Winter could turn out to be a good season for fishing but enthusiasts must take a number of precautions, the foremost of which relate to weather conditions.
Knowledge of the area and local waters is also important.
You may be able to find good fish in the rocky shallows but you must study the terrain, which may be seen along the dark patches of shallow water, often the home of the fish.
Snapper are found here, feeding on crabs and shellfish after the rest of their school go below deep water in search of warmer temperatures.
Those going out seeking fish in the Auckland area, notably along the East Coast Bays to North Head, Bean Rock, Browns Reef and Musick Point could hope for a rich harvest.
Experts say that you should start at a low tide so that you could have sufficient time for your berley to take effect.
Some people believe that winter is the season for seeking snapper, as they do not feed actively in cold water.
“The bite times are shorter, needing added efforts. The answer is to have plenty of berley – small pieces of fish can be tossed in a semi-circle to add to the temptation,” they said.
Since the fish are timid on the bite, any weight on the line can deter them. Therefore, the hook can be tied directly to the mainline with no trace, swivel or sinker sitting above the hook.
Baits should be small chunks of pilchards or half squid on 6/0 or 7/0 hooks with a protruding point. The snapper will nibble at the bait in its picking. It could be a good fish just holding the bait. Let it nibble and when the line starts to tighten, lift the rod and wind to set the hook.
It is all about feel, and the rod should be fished with the line pointing at the bait, not sitting on a rod holder with the rod at the right angles.
