Fishing Column: Tarakihi for dinner

With the help of city family, we landed our share of tarakihi on Sunday at a depth of 36 metres.
We arrived at the end of the high tide bite and just managed to get a good feed before they switched off altogether.
The good news is the fish were in top condition and all of a good size.
The depth of water would suggest that those with known tarakihi spots locked away in their brains might well try their hands at landing this absolute culinary delight during the ensuing winter weeks.
Interesting how the best tarakihi fishing usually coincides with the arrival of spring snapper when most fishos switch target species.
Interesting for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that tarakihi taste better, and if you know where to go, they are a more reliable catch than snapper.
Another point of interest that was brought to my attention is the difference in flavour between fresh and day-old fish.
Previous life experience in the fish-selling business revealed that chefs prefer to keep fish in the fridge for at least a day _ after which the flavours are reputed to be at their peak.
Having been raised on the idea that fresh is best, and with memories of flounder flapping in the pan, I have long been inclined to doubt this theory.
However, fresh tarakihi on Sunday night were no match for the day-old fillets on Monday night.
I had never really noticed the difference before, but it was quite remarkable.
The fresh fish were mild _ almost to the point of tastelessness.
However, on Monday night the older fillets were rich, nutty and creamy and I wished I'd not given away so many fish.
For those who would target these silver suckers, the basic rig is a ledger, that is with the sinker on the bottom.
Two or three hooks, evenly distributed on about a metre of trace above the sinker, will usually do the trick with multiple hook-ups not uncommon.
Hook sizes are smaller than most use with long shank 1/0 my favourite.
However, the re-curved short shank hooks employed on professional tarakihi rigs also work well, the re-curve allowing the tentative biters to catch themselves.
Tarakihi fishing can be very busy with hook-ups often requiring a vigorous strike as soon as the first sign of interest is detected.
When you're hot you can foul hook them (very satisfying too) and when they are really on the bite, they hook themselves.
If you've been catching a few more gurnard than usual in recent times, anecdotal evidence would suggest that you're not the only one.
And I'm informed that they are starting to get bigger. A return of gurnard to the Bay is to be welcomed and for those targeting tarakihi over mud and sand, don't be surprised if you pick up the occasional carrot or two. oo increase your success rate, a bit of movement will often trigger their feeding response.