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.
As the South Island recorded the highest high pressure ever, we also experienced great calm weather here in the Hauraki Gulf.
This pensioner has had a week away at Mount Maunganui last week, and this week managed a trip out on the Skipperi boat.
While at the Mount, the Admiral and I relaxed in the saltwater hot pools and did the compulsory daily walk around the Mount.
Keeping an eye on the shipping news resulted in well-timed walks to shoot some great video.
These ships look huge from the beach as they leave from, and arrive into, the Port.
Armed with TopCatch bait and my collapsible rod, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to cast off the wharf. After a few nibbles, I hooked a feisty Kahawai.
While not keen to keep it, I did enjoy the fight to land it with this extremely light tackle. Captured it on video too. Back home this week, I again ventured out on one of the Skipperi boats.
These boats are available on a very economical monthly subscription.
As often as you like, from any one of the three marinas, there are 25 boats available. The reduced fuel cost is also welcome.
I spent most of the day around the Tamaki Straight and Sergeant’s Channel areas.
I must have landed half a dozen snapper and then a super Trevally. These are great eaters. They fillet and skin real easy.
Lightly dusted in garlic and herb-flavoured flour, fried in shallow olive oil – get in my belly!
With this calm weather, I also managed to get the drone up.
Together with the GoPro and Insta360 footage, this week’s episode on YouTube is rather good. Check it out on “OutSmart – The Fishing Pensioner”.
I’ve already reserved a Skipperi boat for next week – can’t wait! See you on the water.
