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.
Two weeks ago saw a huge winter storm.
PredictWind.com reported from the wharf at the Half Moon Bay ferry terminal on Wednesday an average of 36.2, gusting 42.3 and maximum 56.7 Knots.
This, coupled with heavy rain, resulted in no fishing for that week.
However, last week was much calmer and I managed a quick mission. A light easterly against an incoming tide made it quite choppy.
Nevertheless, Sergeant’s Channel eastside was sheltered by Waiheke.
There were birds working, but I failed with the trusted 6 Knot blue lure tow for a Kahawai.
Never mind, I told myself. After a cruise through the stunning Owhanake Bay, the fish finder came alive.
Anchored in 11m and 17° water, the TopCatch pilchards were working!
These snapper were between 27-32cm in size and I didn’t bag any.
On my way home, between Motuihe and Musick Point, I stopped for a drift over the hole. Here I landed a nice 37cm snapper (from 30m deep) which is dinner for the Admiral and me.
The SkipperI Haines Hunter SF545 brought me to the fuel jetty at the marina in 20 minutes.
Berthing was a pleasure as the wind had disappeared totally. I’ve booked a boat for Friday, making it twice this week!
This SkipperI deal is a real game changer for someone like me on a pension.
The cost is less than berth fees! And yesterday, the boat I’d booked was freshly anti-fouled, Propspeed applied and sporting a brand new depth sounder, anchor and ground tackle.
This service is all part of the deal – no extra cost to the subscriber.
I managed to film most of this quick trip. Check it, and other adventures, out on my YouTube channel: OutSmart – The Fishing Pensioner.
Like and subscribe and stay tuned for the next episode. Fish Onnn!
