Classic Report

Fishing on Day one (Saturday) was forecast as 20 knot North Westerlies with 2 metre swells. We made the decision to delay the start, and left the harbour at around 11 am. We headed to Castle Island, and caught some kahawai for livebait. Craig Strawbridge caught a decent sized one, which we later weighed (2.605 kg).

We put the lures out at around the 70 metre mark, and got a few very small skippies to keep us entertained. Once out past the Aldermans the sea conditions got a little more ugly.

In fact by about 3 pm I'd had enough - the first time I can say this! The waves had no backs on them, which meant constant 'thumping' when going over the top. We trolled lures all the way back to the 70m mark (we went out to about 600m), picked up a decent sized albacore. We got back to shore around 8.30 pm.

The fish caught for the tournament were 104 kg striped marlin, with a couple tagged and released.

Day Two (to come)

The Classic

On Saturday the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Classic begins. It runs for three days. I can't wait! The weather is looking good. 10 days ago the forecast was for SE winds - (not good), but that has now changed to NW.

The Nationals is also on, they run from Saturday to Saturday. The MBGFC one base is next week to correspond with it, but we won't fish in the one base.

There are some BIG blues out there - Bring it on!

Tight lines.

Let the games begin!

It's been a busy year, Bounty Hunter has seen very little action, apart from getting trailer brakes fixed, and a touch up paint job.

This is all about to change - Bounty Hunter is back in Whitianga, and we're about to head there to.

There have been reports of yellowfin in the Bay of Plenty, and some seen behind the Mecury Islands. I suspect there haven't been many boats out chasing them, due to the weather, and perhaps a little less money around to spend on reconnaissance?

Our first trip will probably be in the Tuna Tournament on January 3 and 4. Can't wait!

Houhora Photos

The Drought is Over!!

Well the marlin draught anyway! Yesterday Brian Mac tagged and released a striped marlin estimated at around 90 kg.
Well done Brian and the crew!
The first day of the one base (Sunday) was really rough, so the boys stayed on land. A wise choice, as those going out got well and truly battered!
Monday was a great day, with flat seas and plenty of marlin caught, lots of action.
Today is the last day of the tournament, so will wait and see what eventuates!

Houhora One Base

Brian set off from Whitianga on Wednesday night. He stayed at Great Barrier overnight, then headed to Monganui early Thursday morning. Brian MacCormack took the ute and trailer up by road. They are staying at Pukenue Lodge. Northland is a great place to go, and Brian has enjoyed the One Base up there.

This is the first time he's taken our boat, and the normal Whitianga one base crew is going as well - Stephen Toner, Michael Waite and Brian McCormack. Let's hope the can hook a few marlin - we still haven't hooked one yet!!!!

2008 Classic

What a hard 3 days! As well as the weather being a little rough at times, the fishing was HARD work! There were heaps of bait schools around, dolphins, birds, and even sowry, BUT no marlin for us!!
The winning fish was a mere 116 kg. There were plenty of tag and release, with one boat, Sheer Passion, bringing in a double strike!
Freedom hooked up about 90 minutes before lines out, and weighed a 200 kg Blue marlin, but unfortunately for them later than the cut off. Still I'm sure a thrill for them.
Next mission - the One Base!