, a local schoolteacher, and I landed our quota of 14 decent snapper. No zombies, all healthy firm fillets.
I love this winter fishing! Together with the GoPro and Insta360 footage, these episodes are on YouTube. Check them out at OutSmart – The Fishing Pensioner.
I’ve already reserved a Skipperi boat for next week and can’t wait!
See you on the water.
