Hauraki Gulf Fishing Report: Workups & Kingfish Chaos!
If you’ve been waiting for the Hauraki Gulf to come alive, your wait is officially over! This past weekend felt like a dream; the sun was shining, the conditions were perfect, and the fishing was absolutely amazing.
We always look forward to this time of year, the season changes and the end of daylight saving time, it’s when the Fish’ N Dips High-Tech gear really shines. It’s that magical transition where the air still feels like summer, but the fish are feeding with an aggressive autumn hunger. If you’re looking for Auckland fishing charters that will take you right into the heart of the action, now is the time to hop on board!
The Pilchard Run: A “Fish Carpet” Under the Boat
We started the weekend by scouting some sporadic workup action closer to town, but the real excitement occurred when we ventured further out. We discovered massive schools of pilchards flowing into the Gulf. It was incredible to witness. The baitfish were so densely packed at times that they were actually taking shelter directly beneath our hull! When the bait is that concentrated, you know the predators aren’t far behind. The Kingfish packs were right on their tails, creating some of the most intense lure fishing we’ve experienced all season.
Punching Through the “Mackerel Shield”
The surface was chaotic with Kingies, while the sounder was filled with Snapper and Trevally holding deep. The challenge for the crew was to get their jigs and lures past the massive schools of blue mackerel.
Once the team successfully navigated through this “shield,” the rewards were waiting for them! We caught some beautiful, fat Snapper that are clearly putting on conditions for the cooler months. It truly felt like summer, but the fishing was reminiscent of peak autumn.
The Hauraki Gulf is currently experiencing its prime fishing season, known for its exciting workups, which are a highlight on the New Zealand fishing calendar and what the Hauraki Gulf is famous for! Whales, dolphins, and diving birds are in a feeding frenzy that never gets old, and underneath it all, all species are feeding aggressively.
Anglers can expect to catch Kingfish, Snapper, and robust Trevally during this time.
Participants can enjoy a high-energy atmosphere, with plenty of Fish to take home for the table(valuable catches) and guidance from our expert skippers.
Don’t miss out on the peak of the fishing season. This experience is suitable for both experienced and beginner anglers familiar with lure fishing in New Zealand, as well as families seeking an unforgettable day on the water.
Please note that our calendar for April and May is filling up quickly, so it’s advisable to secure your spot soon for an exhilarating fishing adventure!
