Another feature of the spring fishing is the appearance of baby hapuku in the gulf and the Firth of Thames. The occasional one has been caught north of Gannet Rock and in deep water off Coromandel township. Two years ago quite a few 'puka pups, as they're called, were reported, something not seen for many years. Hapuku are slow-growing and populations easily decimated by fishing pressure, which is why they're regarded as a deepwater species. They were common in shallow water but have long gone except for isolated areas such as Fiordland and the Chathams, where 10kg to 15kg fish can still be caught in the shallows.
In the top half of the North Island the daily hapuka limit is five, with no minimum size limit. A close relative, the spotted black groper, is protected.
Freshwater
The whitebait season finishes today, recent reports indicating good catches on the Waikato River. And the tributary streams and rivers in the Rotorua and Taupo districts open to fishing tomorrow. At Taupo, the upper Tongariro is the main water that attracts anglers, after being closed all winter to allow trout to spawn.
Near Rotorua the upper sections of the Ngongotaha Stream above SH5, the Waiteti Stream above Hamurana Rd and the Utuhina Stream between Devon Rd and Pukehangi Rd all open to fishing. The warm summer weather has triggered runs of brown trout up the streams much earlier, and the Fish and Game trap on the Ngongotaha has recorded browns averaging 3kg, with one of 6kg.
Tip of the week
Canny fishermen will catch fresh bait such as jack mackerel and send down a fillet or strip, knowing they usually land the biggest snapper.
Bite times
Bite times are 10.20am and 10.50pm today, and tomorrow at 11.15am and 11.40pm. These are based on the moon, not tides, and apply to the whole country. More fishing action can be found on Rheem Outdoors with Geoff , 6.30 am Saturdays, TV3, and at www.GTtackle.co.nz.