Report 018 Mussels and fishing at the Bay of Islands... 24th and 25th of October 2009

DAY 1

After the fun Kingfish session in Whangaroa, the next destination was visiting some friends in Russell. We arrived at Opua to use the local ferry services which depart every 15 minutes.

On the Saturday, the plan was to explore mussel gathering with Kristy and I using the WaveRunner as the platform. We decided to launch the at the public boat ramp in the heart of Russell. After all the local interest with people intrigued on the Jetskifishing concept, we finally left for my mussel spot off Okahu Island.

We headed out in flat conditions and got to our destination within twenty minutes. Once arriving and surveying the local area, Kristy prepared on her hunter/gatherer mission.
The fins were a perfect fit stowed in the chilly bin inside the "Ultimate Rod Holder", while the snorkel, mask, gloves, boots and wetsuit jacket were all stored up in the front hatch. After getting fully prepared on the ski, Kristy had the catch bag and was off on the mission to see if an entree of mussels was on the dinner menu.
After fluttering around and finding a decent patch, eventually she located a rock with plenty of good sized mussels. It was truly easy being able to do the drop off the side of the ski, into the water, so close to the spot. The skis have great maneuverability allowing close access and not worrying about a prop hitting rocks in shallows.

We tried a few other spots and then decided the first spot was definitely the one to stay at, so she jumped backed in to top up the quota.

Once the quota was gathered, Kristy easily propped herself back up on the side of the ski. At no stage did the WaveRunner feel unbalanced, giving us the confidence for some more exciting and challenging trips in the future.

We headed back with the mussels stored in the chilly bin, ready to enjoy with a few drinks. With the mussels slapped on the barby with various sauces after they opened, it was time to relax after an easy day out on the ski.
So guys, don’t be shy to get the lady in your life being involved with the Jetskifishing experience and enjoying the Summer on the water too.

DAY 2

The second day was for an early start heading to Hole in the Rock with Eddie, another fellow Jetskifisho from Auckland.
We departed a small local ramp at 7.00am where the car ferry docks. The conditions were magic as forecasted, making for a comfortable ride to our destination of Cape Brett. We took the wide route past Okahu Island and made our first stop at Bird Rock, about 5 minutes off Hole in the Rock.
On arrival, there was plenty of bird activity and a reasonable amount of fish sign showing on my trusty Raymarine sounder.
I started my fishing on a drop off at 60 metres with a quick jig hoping to strike an early morning Kingfish amongst the bait fish. The morning was proving to be slow, with no hits for me and Eddie landing a small Granddaddy Hapuka on a Gulp plastic.

With no interest of any Kingfish or Snapper, we moved over to the scenic area of our trip, being Hole in the Rock. That was where we could see this guy rowing the cave on a surf board, an interesting sight…

Next I see in the distance, which looked like a fin on the surface, I of course think here is a photo opportunity! Cautiously, yet inquisitive, I slowly approached and as getting closer, noticed what looked like possible limp fin. I had random ideas of what, yet soon identified it was only a large seal enjoying the sun with the good life.

We then moved closer to the mainland for some soft bait flicks around the wash areas. I was trying the new Gulp, Crazy Legs New Penny, but with a slow fishing day I was only plagued by tail grabbers! Experiencing the sights of Cape Brett with the clear water and high cliff faces, makes for an amazing feeling when Jetskifishing.

We both then tried out at 75 metres, where I found another decent patch of fish sign. I decided for this deeper water I should try the Daiwa Pirate (Sardine) which has the 80 gram weight. I was nailed as soon as the Pirate reached 50 metres. Unfortunately I was only greeted by a small Barracouta from the deep. Not only was it one, they were rife, as soon after, I was on to another!
My patience was wearing thin, still no good fish and I was starting to clock watch. The next plan was a try at some areas off Hole in the Rock and this was like Motuihe Channel in the Summer with limited space. There was also plenty of boats at one spot, trying the art of jigging. I admired one angler lose a possible Kingfish after a 15 minute battle. The jigging that can feel so unco when learning, I had opportunity to observe the action of some more experienced techniques on the other boats.

I persisted at this area with the Daiwa Pirate (Sardine), to get rewarded with a nice pannie Snapper from 60 metres.

Then thought I would try a jig and on the drop with the pink jig, foul hooked at Pink MaoMao.

Next, I was back on the light gear with the lure of the day, the Pirate. Another hook up, this fish was a solid Trev, smashing me at 10 metres from the surface on the wind up!
Eddie was beside me on his Wake, just as we were about to move to a new spot. Eddie now had a front row seat, the fish caught me off guard and was really putting my Sol rod and reel to the test. The rod achieved that beautiful bend that is always admired when hooking up on an aggressive string puller. There was a healthy nod and with each solid nod, there were a burst of line being stripped off the reel. The sporting battle went on for 10 minutes with the fish eventually subdued. The fish was soon guided to the net and added to my catch held in the chilly bin.

More Seals in the sun back at Bird Rock.

We called it quits after a slow day fishing and on start up, spotted the local tourist attractions heading out.

We had enough fish for dinner, and rode via the Nine Pin on the way back, before heading back home for Russell.